Complications of Neutering a Dachshund

Neutering a dachshund has benefits, ranging from cutting down on the risk of certain types of cancer (specifically, testicular cancer) to helping prevent unwanted puppies. As with any kind of surgery, however, certain complications may arise. Fortunately, most of them are harmless.

  1. Tenderness

    • As the castration site heals, there might be tenderness, resulting in pain and loss of appetite in the dachshund. Because dachshunds are low to the ground, their genital area tends to experience more contact than in some other breeds. For the first few days after neutering, the dog should be confined as much as possible.

    Chewing

    • When the dachshund has been neutered, the scrotal area will have been anaesthetized. However, when the anesthesia wears off, the surgical area might be irritating, causing the dog to chew and lick at the area. Some small amount of licking and chewing is fine--however, if the chewing continues to the point where the wound area is becoming inflamed, consult a veterinarian.

    Swelling

    • After the neutering, there will be some slight swelling. This means that the wound is healing. However, there are times when there might be excessive swelling around the region. This is because there is a great deal of fluid building up and usually is present when there's a secondary infection forming. Treatment usually consists of antibiotics and sometimes draining the built-up fluid.

    Discharge

    • The dachshund's incision area might produce some noticeable discharge. This can usually be seen if a clean white cloth is placed against the wound area. The discharge is usually clear but in some cases it can be light red since a very small amount of blood is passing through the incision. However, if there is blood itself in the discharge, this is a serious matter that needs immediate veterinary attention.

    Wound Dehiscence

    • As sutures begin to break down, there is a possibility that the tissues or muscles under the suture can sometimes poke through the incision. It will be exposed, and the potential then exists for the wound to become seriously infected. Further complications can set in, resulting even in death. The recommended treatment if wound dehiscence is detected is to cover the wound with a clean, sterile cloth if available and immediately notify your veterinarian.