Surgical
Castration
Requires general anesthesia and involves removing your dog's testicles.
This method removes the organs that are responsible for producing the
hormone testosterone. This hormone is the culprit behind many unwanted
behaviors in male dogs, such as leg humping, urine marking, aggression,
and the urge to wander. Additionally, testosterone increases the risk
of prostate disease and perianal adenomas, a type of tumor.
The incidence of perianal ademona is so high that a local vet says, " If you don't want to neuter your dog, let me show you how to perform a monthly exam of the anal area for tumors." That offer usually motivates folks to schedule surgery.
Chemical Castration
Works by targeting the cells in the testicles that produce sperm yet leaves
the testicles otherwise intact. Addison Biological Co. claims that 99.6%
of the puppies treated with Neutersol became sterile. (All dogs undergoing
properly done surgical castration become sterile).
Since the testicles are still intact, they still produce plenty of testosterone. Dogs continue to hump, roam and urine-mark afterward. They likely will develop testosterone-related diseases at the same rate as dogs that have never been neutered.
"No need for anesthesia" is one of the strongest lures for chemical castration, but here is how the procedure works: The veterinarian places your dog on its back, sticks a needle into each testicle and then injects the drug. Some puppies vomit within one minute of injection, and some may vomit up to four hours afterward. The incidence of vomiting is high enough that dogs should not be given food for 12 hours prior to surgery. After injection, side effects may occur. Dogs may show pain and be reluctant to sit. There may be swelling of the scrotum for several months. Some dogs develop infections at the injection site, swelling of the prepuce and bruising of the scrotum.
Pet owners considering a chemical procedure should talk with their veterinarian to decide which procedure is right for their situation.
Dr. Kevin Wright is director
of conservation, science and sanctuary at the Phoenix Zoo.
Write to him at 455 N.Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008 or DoctorKevin@thephxzoo.com
©2006 K-9 Training & Behavioral Therapy