What You Should Know About Neutering Your Pet

We believe all pets should be neutered from 6 months to 1 year of age. The advantages of neutering your pet outweigh the risks of having an un-neutered animal. Some medical problems associated with un-neutered pets include prostate cancer, prostitis (infection of the prostate), testicular cancer, marking (urinating on items indoors), prostatic cysts and abscesses all of which are potentially fatal. It also reduces certain types of aggression. This operation may also be performed to treat testicular tumors and prostate gland conditions.

People are often misinformed that by neutering your pet it changes their personality. This surgical procedure has no effect on their psychological wellbeing. The most perceived disadvantage is that the dog will become fat, characterless and useless as a guard. These are all false statements. Obesity is probably the most commonly quoted disadvantage. Obesity is the result of over-feeding and by regulating your dog’s diet, you can prevent this.

All neuter procedures require general anesthesia. Due to the possible risks we offer pre-operative blood work, which screens for kidney disease, liver disease, and anemia. Pre-operative blood work is required. If any abnormalities are noted, you will be contacted before the procedure is performed. It is important to note that normal results provide us with baseline values in the event that your pet becomes sick in the future.

Intravenous fluids are included for all canine neuters, but are not used for feline neuters. Placement of an intravenous catheter and the administration of intravenous fluids allow the doctor and licensed technician to have intravenous access in case of an emergency and to help maintain blood-flow and pressure.

Neuter procedures are done Monday through Friday. You will be asked to drop off your pet the morning of the procedure and he will be able to go home that same night. Do not feed your pet after 10 p.m. the night before, but water is ok. Please call us if you have any additional questions or to set up an appointment.