Dog Castration

Before the procedure takes place, we ask that you, (the owner) read this information carefully as it provides you with knowledge ready for the elected procedure. All surgical procedures undertaken carry associated risks and complications. Although rare, we want you to be fully informed before you proceed.

Before the procedure we would ask that you consider lungworm treatment for your dog. We would recommend at least 2 months’ worth of treatment being given prior to the surgical procedure. We offer lungworm testing on the day of the procedure, however having the treatment prior to the surgery will ensure that the risks are reduced. If a patient undergoing surgery has lungworm then it increases the chances of haemorrhaging during the procedure. If you are unsure or would like to know more then please contact us regarding this.

Brucella is an infectious disease and is apparent in many other countries in the world. As we are seeing more and more pets purchased from abroad it is important that we rule out his disease. Therefore, if your pet has been imported from another country we will ask that a brucella test is carried out prior to the surgery taking place. Information regarding Brucella can be found on our website.

Starving is required for patients undergoing a general anaesthetic. We recommend feeding dinner as normal, but then no food to be given after midnight, and no breakfast on the morning of the surgery. Water is allowed and can be removed when you get up in the morning.

The procedure your dog will be having is called a castration. This surgical procedure involves removing both testicles but leaving the scrotum in place. Once this procedure has been performed it cannot be reversed. Benefits to your dog include:

1. Eliminate risk of testicular tumours
2. Prevent unwanted pregnancies and may reduce the urge to roam
3. May reduce the incidence of prostate problems in later life
4. While castration doesn’t calm dogs down, it can reduce testosterone driven activities such as mounting behaviour

Please read the following list of complications that can result from this procedure and ask a member of staff if you have any questions or concerns.  This list is not exhaustive. We will discharge your dog with a buster collar to be worn at all times which can help reduce the incidence of post-operative complications. Ideally this should be worn for a full 10 days. There are surgical vests that can used instead, although these would need to be purchased by yourself as we do not stock these items.  Should an accepted complication arise, owners are liable for the costs associated with the complication

1. Anaesthetic death
2. Haemorrhage (bleeding) both during and after the procedure
3. Wound break down
4. Wound infection
5. Bruising and swelling
6. Seroma (pocket of fluid)
7. Damage to the penis
8. Pain
9. Suture material reaction
10. Risk of injury on recovery post-operatively
11. Clipper rash or skin reaction to surgical scrub

We take precautions to minimise these risks to your dog, however on occasion complications do arise. We do offer post-operative checks at 3 and 10 days post-surgery to monitor your dog’s recovery.