Discharge Instructions for Neuter (castration)

Today your pet was neutered.  Neutering (castration) of male pets is a procedure that involves the surgical removal of the testicles, which are the male sex organs.  This is considered a major surgery and involved the use of general anesthesia.  Please note that a cryptorchid neuter or castration is more invasive than a routine neuter.  This condition is when one or both testicles did not descend into the scrotum as they normally should.  If one or both testicles are retained within the abdomen, there will be an additional incision made either into the inguinal region or an incision made into the abdominal cavity.  In a normal, routine neuter surgery, you will notice a small incision just in front of the scrotum.

• You may offer ½ of regular feeding the evening of surgery.  Anesthesia may cause nausea and vomiting.  Your pet may not be interested in food the evening of surgery or the following day.

• You may offer water to your pet as normal.  Please note if large volumes of water are consumed, this could cause vomiting.  If you notice vomiting after drinking, small amounts of water or ice cubes given in frequent intervals is recommended.

• Do NOT give any over-the-counter medications for pain (Tylenol, ibuprofen,or aspirin, etc.) These medications can be extremely harmful, sometimes fatal, if given to pets. Your pet was given an injection for pain at the time of surgery that should last for 24 hours.  We will also dispense additional oral pain medications for the days following surgery if requested.  If your pet seems painful, please contact our office for appropriate pain medication.

• Restrict exercise, jumping, and rough play as much as possible for 2 weeks to allow proper healing.

• No bathing or swimming for 2 weeks following surgery.  Your pet’s incision needs to stay clean and dry.

•  It may be normal for your pet to be groggy today and possibly tomorrow.  Keep your pet in a protected environment so that he stays warm and does not get hurt.

• Some bruising and inflammation is expected and normal at the incision site post-operatively.  If you notice severe redness, swelling, or oozing at the incision, please call our office. 

•  Occasional dripping of blood or a blood tinged fluid is normal for first 24-48 hrs, but if it seems excessive please contact us.

• DO NOT allow pet to lick or chew at incision.  E-collars are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to prevent post-operative complications.  If e-collar is not purchased at time of discharge, and you notice your pet licking or chewing at incision, you may pick up an e-collar from our office.  They can also be found at pet stores.

• If medications were sent home, please give medication prescribed as directed on the label.

• Many pets will not have bowel movements for 1 ‑ 3 days after anesthesia.  This is normal, provided he is acting normal otherwise.  

• Your pet's sutures are internal and will dissolve on their own.  No suture removal or follow-up exam is necessary following a routine spay performed in our office.  Our doctor or staff will let you know if a follow-up exam is recommended for any reason.

Notify us if any of the following occur: 

·       Vomiting or Diarrhea after 24 hours

·       Refusal to eat after 48 hours

·       Severe pain

·       Any evidence of significant bleeding from the incision

·       Continuous licking or chewing at the incision

·       Excessive redness, swelling or oozing at incision

·       The incision opens 

Additional Information:

Neutering your pet between 6-12 months of age prevents development of common undesirable characteristics making your pet a more enjoyable family member. Mating and roaming behavior is minimized and decreased frequency of fighting and urine marking of furniture, plants, and walls are also benefits. Neutering does not cause a pet to get fat or lazy. This comes from overfeeding and lack of exercise.   After neutering, your pets nutritional needs do change.  Most pets require about 25% less calories per day after spaying and neutering due to changes in hormone levels.  In order to prevent obesity your pet needs a reduction in its daily food ration and get plenty of exercise. 

Neutering a pet will not change his personality.  Aggressiveness often results from large amounts of male hormone—which is primarily produced in the testicles. Some small amounts are also produced in the adrenal glands—which accounts for the failure of some dogs to become less aggressive after the procedure. The personality will only get better after neutering, but some dogs may still show aggressiveness, especially if not neutered until later in life, and the aggression has become a learned behavior.

After neutering, your pet may be fertile for up to 6 weeks.  Please continue to prevent possible breeding situations.

Occasionally a pet will have one or more testicles retained in the abdominal cavity or inguinal region, instead of normal placement in the scrotum. These pets will require more extensive surgery as the abdominal cavity must be opened and a search made for the undescended testicle. This condition is called cryptorchidism. 

Our primary concern is the comfort and healing of your pet.  Please call the clinic at any time you have a question or concern.  Spays are normally routine major surgeries and rarely have complications.  Each pet is unique and any complications are better treated early, so the sooner you contact us with concerns the sooner we can intervene if needed.  936-295-8106

If you feel your pet needs emergency medical attention after-hours, please call or proceed to one of the nearest veterinary emergency clinics:

Willis Emergency Animal Clinic

Animal Emergency Center of Conroe

Texas A&M University Medical Teaching Hospital