Neutering Surgery Problems for Dogs

If you don't intend to use your male dog for breeding, then you should neuter it to benefit its health. Neutering can help prevent prostate problems later in life, as well as lessen your dog's desire to mark its territory and hump objects. During and after neutering surgery, your dog may face some problems. Knowing the potential issues will ensure that your dog's health is not at risk.

  1. Anesthesia

    • Veterinarians use two types of anesthesia, injected and gas. If your dog is injected with anesthesia and has complications during surgery, your vet may have difficulty bringing your dog out of the anesthesia. Anesthesia given via gas can be stopped at any time and wears off much faster. However, either form carries the risk of your dog having a bad reaction to it and possibly dying before being brought out of it.

      Anesthesia may also cause problems if your dog has certain health issues, such as cardiac problems, diabetes or epilepsy. Always inform your veterinarian of any pre-existing health problems your dog has before it has surgery. Also ensure that your veterinarian runs pre-surgical blood testing on your dog to test for any hidden health risks you may not know of.

    Infection

    • Your veterinarian will advise you to watch your dog's incision for signs of infection. If your dog licks at the wound or if the incision isn't properly done, an infection can easily start and usually will present with redness, bleeding and even pus. Your dog's skin may also have a negative reaction to the material used to suture the wound, which will cause an infection as well.

    Bleeding

    • Older dogs sometimes experience excess bleeding during surgery. There's always the chance that your veterinarian will accidentally cut a vein or organ that will cause bleeding, or that your dog will experience blood loss during recovery.

    Medication

    • If you give your dog pain medication after surgery, it may have a negative reaction to the medication, presenting with vomiting, shaking or diarrhea. If your dog shows any of these symptoms following surgery, call your veterinarian immediately.