Content
- How is dog neutering done
- male dog neutering
- female dog spaying
- Bleeding after castration
- Post castration complications
- Female dog spaying: complications
THE dog castration is an issue that concerns many owners. We know the advantages of this surgery, but we still find tutors very concerned about the effect it can have on the dog, both psychologically and physically.
In this article by PeritoAnimal, we will answer the question "my dog has been neutered and is bleeding, what can it be?" and we'll see under what circumstances bleeding can occur and when we should see the veterinarian.
How is dog neutering done
Before explaining whether it is normal to have bleeding after castration, you should know what happens in these surgical procedures. For this, let's distinguish between male and female surgery.
Although there are several techniques, the most common are:
male dog neutering
It is a simpler intervention than in the female, as the genitals are on the outside. The veterinarian will make an incision at the base of the penis, through which he will extract the testicles. The incision is usually closed with a few stitches on the skin, although these may not be visible.
female dog spaying
The incision must be made in the abdomen and veterinarians are increasingly trying to make this incision smaller. The veterinarian extracts the ovaries and uterus, arranged in a Y-shape. The different layers of skin are stitched internally, so externally the stitches may not be visible. The incision can also be closed with staples.
In both cases, you must control the wound and prevent the dog from scratching, biting or licking it. To avoid this, the veterinarian can give a Elizabethan necklace. In addition, it is essential that you keep the wound clean while it heals and give the dog medication prescribed by the veterinarian. Stitches are usually removed by the vet in about a week.
Bleeding after castration
With the removal of the uterus, ovaries or testicles and the incision made for this, it is normal for a small bleeding during the intervention, which the veterinarian will control. During the postoperative period, due to the incision and manipulation that took place, it is normal to see the area around the wound turn red and purple, which corresponds to a bruise, that is, blood that remains under the skin.
The wound may also look like inflamed and it is normal for you to have bleeding after castration from any of the stitches, especially if it has fallen off before the wound has healed. In any case, bleeding should be minimal and stop within seconds, otherwise, if post castration complications occur, it is recommended to seek a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Some care after neutering is essential to make your pet's post-operative period as peaceful as possible, such as reserving a space in the cozy house so that he/she can rest until he/she fully recovers.
Post castration complications
Although it may be normal for the dog to bleed a minimal amount from the wound after neutering, situations may occur where the presence of blood indicates a problem that will require further intervention by the veterinarian:
- When bleeding comes from any of the stitches or staples or all of them because got loose, the veterinarian will have to sew the entire incision back together. It's an emergency, as the intestines can leak, and there's a risk of infection.
- Bleeding can be internal. If it is heavy, you will notice symptoms such as pale mucous membranes, listlessness, or a drop in temperature. It is also a veterinary emergency that can produce shock.
sometimes the bruises that we describe as normal are reason for consultation if they are extensive, if not diminished or if they are painful for the dog. In addition, after neutering a dog, it is important to observe bowel movements because, if a dog urinates blood, if the urine is profuse and repeats, you should contact the veterinarian.
Female dog spaying: complications
A different case from those explained is when, a while after the operation, the bitch presents a bleeding as if in heat. When operating and removing the ovaries and uterus, the bitch will no longer go into heat, attract males or be fertile, so it is not normal for the dog to have bleeding after spaying.
If you see the castrated bitch bleeding, this can happen if there is any ovarian remnant in her body with the capacity to trigger the cycle and you should report this to the veterinarian. Any other bleeding from the vulva or penis may indicate pathologies such as a urinary tract infection, which is also a reason for veterinary consultation.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.