Buzzards Bay Veterinary Associates

BBVA Buzzards Bay Veterinary Associates

230 Main Street * Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 * Tel: 508-759-2521 * Fax: 508-759-6782

WHY NEUTER YOUR DOG?

A neuter procedure involves the surgical removal of the testicles and epididimi through a small incision in front of the scrotal sac. The scrotum and scrotal skin are left in place and will eventually shrink to a small size.

· Reduce risk of prostate infection and cancer

The testicles produce testosterone which is an important for sperm production and development. Testosterone also stimulates the prostate gland, which makes prostatic fluid, an important component of the ejaculate which helps nourish sperm as they travel toward the egg. After about four years of age, the prostate gland of the dog can become enlarged. This can result in increased predisposition to prostatitis, an infection of the prostate that can become so severe that your male dog could need to spend time in a veterinary intensive care unit on IV antibiotics. Dogs also get prostate cancer, which is much less common than prostate infection, but can also occur if a dog is not neutered. If your dog will be used for reproduction, he should still be neutered after he is not needed in your breeding program for his prostate health. After six years of age, sperm motility and number dwindles. It is best to use your male dog for breeding before this time.

· Prevent testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is characterized by a tumor in the testicle that you or your veterinarian can sometimes feel. Occasionally, the tumor will not be palpable, but the opposite testicle can atrophy or become very small. If untreated, this type of cancer can spread to the abdomen. A neuter surgery is curative in most cases. Why wait until your pet has testicular cancer! Neuter him at six months of age to prevent this problem.

· Prevent perianal tumors

In an older, intact, male dog, cancerous tumors can form around the rectum. These are usually treatable with surgery if they are diagnosed in time. By neutering your dog at six months of age, this risk is greatly reduced.

· Prevent secondary behavioral urine marking

Intact male dogs will scent mark with urine by lifting their leg and urinating on a given object. Although neutered dogs may do this as well, especially if they were neutered after puberty, neutering before puberty occurs may reduce the chances that your dog will exhibit this unwanted behavior.

· Prevent roaming

The biological desire to mate is overpowering. Intact male dogs can detect a female dog in heat from miles away. Intact male dogs have the highest incidence of trauma from vehicles (being hit by a car) than any other gender group. Intact male dogs have been known to climb eight foot fences and escape enclosures despite sustaining any injuries.

· Prevent unwanted puppies

This is the obvious reason that most people think they should neuter their dogs. Even though your male dog will not give birth, if your neighbors think it was your male dog that mated with their female dog, you could be asked to help with the time and cost of puppy care!

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