The orchiectomy in dogs is a common procedure in many veterinary clinics. Thanks to its advantages, it has become an increasingly common intervention and is considered part of responsible ownership. Orchiectomy is the removal of the testicles, so that the dog cannot reproduce or be affected by pathologies derived from sexual hormones.
In this article on our site we will see how it is done and what care our recently operated dog will need
What is orchiectomy in dogs?
Literally, orchiectomy is the surgical removal of the testicles "Orkhi" means "testicle" in Greek, while "ektomia" means "surgical removal", also in Greek. Therefore, orchiectomy is the technical way of referring to what we more commonly call castration or sterilization. Although these two terms are commonly used as synonyms, the truth is that, strictly speaking, castration would be orchiectomy, since it is the surgical technique that involves the removal of the testicles. Instead, spaying is defined as rendering infertile, so it could refer to a vasectomy, which prevents the dog from being fertile without removal of the testicles. This last technique is not very common in veterinary medicine. For more information, you can consult this other article on the Differences between neutering and spaying a dog.
The usual thing when we go to a clinic is that they explain to us and make an appointment for an orchiectomy in dogs or an Ovariohysterectomy in bitches. In both cases, they are simple operations that are routinely performed in numerous veterinary clinics on dogs of any age, although, as in any operation, you have to be careful take into account the possible complications, as we explain in this Complications of neutering a dog article. That is why we always have to put ourselves in the hands of professionals who continue to investigate ways to intervene with maximum efficiency, greater safety and minimum side effects.
How is orchiectomy done in dogs?
When performing an orchiectomy, the veterinarian can choose between several surgical techniques, always under general anesthesia Your choice will depend on basically from your experience and the characteristics of the dog. Most commonly, he begins this procedure by making a midline incision in the foreskin, just in front of the testicles. It is the access or pre-scrotal approach This small cut is where both testicles are extracted with relative ease. A few stitches or staples arrive for the closure. Sometimes the skin is approximated and we will not see any external suture. Another technique makes access directly into the scrotum, quickly removing the testicles. It can be done especially in younger dogs. perineal access is also possible, although it becomes more complicated to extract the testicles from that location.
In addition, orchiectomy can be classified as open or closed In the first case, the name is due to the opening of the tunica vaginalis. In closed orchiectomy, on the other hand, it is not necessary to perform this opening. It is considered a safer option, but it must be taken into account that in open orchiectomy there is less risk of bleeding and bruising. In general, closed orchiectomy is recommended for small dogs and open for larger dogs.
The area to be operated on must be shaved and disinfected Afterwards, the field cloths are placed to delimit the area of intervention and the operation begins. One at a time, the testicles are removed through the incision, the vessels and vas deferens are ligated, divided, and finally the testicles are removed. All that remains is to close.
Before setting the date for the operation, the veterinarian will do a general checkup of the dog to find out if there are any conditions that pay attention, some added risk or even if it is not advisable to intervene. This information can be obtained by taking a blood sample. It is also recommended to do an electrocardiogram or a chest x-ray, although these tests are usually performed only in certain cases. If everything is correct, a day will be set for the intervention.
The night before or about 8-12 hours before we have to remove the water and food from the dog, since He must arrive at the clinic fastingDuring general anesthesia, a dog with a full stomach may vomit and aspirate it. It is also convenient that before entering the clinic the dog has the opportunity to empty the bladder. Finally, you will have to sign an informed consent.
If you don't know what is the best time to neuter a dog, in addition to consulting the veterinarian, you can find out in this other article on What is the best age to neuter a dog?
Postoperative orchiectomy in dogs
Orchiectomy is a simple and fairly quick procedure that also usually has an easy recovery As soon as the dog wakes up from anesthesia, we can take it home. The vet will tell us when we can resume feeding and will usually give us medication to administer at home for a few days. painkillers are prescribed so that the dog does not feel pain and antibiotics to prevent infections. It may also be necessary to clean the wound The vet will explain how.
Depending on each case, the vet may ask us to take the dog for a check-up or to go alone to remove the stitches in 7-10 days, if you have opted for that closure. In the beginning, it is important to keep the dog calm and prevent rough play or activities that could open the wound. If the dog insists on licking the area, it will be necessary to put a Elizabethan collar , at least during the time in which we cannot monitor it.
It is not strange that a hematoma forms in the area around the incision or even in the entire scrotum, since, logically, the intervention will cause bleeding. It will go away in a matter of days. It is normal and not worrisome. Instead, we must pay attention to other signs that may indicate that a complication has arisen. For example, pale mucous membranes, increased heart rate, pain, loss of appetite, as well as the opening of the wound, its inflammation or the secretion of pus. In such cases, notify the vet.
