Neutering Your Pet

The Dog Neuter Procedure

Neutering is an operation in which both of the testicles are removed. The operation is usually performed after puberty (after 6 months of age) to allow for complete development of the bone, stature and secondary sex traits of the male.

Health benefits: Neutering can town down an otherwise boisterous or aggressive male. Territorial marking instincts can be reduced along with the desire to wander and fight. Neutering can be beneficial in the prevention of chronic urinary tract disease, testicular and prostate cancer.

	The dog is given a general anesthetic and placed on the surgery table. The area forward of the scrotum is shaved and scrubbed with special surgical soap. Following the scrub an antiseptic solution is placed on the surgical area.
	The single incision is made in the skin, not through the scrotum, and slightly forward of the scrotum. Staying in the midline diminishes the slight amount of bleeding that generally occurs.
	Viewing the testicle in the incisional opening, the surgeon cuts through the fibrous capsule surrounding the testicle. Now the testicle is visible and is exteriorized through the incision.
	The testicle is pulled through the incision and the spermatic cord containing the vas deferens and blood vessels is clamped and an area is inspected where the ligature will be placed.
	To allow for the removal of the testicle the spermatic cord must be cut. Having a generous blood supply, the cord must be tied securely (ligated) to be sure there is no post operative hemorrhaging. The second testicle is removed in the same manner.
	The incision is closed by placing sutures through the deep tissues first and then working upward to the subcutaneous layer. .

Now to see a cat neuter...
The benefits of neutering a male house cat far outweigh any disadvantages. After neutering, male cats seldom spray urine, the urine loses its skunky odor, and the cat seems contented to stay home more, fight less, and we humans have the assurance that he won't be fathering any more litters!

	The cat is anesthetized and placed on his side on the surgery table. The surgical area from the anus to below the scrotum is clipped free of fur. Then the area is scrubbed with antiseptic soap and an antiseptic solution is sprayed on the area. The antiseptic spray gives the area an orange color.
	The scrotal skin is incised and the testicle is exposed.
	The testicle is pulled from the scrotum and the spermatic cord with its blood vessels is in view for the ligating procedure that prevents bleeding.
	A small suture is tied around the spermatic cord and the testicle is removed. The cord is placed back into the scrotum and an antibiotic is applied to the surgical area. The scrotal skin closes the incision itself so no skin sutures are needed. The cat goes home the same day and acts as if nothing ever happened!