| Ask The Vet -
Q&A |
Question
I have just had my 18 month old dog castrated but they
have not removed his testicles. Is this correct?
Tracey Connolly - Stansted, Essex, UK |
Answering questions:
Susie Samuel MA VetMB MRCVS from
Vet
Help Direct |
| Answer |
Hi Tracey,
Most vets in the UK castrate dogs by removing the testicles but
leaving the sac that the testicles sit in, or the scrotum, intact.
After surgery this sac often swells due to inflammation and bleeding
from the operation. A small amount of this swelling is normal and
can make it appear as though the testicles are still present.
The
whole point of castration is to remove the testicles so, yes, they
should have been removed. My guess is that the testicles have been
removed and that you are actually looking at swelling in the scrotum,
this commonly causes confusion for owners and you are definitely
not alone. With time this swelling will reduce and the scrotum will
shrink to a much smaller size.
Uncommonly
swelling in the scrotum can be a sign of a more serious complication
of surgery so you need to take your dog to the vets in the next
24 hours, or quicker if he is off colour, for a check up. Post operative
check ups are generally free of charge. This will also be an opportunity
for you to raise your concerns with the vet who will hopefully be
able to reassure you that the testicles have indeed been removed!
Kind regards,
Susie Samuel MA VetMB MRCVS www.vethelpdirect.com |
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