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Name
Neutering, Canine
Short Description
Orchidectomy
Affected Animals: Young dogs may tolerate the surgery better than
older dogs, but dogs of any age can have this procedure performed
safely if the appropriate precautions are taken.
Overview: Orchidectomy, or neutering, is a procedure that
is performed on many male dogs. There are ethical reasons, as well
as behavioral and medical conditions, that warrant this surgery.
Although an orchidectomy requires general anesthesia, it is a short
and simple procedure. Most dogs will return to their normal behavior
by the following day. Nevertheless, they will need to have their
activity levels reduced for the week following surgery; a rest
period will allow the incision to heal properly.
Most veterinarians will discuss the benefits of neutering during one
of the initial puppy visits. Because of incorrect "old wives' tales"
about neutering circulating in the public, many new owners feel
hesitant about this surgery. However, the veterinarian can dispel
many of these myths and discuss any other specific concerns.
Description:Techniques for neutering vary
slightly depending on the position of the testicles. If the
testicles are located in the normal position within the scrotum, an
incision is made in the skin just above the scrotal sac. The
testicles are pulled out of the incision and the spermatic cord is
ligated or tied off with suture material. The spermatic cord is then
cut, examined for bleeding, and allowed to return to its normal
position inside the incision. Both testicles are removed through a
single incision. The incision is sutured closed and the dog is kept
rested during recovery.
If the testicles are not in the normal location, the veterinarian
will try to locate them by palpation. The testicle can be anywhere
from inside the abdomen to within the tissues leading to the
scrotum. If the testicle is located under the skin along the ventral
abdomen, the incision is made just above it. The remainder of the
surgery is performed similarly to the procedure described above.
With an abdominally located testicle, an incision into the abdomen
is made, avoiding area blood vessels. The testicle is connected to
certain structures by the vessels and ductus deferens of the testis.
Once the abdominal testis is found, the structures can be tied off
so that the testis can be removed. In older dogs with a retained
testicle, the removed testis should be submitted to a pathologist to
be evaluated for cancer.
Prognosis:The prognosis is good. Possible
complications include bleeding at the surgery site, bruising and
swelling, infection, and self-induced trauma caused by the dog's
licking the incision. If complications arise, they should be
addressed by the veterinarian for treatment and correction.
PreprocedureCare: The veterinarian should perform a preoperative
examination to assess the patient's overall health. Older dogs
should have bloodwork and possible chest x-rays taken prior to the
procedure so that any underlying diseases can be identified and
addressed.
PostprocedureCare: The dog should be kept rested for seven days
following surgery, and prevented from licking the incision. Outdoor
dogs should be kept indoors until healed. For seven days following
the procedure, dogs should be leashed while walking outside.
Running, jumping, and climbing stairs also should be discouraged
during the healing process. Owners should check the surgery site
daily to detect any complications.
Prevention: It is recommended that dogs be neutered at a
young age to reduce the possibilities of anesthetic risks and
complications of surgery. The procedure can be tolerated by older
dogs, but preoperative tests and monitoring are advised.
