Kvet Forum
Well-known member
Neutering, or castration, is the surgical removal of the testicles. Removing the testicles removes the primary source of testosterone in the body, resulting in changes in sex drive, hormone-related behaviors, and hormone-related health concerns.
Positioning and Preparation
The dog should be positioned in dorsal recumbency with the legs splayed.
It is good practice – and part of standard aseptic technique – to remove hair from a wide area around the site of the incision. However, it is worth noting that many male dogs become profoundly irritated by excessive hair removal in the inguinal region, especially if there is clipper rash. Postoperative licking can be intense, leading to wound infection, dehiscence and often a massively swollen and edematous scrotum.
A small fenestration in the surgical drape is used.
Technique
Post-operative Care
Analgesia should be tailored to the individual patient. Antibiosis is unnecessary for a short clean surgical procedure such as routine castration.
As castration wounds can often be irritating to the dog, a barrier collar should be offered in all cases. Owners should be alerted to the fact that the scrotum has not been removed but will shrink gradually over the coming weeks.
Owners should be instructed to contact the surgery at any time if they are concerned; however, a routine re-examination should be scheduled for 48 hours after the
surgery.
The dog should be checked for adequate pain control and for any obvious post-anaesthetic complications (ensure eating and drinking, urinating and defecating are normal). The wound should be checked to ensure there is no abnormal swelling or discharge.
A further examination is usually booked a week later and the dog should be kept to short lead walks in the intervening period.
Positioning and Preparation
The dog should be positioned in dorsal recumbency with the legs splayed.
Technique
Post-operative Care
Analgesia should be tailored to the individual patient. Antibiosis is unnecessary for a short clean surgical procedure such as routine castration.
As castration wounds can often be irritating to the dog, a barrier collar should be offered in all cases. Owners should be alerted to the fact that the scrotum has not been removed but will shrink gradually over the coming weeks.
Owners should be instructed to contact the surgery at any time if they are concerned; however, a routine re-examination should be scheduled for 48 hours after the
surgery.
The dog should be checked for adequate pain control and for any obvious post-anaesthetic complications (ensure eating and drinking, urinating and defecating are normal). The wound should be checked to ensure there is no abnormal swelling or discharge.
A further examination is usually booked a week later and the dog should be kept to short lead walks in the intervening period.