Neutering your pet has always been considered the right thing to do for population control and preventative health reasons. While this is still the case for many animals, a more individual approach is now more appropriate for our pets. To help you decide what is best for your dog, we have put together this article. Here we will explore what the operation actually entails as well as help you to weigh up the pros and cons of neutering your pet in the first place.
Female dogs
Female dogs have two ovaries, two fallopian tubes and a uterus (womb) which are found in their lower abdomen. The ovaries release hormones which are responsible for female dogs coming into oestrus approximately once every 6 months (also known as coming ‘on heat’ or ‘in season’).
The advantages and potential disadvantages of neutering in females
Advantages –
- No unwanted pregnancies.
- No more seasons (bleeding and attractiveness to male dogs).
- Reduces the risk of mammary tumours if performed at an early age.
- Removes the risk of pyometra, a potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus which is common in middle aged or older entire females (those who are not neutered).
- Eliminates the risk of ovarian tumours.
- Stops any hereditary diseases that your dog suffers from being accidentally passed on to the next generation.
Potential disadvantages –
- Weight gain is a possible side-effect of neutering, so you will need to keep an eye on this post-surgery and manage their diet accordingly.
- Coat changes may occur in some spayed female dogs, with some developing a fluffy or ‘puppy’ coat.
- The chances of urinary incontinence developing are higher in neutered dogs than in entire ones, especially if they are spayed before 6 months of age. One study proposes that it occurs in about 5% of neutered females. It is not clear why this is, but affected dogs can usually be managed by regular medication.
- An increased risk of back problems and joint disease may occur in certain breeds of dogs, especially if they are neutered before 6 months of age. A study investigated 35 breeds of dogs, making recommendations about the best age to neuter them to try and avoid this.
- An increased risk of certain cancers (including lymphoma, mast cell tumours and haemangiosarcomas) has been found in some breeds if they are neutered at an early age. However, remember that neutering prevents other types of tumours.
When to spay
Age – Most vets suggest spaying a female dog after she has had her first season. This signals that she has reached sexual maturity and has completed most of her growth and development. The timing of the first season varies with breed and size, but can be anywhere between 6 months for small dogs and 18 months of age for giant dogs.
Cycle timing – Once your dog has had a season, we must then time the surgery at the optimum point of her cycle. We try to avoid spaying during oestrus (a season) as things are more enlarged/swollen and there is a higher risk of bleeding during the operation. So, we try and neuter females mid-way between their seasons.
False pregnancy – We must avoid neutering your dog during a false pregnancy. A proportion of females can show many of the symptoms of being pregnant (nesting behaviour, guarding toys as if they were puppies, becoming aggressive and producing milk), due to their hormone changes. We avoid spaying them during this time as it is the ovaries that signal the end of this part of the cycle and without them, there is a risk of ‘persistent false pregnancy’. If your dog is showing symptoms of false pregnancy, then speak to our vets who can advise you on the next steps.
Male dogs
Male dogs have two testicles which sit just outside the body in the scrotum. These testicles produce sperm but also the hormone testosterone. Removing the testicles stops your male dog from being able to successfully impregnate a female dog, but also reduces their urge to mate in the first place.
The advantages and potential disadvantages of neutering in males
Advantages –
- Prevents unwanted mating/pregnancies.
- Eliminates the risk of testicular tumours.
- Reduces the risk of testosterone-related diseases such as perianal adenomas.
- Reduces the risk of certain prostate issues.
- Reduces sexual behaviours such as roaming and scent marking.
- Stops any hereditary diseases that your dog suffers from being accidentally passed on to the next generation.
Potential disadvantages –
- Weight gain is a possible side-effect of neutering, so you will need to keep an eye on this post-surgery and manage their diet accordingly.
- Coat changes may occur in some castrated dogs, with some developing a fluffy or ‘puppy’ coat
- Behavioural changes may occur once testosterone has been removed. While these can be positive (reduced roaming etc), for some dogs the removal of their ‘confidence’ hormone can cause problems. Anxious dogs can become even more nervous and possibly aggressive. The Association of Pet Behavioural Counsellors (APBC) has a leaflet explaining this further.
- An increased risk of back problems and joint disease may occur in certain breeds of dogs, especially if they are neutered before 6 months of age. A study investigated 35 breeds of dogs, making recommendations about the best age to neuter them to try and avoid this.
- An increased risk of certain cancers (including lymphoma, mast cell tumours and haemangiosarcomas) has been found in certain breeds if they are neutered at an early age. However, remember that neutering prevents other types of tumours.
When to castrate
Not so long ago, the recommendation was to neuter most male dogs at 6 months. Now we know that we need to tailor our timing to the individual animal, to reduce increasing the risk of issues like joint problems. The recommendation is to wait until your dog has matured before castrating them. For large and giant breeds this is around 18 months of age, whereas small breeds may have done most of their growth by 6-9 months. Our vets will be able to advise you further on the most appropriate time for your pet.
The day of the surgery
It is important to make sure your dog is fasted before their anaesthetic, which means no food from around 9 pm the night before. This prevents vomiting under anaesthesia, which could cause complications. They can have access to water overnight but take this away first thing in the morning.
Your dog will be admitted on the morning of their surgery by a vet or a nurse who will go through the consent form with you, answering any questions you may have.
Your dog will receive a sedative and pain relief ahead of their surgery (‘pre-med’). Your pet will then be anaesthetised so that the surgery can be carried out.
Female dogs
In a traditional spay procedure, a large area of fur is shaved from her chest to her vulva and the area will be thoroughly cleaned. A cut is made to gain access into her abdomen, the exact length will depend on her age, size and the surgeon’s technique. The blood vessels of the ovaries and uterus are ligated (tied off) with dissolvable suture material, and these organs are removed. The muscle, fat and skin are then closed with more sutures.
Male dogs
In a routine castration, the area around the groin and scrotum will be shaved and cleaned. A small cut is made just in front of the scrotum. One testicle at a time is removed through this incision, with the blood vessels securely tied off. Stitches are then placed in the skin and tissue underneath to close the wound. As with spaying in females, this procedure is permanent and not reversible.
Aftercare
It is important to follow any instructions that you are given following your dog’s surgery. These usually include –
- Restricted exercise – keep your dog on a lead and take them for short walks only.
- Discourage them from jumping up or getting too overexcited.
- Prevent your pet from licking at their wound by keeping their lampshade/buster collar or medical pet shirt on.
- Avoid stairs, jumping in and out of the car or up onto beds.
- Administer any prescribed medication.
- Keep an eye on the wound for any inflammation, swelling or discharge.
- Attend all of your recommended post-op checks.
Final thoughts
We hope this has helped you to make an informed decision about neutering your pet. It is important to weigh up the benefits of neutering against some of the potential side effects. However, it is often possible to strike the right balance by carefully considering the best timing for surgery and taking into account your dog’s breed and size.
If you still have any questions about neutering after reading this, then we are happy to make an appointment with you to chat things through. Alternatively, if you would like to book your pet in for , then contact the practice to discuss the next steps.