Castration is a standard procedure performed on male animals where the two testicles are surgically removed. For dog castration, the incision is made just in front of the scrotum, and the skin is closed with sutures. In cat castration, two incisions are made, one over each testis and in cats these wounds are left unstitched.
1. When you come home with your pet, put him into a small confined area that is warm and quiet, especially in the first 12-24 hours. This is important as there will still be anaesthetic agents circulating through his system, making him drowsy and unsteady and affecting his ability to regulate his body temperature. This is quite normal following an anaesthetic and surgery. Plus, there will be some soreness as you would expect. For the first 24-48 hours, he may be quieter than usual or off-colour. However, by 48 hours post-surgery, he should be happier and brighter with a normal appetite. If this is not the case, please contact us, as he may need to return for a check-up.
2. Please try to keep your pet in a clean place and avoid off-leash exercise for the next ten days. So, no ball chasing or jumping up on beds or couches!
3. For the first 24 hours after castration, your pet may be quieter than usual. This is the effect of his sedative and anaesthetic drugs which take a little time to fully clear. After 24 hours, he should return to normal and be happier and more lively with a normal appetite.
4. Please try to prevent your pet from becoming wet, ie no swimming or washing until the stitches have come out (in 10 days). This is because bacteria can travel along the skin sutures, especially if they are repeatedly wet, leading to infection.
5. Please watch for excessive licking or chewing at any stitches – a bit of grooming of the area is standard. Still, if you notice this occurring excessively, your pet will require an Elizabethan collar (or a bucket) to stop him from getting to the wound.
Generally, there are few complications after the castration operation; however, there are some signs to watch for that may indicate a problem:
Lethargy and listlessness (especially if after the first 24-48 hours)
Pale gums
Excessive redness or irritation around the suture line
Swelling or lumpiness around or along the suture line
discharge from the wound – pink-tinged, bloody or yellow.
If any of these please contact us immediately.
Please return in 10 days for the sutures to be removed (not applicable to cats). Please arrange an appointment for this.
