Best Sterilization Method

[Kayos and Havoc]

For male dogs.

Havoc is coming up on a year old and I will have him neutered or sterilized within the next few months, probably at about 13 or 14 months.

I know there is more than one method and I wnat the best one for him.

Least amount of pain
Fastest recovery
Least invasive

How about vasectomy?

I did not want to hijack the other thread but it got me thinking about this as I need to begin planning and studying this.

[BlackGSD]

Since you asked, hope you don't mind me hijacking a little.

What is the point of having a vasectomy done on a dog? Wouldn't they still have all of the potential health and temperment "issues" as they would if left intact? (Other than being able to get a females prego.) Wouldn't they also still be as inclined to try and find females in heat as an intact dog?
Just have been wondering about these things.

Sorry but I don't know the answer to your question. Last time I had a dog neutered there was no "choise", there was only 1 way to do it.

[WiscTiger]

Kathy, how has Havoc been feeling and doing in the poop dept.?

The reason I ask is that any surgery can cause huge set backs to dogs that have digestive issues, especially when you are talking surgery with hormone changes. You have the anesthsia, some pain meds, some times some Antibioitics. Lot of things challenging the dogs system. When Chey was having problems I said when she was good and stable for a year, then I would have her spayed, even then I had to go back to the bland diet for 6 weeks or so.

[DianaM]

Vasectomy sterilizes an animal while keeping the hormones intact. One would want the hormones for working, sport, full development and maturity, etc. You still have an intact dog, just one that hopefully cannot breed. I say "hopefully" because things happen. I don't know if it happens in vasectomies but I've known at least two people who were products of post-ligation oopsies. I certainly wish sterilization procedures other than complete organ removal were more common.

Kathy, I wonder if Havoc's full load of hormones would be beneficial given his health issues. It might be wise to let him have all the maturity-promoting goodies. Then again, it might not be. It's something to consider. Keep in mind that this would eventually mean TWO surgeries- one now for the sterilization and one later to neuter him altogether should prostate problems or testicular cancer pop up.

[dOg]

The point would be it is birth control only, less cutting, less to heal,
go wrong. You do however still have all the hormones, and behaviors.

Some controversy exists, some say hormones tell the bones to stop growing, so you don't end up with a lankier frame. It lets a male's head get blockier to look like a male, less like female. My 16 mos old pup is still intact, weighed more than his brother @ 8 wks. His brother was fixed @ 6 mos. He's weighs 8 or 10 lbs more now, and has a narrower head and muzzle, his ear thus a bit tee-pee'd. Based on this, I am not sorry I've waited, and seems to agree with those who say there are good reasons to wait.

Recommending traditional neutering because it decreases testicular cancer is like, no kidding, ain't that amazing?

It may be the behaviors are undesirable by some, true. But not all
feel that way.

Plus if you are showing, you don't have to replace with neuticles to
pass inspection!


<span style="color: #3333FF">Can't make this stuff up!</span>

[Timber1]

Opionated as always the best answer to your question is do not have a male dog sterilized. There are recent studies that support my answer, but I am not going to post again. Suffice it to sat I have posted more then once.

You decide, but do a bit of research if you have a great dog.

[BlackGSD]

Originally Posted By: DianaMVasectomy sterilizes an animal while keeping the hormones intact. One would want the hormones for working, sport, full development and maturity, etc. You still have an intact dog, just one that hopefully cannot breed.

That is what I figured. I guess I just don't see the point. If you are going to basically just have an "intact" dog that can't reproduce, WHY put them thru the surgery at all? Why not just keep them away from females in heat?

This post isn't ment against anyone. I am just trying to figure out the point of this. Until recently I have never even heard of it(in dogs).

[Timber1]

Please do some recent research about neutering a male GSD. The best and most recent is on the Net.

Thanks

[Kayos and Havoc]

I am required to neuter him per contract.

I am looking for least invasive method of birth control. He has had no issues with his hormones at all and I would have no problem keeping him intact except for the contract.

His digestive issues are under good control right now. Fingers crossed.

I have to take him to the vet tomorrow as he as cut his lower right rear leg, I think running and turning on gravel. I have been doctoring on my own for a week and it is not closing so I will discuss options.

I guess what I was looking for was info on laser surgery vs traditional surgery. I have had 2 dogs neutered - one the testes were take and the scrotum left open to heal and shrivel on it's own. The other the entire scrotum was removed and sutured up. I was wondering which was better etc.

[BowWowMeow]

I can't answer your question but if you want some suggestions for holistic stuff that really works pre and post op then let me know.