What is Castration?
When the testicles from the scrotal sac of your dog or cat are removed it is then called a castration. Orchidectomy is the medical term but is also commonly referred to as neutering or sterilisation.
Are there benefits of Castrations?
Yes there more definitely are. Here are several:
- You can decrease the chances of them roaming around. Thus keeping them out of fighting with other animals or even being killed or injured by motor vehicles.
- Cats tend to fight with other cats and through that are at the risk of contracting certain diseases. This will include Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or Feline AIDS. This virus is spread through their saliva when being bitten by other cats. They are also prone to catch abscesses though fighting.
- The main reason for castrations is reducing unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.
- Certain sexually driven behaviours such as urine spray will also be eliminated by castrating your cat.
- Male aggression may also be reduced through castration.
- Cryptorchidism is a congenital failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum. The testicles are then located in the abdomen, this is where they are constantly exposed to higher intra-abdominal temperatures. Retained testicles are predisposed to neoplasia (cancer). Castrations are of vital importance in these dogs and cats.
Castration procedure involvements
A general anaesthesia is undergone to perform the procedure on your cat or dog. A pre-operative physical examination prior to the procedure is performed by your vet. During the procedure, your pet’s testicles will be surgically removed from the scrotal sac. Cats won’t need any stitches as only a small incision is made directly over the scrotal sac. A few stitches are needed for dogs and will need to be removed 10 -14 days later.
After the procedure
- After you’ve taken your pet home, offer them small amounts of food and water at first. Give your pet some time to settle down.
- Keep them from licking the wound as it can cause infection
- For the first ten days avoid bathing or allowing them to swim until the stitches have been removed.
- Don’t disturb your pet or have anybody else bother them.
- Redness and swelling may occur at the site of the incision for a few days. If any discharge occurs please take your pet for a check-up at your vet.
Call us today to book your appointment. Germiston Vet – 011 902 3507, Sunnyridge Vet – 011 828 4751.
