Dog to be neutered tomorrow - worried 'mom'

[Sara]

Lady and Bear, six and a half months, are scheduled for spay/neuter Friday.

I'm worried to death. Not so much about Lady, as I've always had female dogs and they've either been bred purposely, or spayed, and I have vague memories about this and seem to recall everything being relatively normal after.

Having never had a male dog, and being a worrier at heart, I'm very concerned about Bear. I know that, especially since he's technically a "mutt", there's no good reason to leave him intact. I'm terrified that neutering him will somehow alter his personality. He's one of the greatest dogs I've ever been honored to have in my life and I don't want to mess that up, or do anything physically detrimental to his development. (This is how naive I am - I thought the vet just tied something, like they do with human males).

You have probably all answered this (hundreds of times) before, but can some kind and patient soul tell me A. What to expect after the surgery (how long they'll be recovering, etc) and B. What changes to expect, particularly in him?

I'm sure I'm being silly but this has got me really wound up. I've considered not having him done, but the ARL where I got him can technically take him away if they don't get confirmation that I had the surgery performed.

Wah.

Sara
Proudly owned by Lady and Bear

[Trish]

Sara,

The neuter is a very simple procedure. Actually much less evasive than the spay.

I'll describe the surgery step by step for you.

The dog is put under. They will apply a antibacterial wash to the genital area after shaving that area if neccessary. Each testicle sack will be split length wise inorder for the actual testicle to be removed. They will pull out the testicle and snip it away at the same time tieing off the end. The total procedure takes only about 5 to 10 mins. Usually they will not have to suture the remaining empty sack. After ward your pup will be a bit sore and groggy. Personality wise, he should be a bit calmer, less dominant (not always the case but often). And naturally will not pursue females.
The spay on the other hand takes a bit longer to recover. It is like a hysterectomy. The uterus and ovaries are removed. there will be sutures and a later visit to the vet to remove them. Same symptoms afterward. a bit of soreness and groggyness. Neither will be allowed for aprox. 14 days to have any vigorous excersize.

Dont fret, its a simple procedure for both, and is in the best interest for them.

Good Luck

Trish

[Sara]

Thank you, Trish (feeling a bit woozy).

I do appreciate you taking me through it, although I'm a bit on the squeamish side. I did something that I'm now questioning... I scheduled the surgery for Friday so that I could leave them for the weekend at the vet's. I am SUCH a "mom" that I'd be calling them for every projected look of discomfort. I figured it'd be best if they go through the first 72 hours without me. Now I'm wondering if that really is a good idea <sigh>.

By calmer - not less playful, just less hyper? I'm sure his sister will appreciate the lack of "advances." Although she's gotten the hang of returning the favor and getting friendly right back.

Thanks again for the very quick response... I feel - well, still nervous, but better.

Sara
Proudly owned by Lady and Bear

[Eliza]

Manny didn't seem any different character wise. I did it as I didn't intend for him to sire any puppies and there are enough unwanted pups out there as it is. It cost less to register him.

[Trish]

Sara,

Bring them home. They will be MUCH happier at home with you. Think when yourself or someone you love is in the hospital. Arent ya soooo happy to get home and not have to stay in the hospital. Well the pups will be the same way. They will be fine at home, if there are any problems or need to leave them your vet will let you know. But they will be soooo happy to see you and even more happy to be at home with their mommy.
And by calmer, less hyper. Playfullness should be the same.
You can always make that call after the surgery. go and see them. Then you can decide if they need to stay. But I betcha they wana go home.

Trish

[bearkat]

Having had both sexes in the past, and having them spayed/neutered, I couldn't agree more with Trish. The policy here at the vet's is unless there are complications, the dog goes in the hospital in the early morning and can go home in the late afternoon. The vets here are of the opinion that the dog's home is a much calmer place, safer (emotionally), and the dog's routine is less upset. We did have post surgical problems with Gisela after spaying, but the vet got right on top of it, gave her antibiotics (for 10 days) and canned food for a few days, and she perked right back up.
My personal opinion is that I wouldn't neuter a male under the age of 18 months, so he gets the benefits of his natural hormones, but that again, is JMHO.
Good Luck!

[Kiminski]

Hi, I have to agree with Trish. Bring them home if you can. It will make the whole thing much less traumatic for them. My GSD was dropped off in the morning and picked up that afternoon. He was so happy to see me that the he literally leaped into my arms and whined and cried like a baby whe we picked him up. I can't imagine if I left him there for the weekend. Some vets will keep females one night after a spay, but males are usually sent home the same day. He'll be much happier recovering at home. Good luck to your fur babies!
~Kim~

[Sara]

Thanks, everybody.

It does sound like I should bring them home rather than leaving them there to recover.

I'm going to call right now and change it.

You do realize though that I'll probably come running in here every five minutes asking "Is this normal?" I think I'm a little on the overprotective side.

Thanks again.

Sara
Proudly owned by Lady and Bear

[AngelBunny]

Sara:

Bring them home as soon as you can--everyone will be happier.

I know exactly how you feel. We got our 5 mo old (female) Tula thru rescue in March 1998. We had her spayed 3 weeks later. Even tho I've had dogs neutered & spayed before, each time the operation is done, I worry. I asked Tula's vet what time I could call to find out how she was, and the vet's phone was ringing at that instant.

It's more than likely that everything will turn out fine--tho I do understand your being nervous!

I fully agree with spaying & neutering rescue dogs, but if your guy was my guy, I'd wait til he's older to maximize the benefits he'll get from his hormones. On the other hand, if you must neuter him before a certain age or he'll be taken away from you, netuer him by that age

[Koala Bear]

AngelBunny,

You say that "I'd wait til he's older to maximize the benefits he'll get from his hormones". Maybe I am ignorant, but what are the benefits you speak of? Ares is 16 weeks old and I was figuring on having him neutered around 6 monthes as he will not be used for breeding purposes.

Any comments would be welcome.

[AngelBunny]

Koala Bear:

If you wait til Bear's older before neutering him, the testosterone surging thru his system will help him achieve as masculine a look as his genes dictate. Dogs neutered early typically don't grow up to look as masculine as dogs neutered later--they lack the solid male build.

I'm certainly not suggesting that Bear shouldn't be neutered--any doubts I had about the wisdom of spaying or neutering were ended after I became involved in Rottie rescue. I can't see any reason to keep family pets intact.

What I am suggesting is that giving Bear some time to mature before he's neutered might be something to think about. I neutered my (pet) male when he was about 18/19 mo old, and I'd so something similar with any male who comes into the house as a pet & buddy.

[This message has been edited by AngelBunny (edited October 04, 1999).]

[bearkat]

Again, I agree with AngelBunny. The hormones that go raging through a puppy/juvenile/adolescent dog are so important, IMHO. We had Jake, a Golden neutered at 6 months, and he looked more feminine than male as an adult. We had Rotten neutered at 6 months, and he is the wimp of the world. While he is large, and looks fearsome, he is the biggest scaredy cat you ever met. He is terrified of other dogs, and just lies down and let them have their way with him....
Clyde will be 1 year old next week (Gosh, can you all believe it???) and he is intact. He is aggressive, bold, dynamic, happy, alert, obedient, and due to one of our esteemed members, is learning how to be a great watch dog!!
Yes, Clyde will be neutered. I don't believe in bringing more pups into the world, especially "mutts". I have chosen to wait to have Clyde neutered, but that is just my choice. If you are bound by a contract, then you have to make a choice, either neuter or have the dog taken from you. Given those options, I would have the dog neutered, of course, but if you are given any lea way at all, I would highly recommend waiting to have your male neutered. In any case, bring your babies home as soon as they are released by the vet!!

[Sara]

Well, I talked to the ARL. There's no way I can get out of having him neutered now. She did say, however, that Bear has all ready gotten quite a bit of machismo which is good. He looks and acts very male and isn't afraid of anything. Since I don't have too much choice in the matter I'm going to get him done.

I did also speak to my vet. She said that Bear is all ready quite well developed and we have nothing to fear. In fact, she said that having him neutered now will help prevent some dominance issues that often come up.

I dunno. I think in my heart I'd prefer to wait but since I can't, I'll just let myself be lulled into a feeling of security.

Thanks so much fo rall your support!

Sara
Proudly owned by Lady and Bear

[AngelBunny]

Sara:

Don't worry about Bear. The ARL people likely know what they're talking about & your vet's observation was interesting.

I had my Otto neutered at around 1-1/2 years & while he looked the part of a strong male, he was a very gentle dog. Neutering him didn't make him a softie--he was born that way. Don't worry about your guy!!!

[Sara]

Well, thanks for all your support So far so good. Everybody came through the surgery okay, apparently, and I get to pick them up at 10:00. Which means I'll be pacing in the parking lot at 9:30. Sure is quiet around here. I actually got to eat dinner without trying to fight anyone off. I swept up all the "puppy mice" and no more reappeared. I changed the sheets on the bed and the comforter is still flat. I haven't had to go "outside" all night. It's downright creepy. I want the little terrors back and I want 'em now.

So, next question... how long do they have to "recuperate"? When can we resume our walks? (mile minimum but average 3-4) I figure Lady will take longer to recover than Bear, but is there anything in either case I need to keep an eye out for?

I sure hope the vet covers this stuff tomorrow... Otherwise you all are gonna banish me from the forum!

Sara
Missing her babies, sniff, pout