Neutering

[Hceci]

My 9 month old , Toby, has started marking his territory. Witch I have no problems with. But on two occasions he has sprayed a bag of cat food while we were in a pet store. Will Neutering him help with this problem. I am very concerned about the whole neutering process to begin with. I am afraid that he wont wake up from the procedure or he will gain weight after. I have heard that after becoming neutered Duchies gain weight and Toby is at the perfect weight now. He all so has become very stubborn and has started running down the road after people. I tell him "No" and call him back but he goes further down the road to try and get away from me. I know he knows he is not supposed to do this but continues anyway. Will neutering help with this or is this a training issue. And when they get neutered do they cut off their testicles? I am going to start training classes next month. Should I wait and see if this solves some of the problems? I am obviously confused and don't know what to do. Please help.<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm35.gif" border=0>

[Heather]

Yes, when Toby is neutered, they will cut his testicles off. Both of my males are neutered, and I had some of the same questions you did.

I had Hans neutered when he was 1+ years old. He had already begun marking and continues to do so after the operation. This is because marking is an instinct, not a behavioral issue, and since he had already developed the hormones and the instinct, he will continue to do so. I even have to be careful if I bring in a strange smelling box into the house.

However, I had Beanie neutered when he was much younger, and he still pees 'like a girl'. He never developed those hormones and instincts, and such, does not mark at all.

As for weight, I don't think it is related to the operation. I notice that we have to feed Hans a bit less to keep his weight at a moderate level, but we have added fresh fruits and vegetables to his diet as well. Beanie is a slinky 10 pounds and is taller than Hans who is a beefy 20. I think their weight will depend on body frame and what you feed him.

I am not sure about the behavior part. I don't know to much about that piece. But I can tell you that Hans is alot more stubborn that Beanie. Not sure if this is related to the timing of the operation or not?
b

[Penny's Aunt]

Behavior: neutering usually cuts out (pun intended) the marking behavior, but I'm sure there are exceptions. It has worked in dogs up to 8 yrs of age that I know of, although vets usually say it won't on a dog that old, & it usually takes 2-3 mos.

It will also cut down on the hormone-related fixations that males have about females in heat or other males (which may be why he is running away when he is usually good about coming when called). Another thing it has a tendency to help is intact (unneutered)dog aggression. If you put two intact males together, they will often get into a fight because of testosterone-induced behavior which tends to add fuel to any aggressive tendencies. If both the same dogs were neutered & put in the same yard a few months later, you would see an incredible difference in both their attitudes.

Weight: Neutering tends to slow them down a little in many cases. Since he won't be quite so active, just reduce the amount of food he gets if his ribs start disappearing. And an increase in fruits & veggies can help replace the bulk in his tummy without all the calories. You might also consider a reduced-calorie food.

[Krista]

I am all for neutering! And by the way, they don't just cut off the testicles. They actually leave the scrotum and make and incision further up on the belly and they remove the testes through it. My boy has no scar, from this since the incision was made on the natural line in the groin area. The pocket left begins to shrink up after a few weeks.

I forget what the best anethesia to use for dachsie's is, but I will try to post it later.

Some of the benefits are:

It keeps unwanted pets from being born.

It keeps your male from following every female in heat -many males escape their yards to do just that.

It practically eliminates their risk of all reproductive system cancers -especially when done now.

It will often reduce agression and marking behaviors, particularly when done before they reach adulthood.

I didn't cut back on food, but I stepped up the walks a bit and no weightgain has occured with my boy. I have heard females are more prone to weight gain than males if their humans are not careful.

[Mickamack]

Krista, I too had Mickey fixed last year, but I have one thing to say about your description of the procedure....Ow!<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm24.gif" border=0> I bet all men on this board are crossing their legs as we speak! http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/lol.gif

But seriously, it's really the responsible thing to do. It's better for their health since their risk for certain cancers is nearly eliminated.

And it helps with aggression too. Mickey has an aggression problem. My vet told me that if we had Mickey fixed, we stood a good chance of changing Mickey's aggressive behaviors. But if we didn't get him fixed, then the vet said it would be almost impossible to train those behaviors out of him. The surge of hormones make it very difficult to control an aggressive dog.

My husband really didn't want to do it, but my vet asked which would be better...to have Mickey fixed and start working on the aggression problem, OR, keep him intact and pray that he doesn't go after another dog that would hurt or kill him.

The choice then became obvious. And Mickey is much better. At Dachsie Day, he had to wear his muzzle for a little while (I didn't want to take any chances), but then I took it off, and he played like crazy with the other doggies. If he was not fixed, there is no doubt in my mind that that would not have been possible.

[wireweiners]

I had Pippin neutered at age 11 because of health problems. He came through just fine. He still marks but not as much. He never marked in the house to begin with. He tried it once but I made it very clear that was unacceptable. <IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm23.gif" border=0>
Unless your dog is show quality it will be better for both you and him to have him neutered. The testicles are removed surgically but the procedure itself is fairly simple. While there are risks involved in any surgery, the newer anesthetics (sp??) are very safe. I brought Pippin home the same day he had the procedure. He was a little groggy but the next day, he was fine. He didn't even seen sore. There are more health and safety risks in leaving your dog intact that with having him neutered. As my vet says, "he won't miss his testicles and neither will you." <IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm1.gif" border=0>

[dutchman]

I would add my voice to those telling you to get the little guy neutered. It's really the only responsible option for you. If you are worried about how he will look there are falsies that can be implanted when the surgery is preformed. Having the surgery done will cut down or eliminate the risk of some future major health problems.

As far as behavior changes are concerned I can't really comment. My two guy were both neutered when I got them. In Franks case just one day before I got him and Tanners case some time prior to his being dumped at the Dumb Friends League.

You also don't want to risk his contributing to the already large number of unwanted puppies out there. I'd say leave the breeding to the people with the knowledge to try and minimize the passing of any genetic flaws. There are more dogs out there needing homes than those of us who have taken on rescue animals can afford to support.

If he starts to pu on weight you can cut back on his meal size and or increase his activity level. Add another mile or two of walking each day he would love the quality time with you.

Tom

[weenie]

Here's my three cents....(three instead of two because I feel so strongly)

If your little guy was meant to be a pet (not for show) please get him neutered. He is still young and there is a good chance that it will reduce the "spraying". I had Willi neutered at the age of 6 months almost to the day. The animal hospital that I take him to uses "human anesthesia" and he had no problems after his surgery. I brought Willi home later that afternoon and he was his old self.....he ate a little had a little water and was content to chew on a rawhide.

Now, if your vet can do it, they can do internal sutures that dissolve over a period of time so that you don't even have to take the dog back to the vets to get the sutures out.

Believe me, the benefits outweigh the risks. You will also significantly reduce other health risks (prostate problems/cancer).

Please keep us updated on how your little guy is doing!!! <IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm30.gif" border=0>

[Augie Dog]

Augie is set up for 9AM Friday to have the BIG SNIP! I'll let you know how things went Saturday morning when we bring him home.

We are doing thing for the same reasons stated here. We don't want the marking to start. I'll let you know in a few weeks about the weight.

[Augie Dog]

Got him back from the vet yesterday, today a two mile walk. I don't think anything will stop this dog.<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm5.gif" border=0>

Two stitches, they come out on the 23rd. There is swelling where "they" used to be, I guess when the swelling goes away, the rest shrinks too.

[2DogsLong]

<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm12.gif" border=0> Hooray for Augie!

My question after neutering my boys was when will the empty sac go away.<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm26.gif" border=0>

Frankie says (as he often does) that Augie needs a lot of extra treats to help him heal. (There's a really bad pun in there that is best left unsaid.)

[Mickamack]

Augie! I bet you were a big, strong, brave boy! Mickey and I are so proud of you! Definitely...extra treats are in order. Great job!

[Marci]

Hooray Augie!! Your Daddy & Mommy did the right thing! We are so glad you are back to your old self so quick!! Lucy agrees with Mickey (of coursehttp://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/love.gif!!)...EXTRA treats, definitely!!

Marci

[Penny's Aunt]

The scrotal sacs will shrink, like with someone who loses a lot of weight fast (if they have healthy, young, unsundamaged skin). They end up looking like a couple of little prune things, rather than empty drawstring purses.

[Hceci]

<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm34.gif" border=0> I am glad to here your Augie is doing great.<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm42.gif" border=0> I think that with all of this great advice that I will get Toby neutered. I just hope it does not change his personality. My other dog and cat have allready been through the operation. I just don't want anything to change about Toby. He is perfect the way he is. Personality wise. Now, should I have it done before we start our training classes or after they are over?

[wireweiners]

I would have him done before you start training classes. Don't worry about his personality changing. If anything, neutering will help him keep his sweet personality.

[Hceci]

Well, the date is set 8-29. I went to the vet's today to get some Heartguard and Toby marked the front counter twice. So while I was there I made the appointment. The good thing is that I will get him back the same day. He has never spent the night without me. I think that would be more tramatic for him the the surgery. I will let everyone know how it went.<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm38.gif" border=0>

[Krista]

Good for you!!!

You will not regret it. I got to pick my boy up the same day too, and it did make me feel better. The Vet tech also called me at work after it was over and let me know he was doing fine. I called them back a few hours later and they said he had just gotten up and went potty and let me know what time to pick him up.

I'm sure you will be able to check on him too during the day.

[Augie Dog]

They would not let me have Aug the same day. He stayed over night. I know he had more of a rough time with that than the surgery.

We'll see if the personality changes but, I doubt it.

[luv_4_doxies]

Don't worry, I'm sure everything will turn out fine.<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm12.gif" border=0>

[OneCoolPup]

This sounds like a similar problem I had. My Basil would chase People that left my driveway down the road... and he would walk into the road just to sniff around. I never did leash train him b/c i live in the country and have a lot of land for him to roam, and whenever he got by the road, i'd chase him away, thinking I could train him not to do this. Well, last Tuesday he was struck and killed by a car. He was young and healthy, only two years old. And you know what? It's all my fault for not protecting him. I've been really sick over losing him. He was our baby, and these animals need us to watch out for them b/c they dont' really understand that vehicles can hurt them. It's not in their nature to understand. And unlike some bigger breeds that might even survive if hit by a car.. there's not way a miniature dachshund like my Basil, had a chance to. PLEASE walk your dog on a leash. If you don't he WILL get hit by a car, it's just a matter of time.

[OneCoolPup]

P/s. I'm sure he'll do just fine with his surgery, and back to his wonderful self in no time. You won't regret it http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

[Hceci]

http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/kfrown.gif Today is Toby's last day with all of his parts. I am starting to really get worried. Tonight I will give him a bath so he is all nice and clean. I know he is going to be mad at me for leaving him at the vet's. My little man will be an "it". It's a joke that I have.

I will write tomarrow and tell you how it went.
http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/facelick.gif

[Krista]

Please do not be so worried. You are doing the best thing for him. A dog that is neutered/spayed at a young age will be a healthier happier pet. My little guy's personality did not change a bit, he is still my sweet, cuddly, active boy. He is not fat, and he still loves to play and take walks. In fact - he nearly caught a squirrel two days after his surgery.
And we have also had no problems with hypersexuality or marking indoors, which was exactly my concerns about an intact male.

He will still be your boy!!! --If I had my reproductive organs removed, I would still be a woman, not an it. The same pack dymanics still generally apply to neutered dachsies, but the differences are just less likely to be so extreme.

Just call the vet often to check on him -it helps and have treats and extra time to love on him when you bring him home.

[Augie Dog]

Augie just got the stitches removed today. He had "it" done 2 weekends ago. The day after he came home we were doing our usual 2-mile walks, like nothing happend.

He is happy, nothing changed. the stitches itched though<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm24.gif" border=0>

David

<font color="#00FFFF" font size="1">[This message has been edited by Augie Dog (edited August 28, 2000).]</font>

[Hceci]

Well, I took Toby in this morning. When the nurse took him and walked away I started crying. The vet is going to call me around 3:00. That's only 6 hours of torture. The house feels empty. I think I have lost it. I would be a real wrek if somthing bad ever happened to him. I will write more after I here from the vet.http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/crying.gif

[Augie Dog]

Aug had to stay overnight. yup, sure was quiet in the house that night! I was worried sick that night, is he alone, warm, scared, in pain?

I got him back the next day, after a couple of hours of rest, it was like nothing happend!

Just get ready for a lot of WET KISSES when you pick him up!

David

[Hceci]

Well, Toby has come home. He is sore, groggy and very upset at me. He keeps giving me these looks that say "How could You!" He looks like he is in pain. I don't know what to do to make him feel better. Everything I try doesn't seem to help. http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/kfrown.gif

[OneCoolPup]

Aww, don't feel so bad, he'll be back to his old self in a couple of days! All he needs is lots of hugs and kisses. You'll see, everything will be ok http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

[Mickamack]

Yes, when Mickey had "the fix" he came home, layed down, lifted his leg, looked at where his parts were, and then looked at me as if to say "Mommy, noooooo". Of course, the next day he was running around and didn't even miss his friends. He was just a little sore and wanted some extra love and attention. By all means, give it to him...nothing like pampering your little boy.

[Hceci]

Toby is feeling better today. He is still sore. He want's to go out and play with the big dogs, but I am suposed to keep him inside for 10 days. Except for potty time. He's tired of laying around this place. I can tell he is really bored. That is a good sign though. Thanks to everyone for their support and advice. I am glad everyone is here for us through this. I will let everyone on know how he is doing tomarrow. http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/bounce.gif

[Augie Dog]

Inside for 10 days? Was there a problem?

Aug and I went out the day after we got him home, covered 2 miles, I just kept the stitched area clean and put on the anti bio gel.

Hope everything is ok!

[weenie]

I'm with Augie's Daddy. Willi got so bored that he tore around in a matter of days. He did allow himself 2 "pity days" where I, as the good dog mommy, gave him plenty of huggies, kisses and tweets. After that, I just made sure the incision and the area around it was clean and was healing nicely.

Huggies to Toby!!

-Kris

[Hceci]

Anti-gel, cleaning, I asked them if I should clean it or do anything and they said "No". What did you use to clean it? Did they give you this gel? They said he could only go outside on a leash, so everytime he started whining to go out side I take him out for a walk around the property. No running either. He feels better today. I got my "Good Morning" kisses. I spent the whole day yesterday watching and entertaining him. That's ok though, I am just glad he is feeling better and getting back to his young self. http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/ksmile.gif http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/facelick.gif http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/party.gif http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/hapfac01.gif