A castration is a surgical procedure to remove both testicles while leaving the scrotum intact. This procedure is permanent and irreversible.
Do not feed your pet the day of the procedure. Remove all food from the night before. Water may remain available at all times.
What to Expect:
Preparation:
Hair will be clipped from your dog’s front leg to administer intravenous anaesthesia.
The area around the surgical site (scrotum) will also be clipped and cleaned to maintain a sterile environment.
Procedure:
Under general anaesthesia, the veterinarian will surgically remove both testicles.
During the procedure, your dog will be closely monitored to ensure safety.
Aftercare:
Your dog will be sent home with a buster collar and/or pet shirt to prevent licking or scratching the surgical site, which could lead to complications.
You will receive detailed aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery.
Benefits of Castration:
Castration provides several long-term health and behavioural benefits for your dog, including:
Reduced marking behaviour: Castration may reduce your dog’s urge to mark territory with urine.
Prevention of unwanted pregnancies: Castration eliminates the risk of impregnating female dogs.
Reduction in aggression: Castration may reduce aggressive tendencies, helping to prevent fighting and associated injuries.
Potential Risks and Complications:
Although castration is a routine procedure, there is always a small risk of complications. Please review the list below and let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Possible Complications Include:
Haemorrhage (bleeding): May occur during or after the surgery.
Wound infection or breakdown: Infections or improper healing of the surgical site.
Bruising and swelling: Some degree of swelling or bruising around the site is possible.
Seroma: A fluid-filled pocket may form under the skin at the surgical site.
Damage to the penis: Rare but possible due to the proximity of the surgical area.
Pain: Pain relief will be provided, though mild discomfort may persist temporarily.
Suture material reaction: In rare cases, dogs may react to the sutures used.
Anaesthetic risks: While rare, complications from anaesthesia can occur, including respiratory or cardiac issues, and in extremely rare cases, death.
Recovery injuries: Your dog may injure themselves while waking from anaesthesia or due to overactivity during recovery.
Our Commitment to Safety:
We take every precaution to minimise risks to your dog, including:
Using sterile surgical techniques.
Comprehensive monitoring during anaesthesia and recovery.
Administering appropriate pain relief and post-operative care.
Owner Responsibility:
Please note that you, as the owner, are responsible for any costs related to post-operative complications. To minimise risks, ensure your dog wears the provided buster collar or pet shirt and carefully follow the aftercare instructions provided by our team.
If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, potential complications, or aftercare, please don’t hesitate to ask our staff. We are here to provide the best care for your dog.