Castrating one dog.

PapaverFollis

PapaverFollis

Well-Known Member
Joined
13 November 2012
Messages
9,555
Visit site
I have two entire male dogs. Spaniel 8 years old, "Sprollie" (yeah, I know) 7 years old. I have kept them entire as it never seemed to cause any behavioural issues and on balance felt it was better health wise.

We have, however, run into prostate problems with them both. Sprollie had a bladder full of crystal 'sludge' about a year and a half ago. One of the things that came up was a slightly enlarged prostate so along with sorting out the sludge he was given Ypozane and, touch wood, has been fine since even though the effects of Ypozane only last 6 months. I suspect the Sprollie has a normal level of prostate enlargement for his age and suspect the sludgey bladder was caused by something unrelated.

Spaniel however seems to be getting repeated prostate issues. As well as the enlarged prostate he had an infection in it linked to pneumonia (vet thought he could have fought off one or the other but because he had both they both took hold) about a year ago. Then a week or so ago he started peeing blood so we took him in and his prostate was inflamed again. He's had antibiotics and the vet gave his a Tardak injection. He's so much better and happier in himself that I think the prostate has been grumbling for a while... we've had no negative effects from the Tardak yet... and it reaches peak effectiveness after 9 days, so about now... so am considering castration for Spaniel at this point.

My main question that I could probably just ask without the preamble is what effect, if any, this might have on the dynamic between the dogs? As it stands the Sprollie is more likely to win out in any discussion over resources anyway and they get on well enough but both would be fine without the other as long as they were with me... Spaniel more so, he despairs of his little brother most of the time. 😂

Also is it worth considering castration both of them? Given the Sprollie has had a suspected prostate issue... I will obvipusly discuss with my vet but if anyone has any useful thoughts or experiences of castrating dogs at this kind of age? As I said we have no behavioural issues and live in a remote area now so in season bitches are rarely going to be a problem. Neither have ever been in danger of causing an unwanted litter so there are no social reasons to castrate. I'd rather not castrate either but thing Spaniel needs it at this point.
 
I've never had a dog's nuts off, so can't help with that - however our old GSD had a prostate issue at 7yo and had a shot of tardak, and he never needed it again or showed any further symptoms (finally leaving us at 13.5 years old). It may not be essential to have either castrated although you will know your dogs best :)
 
All the 'boys' that have passed through this house have been neutered already, apart from one, Benji. He came fully equipped and entire and settled with three neutered males without any problem. To be fair, even with his bits, he was very low in the pecking order. Anyways, Benji developed a testicular tumour and had to be castrated after about 12 months of being here. He was 13 at the time. No-one noticed at all and nothing changed after the op.

I know others will undoubtedly disagree but I don't think there are any downsides to male neutering. It's a simple op and recovery is exceptionally quick. My only objection to ANY neutering (and this applies to both male and female dogs) is when it's done too early in their life.............but that's a whole other thread :)
 
Yes. I think there's a whole long discussion about the balance of risks of various cancers etc. My impression was that though there was an obvious increased risk of testicular cancer due to them continuing to own a pair most other cancers seemed reduced... and at least testicular cancer is easier to spot and treat. So we went with staying entire and as I say it has caused no problems and they are properly managed and trained. We have had a couple of off lead in season bitches to deal with in our previous location and their recall proved sound!

Obviously I'll be discussing the medical implications with the vet. My main concern is the balance in the relationship between the two boys and how that might change with neutering one or both. I suspect of it was going to cause trouble we'll see it before the effects of the Tardak wear off. As I say just looking for thoughts so thanks all.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top