Clinicians must weigh the risks and benefits of gonadectomy with the pet owner and determine the most appropriate age to neuter different breeds and species. Although gonadectomy is considered a routine procedure, complications can arise. Karen M. Tobias, DVM, MS, DACVS, reviews five common complications of gonadectomy:
- Incisional complications
- Intra-abdominal hemorrhage
- Postoperative pain
- Surgical errors
- Hormonal changes
Source: Clinician’s Brief, February 2020. Link. Gonadectomy reduces pet overpopulation and euthanasia in animal shelters and decreases the risk for gonadal tumors, mammary neoplasia and pyometra in dams and queens, and perianal adenomas and benign prostatic hyperplasia in male dogs. It may also increase longevity and reduce hormonally driven behavior.