NEED Some advice, reassurance... anything... and quick

**CathyBogart** · 02-19-2007, 01:35 AM

You are doing a very good thing. Unneutered male dogs run the risk of a bunch of health disorders not seen in neutered male dogs: enlarged prostate (and all the accompanying no-fun effects), testicular torsion, their penis can get stuck outside of the sheath. Unaltered male dogs also tend to drip fluid from the sheath, which is no fun for you or your furniture.

They also tend to do things like mount other dogs and people, mark territory more often than neutered dogs, roam, and have a higher incidence of aggression. I'm sure you were aware of all this, but I know sometimes it helps to see it again.

He won't notice that they're gone, and the surgery is pretty darn non-invasive and safe. He'll be back to his normal bouncy self in a day or two.

Good luck to you both!

**Nobas Mom** · 02-19-2007, 01:58 AM

Thank you all so much... I guess it's just the thought of him going through anything like this that makes me want to cry. I just hope that because he is a little older, it won't affect his psyche too much... He's my baby... my only concern is that it will make him "too calm"... not his typical bouncy puppyish self... don't get me wrong, him calming down a little would be wonderful, but not too much... will there be a huge personality change in him at all??? thanks again for the reassurance!!

**CathyBogart** · 02-19-2007, 02:28 AM

There shouldn't be a huge personality change in him. Since his body will not be producing testosterone anymore, certain behaviors affected by testosterone are altered, but the puppy's energy levels don't change, or change only very subtly.

**joycenalex** · 02-19-2007, 05:40 AM

alex the wonder dog is 11 years old. last week, while playing in the snowy yard with me, he bounced like a puppy again. he will still trar up kleenex if he can, he will counter cruise if he can. neutering him did not take away one playful puppy minute. noba will be fine

**Pam** · 02-19-2007, 05:52 AM

Originally Posted by Nobas Mom

Thank you all so much... I guess it's just the thought of him going through anything like this that makes me want to cry. I just hope that because he is a little older, it won't affect his psyche too much... He's my baby... my only concern is that it will make him "too calm"... not his typical bouncy puppyish self... don't get me wrong, him calming down a little would be wonderful, but not too much... will there be a huge personality change in him at all??? thanks again for the reassurance!!

I think that you will find that most, if not all, of us have neutered/spayed our pets. It is agonizing to wait for that call from the vet that "all went well" but you will hear those words. Just try and relax. Your pup will not change at all. Though I have only had two males, I can tell you that I observed no change in either of their personalities. My Ripley was neutered when I adopted him four years ago. I don't know how old he is/was but he had all of his "equipment" for probably a few years. He adjusted just fine and is as frisky and crazy as ever.

**Nobas Mom** · 02-19-2007, 08:16 AM

Again, thanks so much...

I think it's just major anxiety. Last time he went to the vet for anything (besides his shots) I found out he had hip dysplasia... I know that neutering is a routine surgery, but being a worried mommy and all....

**borzoimom** · 02-19-2007, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by Nobas Mom

Thank you all so much... I guess it's just the thought of him going through anything like this that makes me want to cry. I just hope that because he is a little older, it won't affect his psyche too much... He's my baby... my only concern is that it will make him "too calm"... not his typical bouncy puppyish self... don't get me wrong, him calming down a little would be wonderful, but not too much... will there be a huge personality change in him at all??? thanks again for the reassurance!!

After spaying and neutered numerious dogs from retired show dogs to just pets or working dogs - I have not found there is any diffference from a neutered dog to a unneutered dog except in one area- CONCENTRATION.. A neutered dog can concentrate better. They no longer have " their own agenda". Just as willing to play after recovery...
The debate on considering breeding a dysplasic dog- I see others have already stated what is considered as well. With so many dogs without homes that are healty and the desire of the breed club to ONLY breed healthy dogs- there is no reason to considering neutered to be a bad thing. HD is NOT minor defect- ITS A BIG ONE!

**cyber-sibes** · 02-19-2007, 08:23 AM

Originally Posted by Nobas Mom

Thank you all so much... I guess it's just the thought of him going through anything like this that makes me want to cry. I just hope that because he is a little older, it won't affect his psyche too much... He's my baby... my only concern is that it will make him "too calm"... not his typical bouncy puppyish self... don't get me wrong, him calming down a little would be wonderful, but not too much... will there be a huge personality change in him at all??? thanks again for the reassurance!!

BTW, my boy Sherman was not neutered till he was close to 18 months old, just before we adopted him He was/is fine.