Neutering your pet has many benefits, and few risks. Neutering prevents male animals from reproducing. It’s unlikely to alter your animal’s temperament.
By neutering your pet, you’re reducing or eliminating his risk for testicular cancer, prostatic infection, and sexually transmitted diseases. Neutering can also reduce or eliminate undesirable behaviors, including roaming, fighting, mounting, and spraying/marking. In addition, neutering your pet will help control the dog and cat overpopulation problem, keeping more animals out of shelters.
Neutering, which involves removing the testicles, is a surgical procedure performed under anesthesia. We follow strict protocols and continually monitor your pet’s vital signs to help ensure his safety. Please see the descriptions under Anesthesia and Patient Monitoring for more information on what we do to keep your pet safe.
There is some evidence in larg and giant breeds that early sterilization may increase risks of orthopedic disease and certain cancers. Our Practice policy is a minimum one year of age for these breeds. Exceptions are on case-by-case basis. Neutering can increase risk of obesity. We recommend closely monitoring your Pet’s weight and fitness level regardless of their reproductive status.
To set up a neuter appointment or to learn more about this procedure, please call or visit our clinic. If you are struggling with the decision of whether to neuter your pet, please call us to schedule a consultation with one of our Veterinarians.
Did you know that Memphis, TN has a city-wide ordinance that requires all non-breeding Pets to be spayed and neutered to reduce the overpopulation and high shelter euthanasia rates? Breeding permits are available through Memphis Animal Services.