The Procedure for Neutering a Chihuahua

Neutering is a simple surgical procedure in which a veterinarian castrates (removes the testicles) of a male animal. According to the Humane Society of the United States, neutering your chihuahua is one of the most responsible, healthy decisions you can make on his behalf. Neutered dogs are less vulnerable to certain diseases, are calmer housemates and are easier to housetrain. Further, according to Chihuahua Rescue of Georgia, chihuahuas comprise the largest number of homeless small breed dogs on petfinder.com. By neutering your little one, you assure that he will not contribute to the shameful population of unwanted chihuahuas.

  1. Special Considerations

    • Special considerations must be made before going forward with the neutering procedure. Although still controversial, the current trend in veterinary medicine is pediatric neutering; that is, performing the neutering procedure on pets under six months of age--typically between eight to 16 weeks of age. However, your chihuahua is small and fragile. According to Pet Chi Dog, it is best to wait until your chihuahua is at least six months old so that he will be strong enough to undergo surgery.
      Further, many chihuahuas have a sensitivity to anesthesia. Make sure your veterinarian is familiar with the specifics of performing surgery on chihuahuas and other tiny breeds. Open a discussion with her about the type of anesthesia she will use. There are newer, natural anesthetics available that are more gentle than traditional anesthetics.

    The Physical

    • Before scheduling neuter surgery for your chihuahua, your veterinarian will perform a complete physical to confirm he is healthy enough to withstand surgery and anesthesia. If your chihuahua is young and healthy, he will probably be scheduled for neutering immediately. However, if your chihuahua is a senior (seven years or older) or if he has a health condition like a heart murmur, which is quite common in chihuahuas, then the exam will be a bit more extensive. Your veterinarian will order lab work to test your chihuahua's enzyme levels, blood counts and organ function. If everything comes back within normal range, your chihuahua will be cleared for neutering.

    Preparation

    • Your veterinarian will instruct you to withhold all food and water beginning at midnight on the night before surgery. On the day of surgery, your veterinarian will scrub his hands and forearms with an antiseptic. He will put on gloves and a surgical mask and gown. Technicians will sterilize all instruments to be used in the procedure.
      Your chihuahua will be given an intravenous injection of general anesthetic. Once he is unconscious, technicians will clip and shave away the fur on his abdomen, and will then apply an antiseptic solution to the entire area. Your chihuahua will be intubated (a tube inserted through his mouth into his airway) to provide a pathway for additional anesthesia and mechanical ventilation. Your veterinarian may also opt to insert a catheter into your chihuahua's leg to provide a ready porthole in case the need for emergency medication arises.

    The Procedure

    • The entire neutering procedure generally takes 10 to 20 minutes. According to Pet Place, your veterinarian will begin by making a 1 to 1 1/2-inch incision just above your chihuahua's scrotum. Reaching inside the incision, he will withdraw one testicle and its attached spermatic cord. He will tightly tie a small ligature around the spermatic cord, cutting off blood flow, cut off the testicle and place the cord back inside the incision. He will then, of course, repeat the procedure with the other testicle. Sutures will be placed in the deep tissues of the incision and then on top of the incision to close it.

    Recovery

    • In most cases, your chihuahua will be able to go home the same day as his neuter procedure. He will be able to resume normal eating and drinking the following day. You will be responsible for restricting his activity: Leash walks only, no vigorous running, no jumping on or off furniture and no stair-climbing for seven to 10 days. If your chihuahua insists on biting at his sutures, he may have to wear a plastic E-collar. According to Pet Place, it is important that you check your chihuahua's incision at least twice daily for excessive redness, swelling, unusual discharge or bleeding. If you observe any sign of infection, or if your chihuahua is lethargic or refuses to eat, contact your veterinarian immediately. Finally, in seven to 14 days, your chihuahua will return to the veterinarian for a follow-up exam and suture removal.