Dog Castration

Castration is the surgical removal of the testicles. Reasons for castration include the following:

	Eliminate the reproduction potential
	Reduce sexual activity
	Reduce tendency to roam and fight
	Reduce general level of agression
	Eliminate testicular cancer
	Resolve disease of the prostate gland

The best age for castration is between six and twelve months of age. At this age the procedure is very low risk and easy to perform. It is also at this age that diseases of the prostate and testicles are virtually non-existant; bad habbits such as marking have not started, and unwanted pregnancies have not added to the overpopulation of the pet world. If your dog is not to be used as a valued breeder, early castration is the responsible thing to do. It could save your dogs life and make him a much more desirable housemate.

After a careful examination, the pet is put under general anesthesia. The best method is inhalent anesthesia since it is much more controlable than injectible anesthesia. The patients also recover without the prolonged "hangover" of injectible drugs. We like Isoflurane gas the best. It is totally metabolized by the lungs and is kind to the liver and kidneys. Even though it is a little more expensive than other anesthetics we think the fast recovery time and increased safety are worth it.