When a male dog gets neutered (also known as castrated or desexed), the testicles are surgically removed. This prevents the dog from reproducing and often reduces unwanted behaviors like roaming, mounting, and urine marking. But what exactly happens to the scrotum after neutering? Here’s a look at the changes that occur.
The scrotum immediately after neuter surgery
Right after the neutering procedure, the scrotum will look very different. The skin of the scrotum is left intact during surgery, so the empty sac is still present. However, it is now flat and deflated looking rather than full and rounded. The scrotum may appear bruised, swollen, or reddened due to the surgical procedure. Stitches will be present to close the surgical incision site through which the testicles were removed.
The scrotum may feel firmer than usual due to swelling and inflammation. Typically, the upper portion of the scrotum is more swollen. This is because the lower portion contained more loose skin and is able to expand more. The degree of swelling varies from dog to dog based on factors like age, health, and activity level after surgery.
Healing process over the next few weeks
The scrotum goes through a healing and recovery process over the next few weeks after surgery. Here are some of the changes that occur:
– Swelling decreases gradually over 7-10 days. However, some swelling may persist for a few weeks. Cold compresses can help minimize swelling.
– Bruising and redness diminish over the first 1-2 weeks.
– The incision site starts to heal, leaving a permanent scar. Dissolvable sutures may be present under the skin. External sutures are typically removed 10-14 days after surgery.
– Mild discharge from the incision is normal for the first week. Signs of infection like pus, odor, or heat warrant veterinary attention.
– The empty scrotum becomes less firm and more pliable as swelling resolves.
– Discomfort and tenderness around the surgery site improve over 2-3 weeks.
– Once the incision fully closes, bathing and swimming are permitted again.
– Vigorous activity and play should be avoided for around 2 weeks to prevent trauma and complication.
Long-term changes to the scrotum
Once the scrotum has fully healed after neutering, the following long-term changes will be evident:
– The scrotum retains its normal shape but is less full. Instead of hanging rounded, it becomes more deflated and floppy.
– Without the testicles present, the scrotum is soft and flat rather than firm and rounded.
– Excess scrotal skin may be present, appearing wrinkled or folded. This occurs because the skin is not stretched around full testicles.
– Most dogs develop some degree of scar tissue at the incision site which remains visible. In some dogs, the scar becomes less prominent over time.
– Pigment changes like a lighter patch of skin may occur around the incision.
– Hair re-growth occurs over the incision site and surrounding scrotum. Shaving may be required prior to surgery.
– Sebaceous secretions from the skin glands may lead to an odor from the empty scrotum. Gentle cleaning can help.
Overall, the scrotum retains a normal appearance after neutering but in an empty, deflated state. It serves no functional purpose anymore with the testicles absent. While healing progresses smoothly for most dogs, some may experience complications like infection, swelling, or excessive scarring. Check with your veterinarian if the scrotum seems abnormal during the recovery period.
Why the scrotum is left intact during neutering
You may wonder why the scrotum is not removed during neutering surgery. Here are some reasons why the empty scrotal sac is left in place:
– Removing the scrotum is a more invasive, complex surgery requiring general anesthesia. Neutering is a simpler procedure done under local anesthesia.
– Healing from scrotal removal surgery has a higher risk of complications like infections, fluid buildup, and prolonged swelling.
– Scrotal removal leaves a larger incision site vulnerable to trauma. The intact scrotum helps protect the internal surgical site.
– Scrotal removal can lead to more discomfort and pain during the recovery period.
– The intact scrotum maintains a natural, cosmetically familiar look compared to complete scrotal removal.
Essentially, leaving the empty scrotum avoids additional complexity and risks during and after surgery. While floppy and deflated in appearance, the intact scrotum does not cause any medical problems for the dog.
Can a dog’s scrotum be removed after neutering?
While uncommon, a dog’s empty scrotum can be surgically removed after neutering if desired. Here’s what you need to know about scrotal removal surgery:
– It is considered an elective, cosmetic procedure to remove the appearance of an empty scrotum.
– General anesthesia is required for scrotal removal, unlike neutering surgery.
– Recovery is more extensive with increased risks of complications like infection or swelling.
– Complete scrotal removal leaves a larger incision site than regular neutering.
– Scarring from the incision may be more noticeable.
– Costs are greater for scrotal removal, often around $100-$300 compared to $50-$100 for neutering.
– Scrotal removal may be recommended for medical reasons like recurrent infection, trauma, or cancer.
Overall, scrotal removal after neutering is not typically recommended without a medical reason. The risks outweigh the cosmetic benefits for most dogs. Talk to your veterinarian if the empty scrotum is problematic.
Can neutered dogs still get erections?
Yes, dogs can still get erections after being neutered. This occurs because the surgery removes the testicles but leaves erectile tissue like the prostate gland intact.
Reasons a neutered dog may still experience erections include:
– Reflexive erections – Erections can occur spontaneously as a reflex response, without sexual arousal. The nerves and blood supply required remain after neutering.
– Tactile stimulation – Petting, rubbing, or cold stimulation of the genital area may trigger reflex erections.
– Morning wood – Erections are normal upon waking in the morning even in neutered dogs.
– Dreaming – Erections can happen during dream sleep phases as blood flows to the penile tissue.
However, erections in neutered dogs are typically less firm, frequent, and persistent due to lower testosterone levels. Mounting behaviors are also reduced but not fully eliminated. While frustrating, this is part of normal biology and does not indicate a medical issue. Proper training and scheduling more playtime can help manage persistent mounting if problematic after neutering.
Can neutered dogs still mate?
While much less driven to mate, some neutered dogs may still go through the motions of mating with other dogs. However, no semen or sperm will be present, so reproduction cannot occur after neutering surgery.
Reasons a neutered dog may still show interest in mating behaviors include:
– Hormonal changes after neutering can take weeks to months. Sex drive may persist during this time.
– Neutering reduces but does not always eliminate the sexual instinct and associated behaviors.
– Interaction with female dogs in heat can instinctively trigger mating behaviors.
– Mounting can become a learned habit or social behavior, persisting despite neutering.
– Intact male dogs nearby may incite mating competition.
So while mating behaviors are reduced after neutering, they do not always disappear entirely in dogs. Gentle verbal corrections and providing distractions can help manage the issue. If problematic, further training is warranted.
Do neutered dogs still have prostate glands?
Yes, a dog’s prostate gland is not removed during neutering surgery. Only the testicles are taken out, leaving the prostate intact.
The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder surrounding the urethra. Its roles include:
– Producing prostatic fluid – This liquid nourishes and protects sperm during ejaculation. It makes up 30% of semen.
– Muscle contraction – The prostate helps propel semen through contractions during ejaculation.
– Urine flow – The prostate surrounds the urethra which carries urine from the bladder. An enlarged prostate can constrict urine flow.
While the prostate shrinks after neutering since testosterone levels drop, prostate problems can still occur. Issues like infections, cysts, and even cancer can arise. Signs of prostate trouble include blood in urine or semen, straining to urinate, or inability to defecate. Veterinary care is crucial if these signs are present.
So the prostate remains after neutering, along with risks of prostate disease later in a dog’s life. Annual physical exams help detect prostate issues early.
Do neutered dogs have a lower risk of testicular cancer?
Yes, neutered dogs have virtually no risk of testicular cancer since the testicles are surgically removed. Testicular or seminoma cancer only occurs in intact male dogs.
By contrast, intact older male dogs have an increased risk for testicular tumors. In fact, testicular tumors are the second most common type of canine cancer.
Benefits of neutering to avoid testicular cancer include:
– Earlier neutering provides maximal cancer prevention. Neutering before 6 months old removes the testicles before cancer typically develops.
– Almost 100% of seminomas originate from retained testicles. Neutering eliminates this risk.
– Seminomas are fast growing but rarely metastasize if early detection via neutering.
– No testicles means no need for regular exams or ultrasounds to check for testicular masses.
– Treatment of seminomas requires full castration and extensive abdominal surgery if metastases occur.
While rare before 10 years old, up to 27% of intact older males may develop testicular tumors. Given the minimal risks, neutering is highly recommended as a preventive measure.
Conclusion
When a male dog is neutered, the scrotum remains but in an altered state. The empty, deflated scrotum retains a natural look but serves no functional purpose. While unusual, surgical scrotal removal can be done but involves more extensive surgery and recovery. Though reduced after neutering, residual erections and mating behaviors can persist in dogs. But reproductive function is eliminated given the removed testicles. Importantly, neutering provides strong protection against testicular cancer in dogs. So while the scrotum remains, its impacted appearance and reduced risks are outweighed by the benefits of neutering for most male dogs.