I just saw this on "Tech TV" last night. It seems that since May of this year, there is a new drug out that can (99.6% of the time) neuter your pet without surgery. Here's the link...

http://www.neutersol.com/Consumer%20Release.htm

Unfortunately, it's only for pups ages 3 to 10 months. I'm not planning on neutering my Apollo until he's at least two years old, but it seems to be a good option for those of you who would like a non-surgical solution to neutering.

I hope they can come up with something for older males, as I have heard some real horror stories about infections, blocked intestines, anasthesia, etc. I hope there are more non-surgical alternatives in the near future.

One thing they mentioned on Tech T.V. that they don't mention in the Neutersol press release (although I did find it elsewhere on the site), is that the males ability to produce functional sperm is what is wiped out, not the production of testoserone.

I was wondering if the experts on the board consider this a safe alternative to surgery, or do you see problems with it?

-Lee

Personally, I think it is a HORRIBLE idea... and let me explain why...

My housemate is an Animal control officer, she also has an animal shelter. The dogs that come in with nuts and are adoptable are neutered before leaving. Now, considering we DO NOT take owner surrenders if they still have nuts how are we supposed to know they were "neutered" with neutersol? As it stands now it is real easy...cop a feel and find out if they are still 'there'

Secondly, there is NO benefit aside from the inability to reproduce. Testosterone will still be produced increasing the risk or prostate problems. Dogs will still fight other dogs. And lets face it, dogs with aggression or testosteron related temperment issues will still require a surgical castration.

Third- it is supposed to cost the same as a surgical neuter- so see above reason.

This product is really out there for the spay/neuter bandwagon. While it will sterilize the males it will still leave other undesireable traits behind.

Not to mention I am not letting my male dogs nuts out of my sight again!!! :rolleyes:

Thanks for the info Deanna.

So are the risks of surgical neutering minimal? I've only had female dogs in the past, all of them spayed. I've never had to worry about a male dog developing health problems later in life. I plan on having mine neutered between two and four years of age, so that he will be at lower risk for health problems later in life.

A friend of mine recently had his dog neutered, and during the procedure the inept vet clamped and damaged an intestinal tract (it was a very small dog). He ended up having to go to Michigan State University animal hospital to have the poor thing worked on. He turned out fine, but it was very touch and go for a bit.

I guess I'd be all for a procedure that could safely fully neuter the dog so he wouldn't have to undergo the risk of surgery and anasthetic. I hope they develop one soon...

-Lee

Originally posted by Lee Reicheld:

So are the risks of surgical neutering minimal? I've only had female dogs in the past, all of them spayed. I've never had to worry about a male dog developing health problems later in life. I plan on having mine neutered between two and four years of age, so that he will be at lower risk for health problems later in life.

A friend of mine recently had his dog neutered, and during the procedure the inept vet clamped and damaged an intestinal tract (it was a very small dog). He ended up having to go to Michigan State University animal hospital to have the poor thing worked on. He turned out fine, but it was very touch and go for a bit.

I guess I'd be all for a procedure that could safely fully neuter the dog so he wouldn't have to undergo the risk of surgery and anasthetic. I hope they develop one soon...

-Lee Neutering is a whole lot less stressful than a spay ever is! Without getting too graphic, they cut the sac, pop out, clamp off, and circular file them. LOL

The risks of problems with anesthesia are still there, but the anesthetics they use now are great compared to the ones they used ten years ago. Most all healthy dogs have little to no problem. If you are particularly worried you can opt to have pre-anesthesia blood testing done in advance of surgery day.

I am wondering if your friend's dog was a cryptorchid? That would explain the vet having to be in the abdomen and the possibility of claming an intestine. (but I still wouldn't use THAT vet)

guess I should have read the OP better!!

only works on puppies!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

LOL... Oh well. back in my box

Matt, the longer you wait the longer it will take him to heal. If you don't like the idea of recovering from neutering then you should get him done soon for that very reason. You'll also be preventing painful problems, instead of helping to lessen them (which might happen if you waited). Most vets will give your dog pain meds after the surgery if you ask, although in my experience they don't act like anything has happened as soon as the anesthesia wears off.

Most of the benefits ( healthwise) are only if the neutering is done at a young age.. I am curious why you would wait 2 - 4 years to neuter when at that time there is no health benefit (or significantly reduced benefit). Neutered males are less aggressive, less likely to try to escape and generally just calmer. As far as healing goes... I had my Golden's boys off and brought him home the same day, he slept the afternoon away (which isn't that unusual anyway) and by evening he was up and eating and pretty much over it already. Playing albeit gently with my Rotti.
It's also cheaper when theya re younger (under a certain weight) sorry not sure what the weight cut off is. HAH ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> No pun Intended... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Christine wrote: "I am curious why you would wait 2 - 4 years to neuter when at that time there is no health benefit (or significantly reduced benefit)."

For some people all the benefits mentioned of neutering are not benefits at all. (with the exception of possible health benefits, which I actually have some serious questions about how valid those claims are)

I will never nut a male under the age of 30 months that I own. Of course, I have different priorities than the average pet owner.

I think you can affect the working potential of a male by taking his nutz too early. . .and you certainly affect his breeding potential. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I don't want a calm, non-aggressive male. . .I want a working monster full of ire, energy, and drive.

Not that I want to speak for Matt, but those are my reasons.

VC WROTE... and you certainly affect his breeding potential.

I don't want a calm, non-aggressive male. . .I want a working monster full of ire, energy, and drive. Well VC I guess that would be the difference between us, I want obedience trained calm, household companions....different needs...different reasons....Ain't it great that we live in a free country where we can express our opinions????

You asked why someone would choose to wait to neuter a dog, I gave you a valid reason why many working dog people don't neuter males.