What to Expect After Your Dog is Neutered

Neutering is the rendering of an animal infertile by removal of their reproductive organs. How the reproductive organs are removed will depend on the sex of the dog as well as other factors. The two main types of neutering in dogs are:

• Castration: in male dogs, the scrotum is opened with an incision and the testes are removed.
• Spaying: in the majority of cases, female dogs will undergo an ovariohysterectomy. This is when both the ovaries and the uterus of the dog are removed. In some cases, only the ovaries will be removed (ovariectomy), but leaving the uterus can cause other issues.

If the uterus is left, even though the ovaries have been removed, it is possible for the dog to develop issues such as uterine cancer or other related issues such as pyometra. For this reason, removal of the uterus is considered better for the dog's overall long-term well-being.

While the two terms are used interchangeably, there is an important difference to make between sterilization and neutering. Sterilization is the term for making an animal sterile, i.e. unable to reproduce. However, this can be done in many ways and there are various types of sterilization in dogs. For example, tubal ligation in female dogs or a vasectomy in male dogs will make them sterile without removing any reproductive organs.

Although neutering is a type of sterilization, it is made distinct for a reason. For non-neutering types of sterilization whereby the reproductive organs remain in the body, there are different consequences. Although they cannot reproduce if the procedures are successful (which is not always the case), the organs will still produce hormones which affect their behavior and physiology.

Sex hormones in female dogs are linked to various conditions such as breast tumors and uterine infections. In male dogs, hormonal imbalances can lead to medical issues such as prostate hyperplasia. Behaviorally, female dogs will still have their heat cycle. This can cause serious frustration. Males may also have issues with aggression or other behavioral problems. This article discusses what you can expect after neutering a dog.

For an ovariohysterectomy, an incision needs to be made in the abdomen to remove the ovaries and uterus. The procedure can be performed with only one incision, but it will depend on the veterinarian's method. Surgery can be carried out by:

• Laparoscopy: this technique uses two small incisions above and below the navel, both of which we need to monitor for some time after the surgery. We will need to clean the incision sites with saline every day until the stitches are removed. In some cases, the stitches will be reabsorbed by the body without having to remove them.
• Traditional: a conventional mid-abdominal approach,here we will be able to see a small incision a few centimeters above the navel. The size of the incision will depend on the size of the bitch as well as other factors such as weight and heat cycle.
• Flank: while not as common, it is also possible some veterinarians will decide to make the incision above the ribs.

Regardless of the technique used, aftercare of a dog after neutering will require protection of the incision site and the stitches. To stop the dog from having access to the area, they will usually be given an Elizabethan collar. This is a cone which goes over their head and stops the dog from licking or biting their stitches. They will likely be given painkillers such as meloxicam or carprofen, but this will depend on the veterinarian.

Female dogs should recuperate in a quiet, warm and comfortable place for a few days. We will need to check the stitches regularly to ensure there are no signs of a problem. There may be an issue if you see:

• Abnormal discharge (some blood or other discharge may occur)
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Heat
• Obvious pain

Although our dog may usually spend time outside, the dog will need to be kept indoors for the recovery period.

If the dog has a large incision, it is possible bowel movements can cause severe discomfort, even with painkillers. For this reason, the veterinarian may propose offering a soft diet for dogs. We will need to monitor the dog closely and report any adverse reactions such as vomiting or diarrhea.

We will also need to be gentle and reassuring with the dog. The emotional response may mean the dog feels traumatized, especially if they underlying issues.

In the case of male dogs, the testicles are removed through an incision in front of the scrotum. Other vets choose to perform it on the scrotum, but this is not a popular technique. Since there is no need to access the abdominal cavity, male dogs generally recover faster. However, you will still need to ensure the dog is provided with a calm and comfortable environment. Physical activity should be reduced.

The dog will likely be given a post-surgical painkiller such as meloxicam for a few days. It is usually for a less time than for females. We will also need to monitor the incision site. Oral antibiotics are not usually given to male dogs, but it will depend on the individual circumstances. The stitches can be removed after 7 - 9 days. They may also be absorbed into the body on their own.

Similarly to females after neutering, male dogs will need to be monitored for any abnormal symptoms. General anaesthetic is used for both male and female dogs. This means immediately after the surgery, they will be sluggish and likely be perturbed by the experience. However, most dogs will be back to their usual selves after a short while.

It is recommended we monitor the appearance of bruises in the scrotum, as well as rashes or signs of irritation in the skin. The skin around the scrotum is the most sensitive part of the dog's body, so we need to be careful. Male dogs will also have to wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from licking and biting their stitches. Since the sensitive skin can become itchy. Also, as the wound heals, torsion of the skin around the incision can be frustrating.

If the male dog does have bruises or other abrasions on or around their scrotum, we can apply creams or ointments to help the skin heal. The ones we use need to be authorized by the veterinarian in case they have any ingredients which are toxic to the dog. Topical ointment used to treat hematoma can be used to disperse any clots. A scrotal hematoma is a possible side effect of castration, but the ointment containing the active ingredient pentosan can help.

The first thing we need to ensure is that the dogs are kept separate from other dogs after the procedure. This is not just to protect their stitches. Male dogs will remain fertile for days after the surgery. Even after the procedure, it is possible the male dog would mount a female in heat. It is best to avoid any dog of the opposite sex for at least a week. It will take a few more weeks for hormones produced in the testes to leave the blood, so there still may be some behavioral issues.

Female dogs can still smell as if they are in heat, even after being spayed. Male dogs may try to harass or mount them, something which can be very dangerous after surgery. It is best to ensure a female dog waits 7-10 days before being around any male dogs.

Emotionally, a dog should take 2 to 3 days for them to return to their former selves. With the Elizabethan collar or cone around their neck, they may still be frustrated or out of sorts. Physically, there are some factors which affect recovery time:

• Sex: male dogs tend to recover more quickly than females. Some may even behave as if nothing happened. This is because spaying is a more invasive procedure.
• Size: larger dogs tend to take more time to recover, partly because the incision is larger and may take longer to heal.
• Age: older dogs will also tend to heal less quickly.

It will depend on the individual dog, but males will generally recover more quickly than females. However, in terms of wound healing, both male and female surgical incisions should heal in about 14 days or 2 weeks. We will need to monitor them daily. For female dogs, it will usually take 10 to 14 days before any external sutures will be removed by the veterinarian. Sutures which absorb into the body may take up to a month to do so.

Once the stitches are removed, we still need to be careful. Since the area is sensitive, we need to be careful of any possible bacterial infection. Keep the wound clean and avoid any dirty areas until it is completely healed. Call the veterinarian if you think it is time to remove the Elizabethan collar.

Since the dog has gone through an upheaval, it is very important we give them lots of love and support. Monitor them closely, but don't overcrowd them either.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

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