Background Information
Neuter or castration is the surgical removal of the testicles and spermatic cord.  The age at which doctors are willing to neuter males varies.  It has been our experience that males that are neutered earlier (anytime after 8 weeks of age) have a faster recovery time, less bleeding, and minimal post surgery pain.  Males that are neutered before 6 months or before the onset of spraying or marking can eliminate or reduce these disagreeable behaviors.  Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer, the second most common tumor in male dogs, and it greatly reduces the risk of prostate cancer and prostatitis. Furthermore, neutering reduces the risk of perianal tumors, reduces roaming and fighting, eliminates the risk and spread of sexually transmitted diseases, and most importantly, helps control the overpopulation of cats and dogs.  Neutering DOES NOT cause laziness or hyperactivity, reduce instincts to protect your family and home, cause immature behaviors, postpone or delay normal behavioral maturity, or alter its personality. 

Some males are born with a genetic birth defect where during fetal development the testicle does not migrate out of the body cavity and into the scrotum like normal.  This condition is called cryptorchid (hidden testes) and it could be unilateral (one testicle hidden, most common) or bilateral (two testicles hidden, very rare). In some males, the missing testicle can descend later but the chances of the testicle decending on its own after four to six months is unlikely.  The hidden testicle may be found anywhere in the abdomen from the kidney area to the bladder, it could be in the passageway from the abdomen to the scrotum in the inguinal canal, or not formed at all during development.  99.9% of the time the hidden testicle is underdeveloped and much smaller than normal, and therefore a more complex surgery than a routine neuter and more costly. 

Our Policy
Surgeries are scheduled Monday thru Thursday.  Your pet must check in to the hospital before 8am on the scheduled surgery day.  Do not feed your pet in the morning but be sure to give water.  Taking away the water can cause him to become dehydrated and he will require subcutaneous fluids after surgery (extra cost of $34.71).  Bloodwork is required before anesthesia can be administered and ranges from a simple workup to a more extensive workup just depending on the age of the animal and other health risks.  You pet will either spend the night in the hospital (included in the surgery price) or be sent home that evening.  You will be required to administer antibiotics for 7 to 10 days following the procedure and activities should be limited during this time.  Very active dogs/cats may be crated to restrict running and jumping during recovery.  We use absorbable sutures so they will be absorbed by the body in about 10 days.  Your may notice your pet sleeping a lot upon returning home, but should return to normal by that evening or the next morning.  If you notice that your pet is licking the surgery site, immediately go to any pet store and purchase an Elizabethan collar for your pet to wear until the surgery site has healed (7 to 10 days).  Check the site everyday for any signs of an infection, such as excessive swelling, heat, pain, and/or discharge.   It is not recommend that you bathe your pet until the site is completely healed.  If your pet is lethargic, not eating, not drinking, or running a fever (normal temperature 100 to 102 °F), please call our office right away.