Dog castration is one of the most common surgical procedures when it comes to animal health. In both males and females, sterilization prevents breeding and prevents a number of diseases. Although simple, castration is still a surgery and, therefore, may present some complications and require specific postoperative care. To understand the complicationsmost common after dog castration, we talked to veterinarian Felipe Ramires, from São Paulo. Check out what he told us!

Dog castration: understand the benefits of the procedure

Dog castration surgery is nothing more than the removal of the animal's reproductive organs. According to veterinarian Felipe, the procedure can bring a number of benefits to the dog. "In addition to increasing the longevity of the animal, it helps in the prevention of prostate cancer and prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia," he explains. Bitches are also more likely to be affected.benefit from surgery: "In females, surgery helps to reduce the risk of reproductive diseases, such as pyometra - which is the accumulation of pus inside the uterine cavity - and breast cancer."

Castration surgery: licking and agitation can harm your dog's post-operative period

According to the professional, although complications after dog castration are not common, they can exist. The main one is the result of licking the stitches. "The act can cause the abdominal cavity to open and, consequently, evisceration, which is when the intestinal loop comes out of the abdominal wall," he says. Because it is an infectious and inflammatory condition, it requires care"It is necessary for the dog to undergo a new surgical intervention to replace the viscera inside the abdominal cavity and thus ensure the animal's health," he says.

In addition, another very common problem after castration surgery is bruising. In this case, your friend's energy and agitation may be the main responsible for the condition. "Puppies and Labrador dogs, for example, have a more energetic behavior and, therefore, tend to develop bruises more easily", he explains. To avoid purple spots by thethe animal's body, the ideal is to make warm water compresses and use ointments that should be indicated by the veterinarian. The use of surgical clothing for dogs or the Elizabethan collar is essential in the postoperative period and prevents these complications.

Dog castration: foreign body granuloma is a rare problem

Just like the human body, the dog's body also reacts when it perceives a "foreign body." In the case of dog castration, it is normal for the veterinarian to use an internal stitch in the procedure, which is naturally absorbed by the animal's body. However, a rare reaction called foreign body granuloma can occur, which is precisely when the dog's body cannot absorb it."The condition occurs because the thread used in the saturation is not a part of the animal's organism. Therefore, his body tries in every way to expel them, causing the granuloma ", reveals the professional.

In the case of Sereninho, Raquel Brandão's pet, the first signs of foreign body granuloma appeared a year after castration surgery. "I noticed an internal lump on his belly, I thought it might be a nodule and, therefore, I decided to take him to the vet. But, during the consultation, the veterinarian revealed that it could be the internal points of castration ", he says.

After two years, the lump reappeared, but this time externally: "At first it was just a small ball. But in a few days, it looked like a blood blister. Before taking it to the vet, it burst and I realized that a kind of black thorn resembling a stinger came out, which was actually the internal point of the surgery ". Raquel says that the care was simpler"I used a healing ointment prescribed by the veterinarian for 10 days every 12 hours," he concludes.

Bleeding in dogs: is it common after castration?

Although not frequent, internal and external bleeding can occur after the dog's castration surgery. In the case of internal bleeding, the dog may show some obvious signs. "A quieter, paler and more apathetic puppy may indicate that something is not going well. In addition, the drop in temperature and cold muzzle and ears after the procedure are also indicative of a problem.In such cases, the first step is to seek the veterinary surgeon responsible for the surgery to identify and control the condition. It is worth remembering that all time is precious when it comes to bleeding, as the condition poses great risks to the animal's life.

Castration of a female dog: procedure may result in some complications

Castration of female dogs is a little more complex than the surgery performed on males, but it does not usually result in problems. Still, it is not impossible for some complications to manifest in the postoperative period. The remaining ovary, for example, is the most common. "The condition can cause signs of heat in the dog and, therefore, it is necessary for the animal to undergo a new surgical intervention",Another uncommon reproductive condition that can occur in female dogs is stump pyometra. In this case, it is essential that the guardian seek help in a veterinary clinic to perform imaging tests, such as abdominal ultrasound, and start the appropriate treatment. In addition, local pain, swelling and bruising can be observed in female dogs and should be treated with a surgical treatment.topical therapy recommended by the veterinarian.

Important care after castration surgery

The postoperative period of dog castration requires some care. Veterinarian Felipe advises that, even if the animal is uncomfortable or resistant, it should wear surgical clothing and the Elizabethan collar, accessories that prevent most of the common complications in the period. Another important point is that the tutor must redouble care with the hygiene of the animal and with the prescribed medication"It is common for the products indicated to be antiseptics, antibacterial or bactericidal solutions, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Therefore, it is essential to follow all the veterinarian's recommendations ".