Pet Haven

Males

At around six or seven months of age, your male will become sexually mature. The operation is best performed when the animal is young, although it can be done at any age in a pet’s life. As with spaying, this procedure is now considered preventive surgery.

Neutering does not change the male’s masculine appearance. He will still acquire his secondary sex characteristics, regardless of his age when the procedure is done.

Castration doesn’t affect hunting ability or watchdog behavior. He most likely will be less aggressive in some areas, especially toward other males . As with altered females, male pets will not get fat if given a good, balanced diet and enough exercise.

The Surgery

The operation itself is certainly not cruel, but a fairly simple and routine procedure that actually helps the pet. When done on a young animal, it entails at most one or two days of discomfort.

Owners will be given instructions about withholding food and water to the pet prior to the surgery. Follow these directions carefully.

Most veterinarians will give a thorough physical prior to the anesthesia. It often includes a blood test and urinalysis. These tests are necessary to make sure there aren’t underlying medical problems such as kidney or liver disease, diabetes or chronic infection that would put the patient at greater risk during surgery.

For females, the ovaries and uterus will be removed, thus, eliminating the production of eggs. For males, the testes will be removed, thus, eliminating the source of sperm.

After the operation, the animal will continue to be monitored. Some veterinarians choose to keep the animal overnight for observation, but most animals that go in the morning for surgery can go home late in the afternoon to rest and recuperate.

Again, there will be specific instructions given to the owner about the care of the pet for the next several days. Follow these directions carefully and your pet will recover quickly and completely in a short while.

• Spaying and Neutering your Pet, Part II
• Spaying and Neutering your Pet, Part I
• Urine Marking - Spraying
• Fight Wound Infections
• What Can You Do for Your Dog?

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