Aquia-Garrisonville Animal Hospital
878 Garrisonville Road
P.O. Box 428
Stafford, Virginia 22554-3901
(540) 659-8140
Fax: (540) 659-0941
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General Information
Altering is the surgical removal of the testicles. Such surgery
is performed to eliminate sexual activities and render the dog sterile.
Altering usually (but not always) reduces a dog's tendency to roam
and fight. The general level of aggression may also be reduced.
However, altering is not a replacement for obedience training by
the owner.
In older dogs, altering may be necessary due to disease of
the testicles or prostate gland.
Your pet will be given a preoperative physical examination
to help ensure its safety during anesthesia and surgery. Recovery
is generally uneventful, and the aftercare is minimal. Your
pet will be discharged from the hospital the same day of procedure.
You will be provided further instructions on home care after the surgery by your doctor. There is no need for suture removal. Some male dogs have a desire to lick the surgical site and must be monitored closely for licking/chewing.