QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT NEUTERING

1.  EXACTLY WHAT IS DONE WHEN MY PET IS NEUTERED?

            Neutering (castration) is a surgical procedure in which the testis are removed.

2.  IS IT A MAJOR SURGERY?

            Yes. A general anesthetic is required and the scrotal sac is opened.

3.  WHY ARE MALES NEUTERED?

            The main reason for neutering is to sterilize the male, in other words, birth control.

4.  ARE THERE ANY OTHER BENEFITS?

            Yes. A male cat, unless he is castrated, has very odorous urine which he sprays in the house to mark territory.  A neutered male is unlikely to want to roam and go outside, and consequently avoid territorial fights and resultant wounds.

            Neutered male dogs are also less likely to want to roam and fight with other males.  They are generally less aggressive and more responsive to training.  Neutering greatly reduces undesirable hormone-driven behavior, such as urine marking.  Also, neutering virtually eliminates the possibility of developing prostate and certain tumors.

5.  WILL MY PET BECOME FAT AFTER NEUTERING?

            Your pet will become overweight only if he is over fed.  It is true that neutered pets more easily retain excess weight.  You can control this through proper diet.

6.  WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HAVE MY PET NEUTERED?

            The optimum age for neutering is approximately 6 to 9 months of age.

7.  WHAT IS THE USUAL PROCEDURE?

            Patients are admitted to the hospital between 7:30 and 8:00 am the day of surgery and are released after 4:00 pm the same day.

8.  WHAT KIND OF CARE WILL MY PET RECEIVE?

            At the Southwest Animal Care Center your pet will benefit from the very best quality of care that modern veterinary service can deliver.  Dr. Dahl has many years experience in veterinary surgery and is dedicated to providing compassionate, safe, quality surgical care to each patient.

            Each surgical patient is given a thorough physical exam before proceeding.  Our fees include preanesthetic blood panel to screen the patient for any abnormalities not apparent on physical exam alone. 

            The safest, most advanced anesthetic agents are used to insure maximum safety and comfort for your pet.  All patients also are given analgesic (pain-relief) injection for a smooth recovery.  Patients are monitored continuously while under anesthesia by a cardiac and respiratory monitor.  A trained surgical assistant also assists the doctor.  Full sterile technique is always used; we never take "shortcuts" or make any compromises that would jeopardize patient comfort and safety.

            Our philosophy is to provide the highest level of patient care possible.  Your pet will always receive the same high level of care we provide patients with complicated medical or surgical procedures.