Neuter, clip, inject?

Question:

A neighbor got a shelter dog. “Rowdy” appeared to be an intact male. But the new owner said that was how males can be neutered now, just ‘clipped’ but not the testicles removed.  I thought the idea of neutering was to not only prevent breeding but also to reduce prostate cancer?  Is this a new procedure for male dogs? How can one tell if a male dog has been neutered?

Dr. Nichol:

Your neighbor may be confusing removal of the testicles with vasectomy or neutering by injection. Any of these methods would sterilize Rowdy but only surgical neutering (castration) would make his status clear to neighbors with binoculars and inquiring minds. His risk of prostate disease as well as hernias and tumors of the rear end (perianal adenomas) would be essentially eliminated.

Vasectomies, or “clipping” is seldom done for dogs. A common procedure in men, it means that the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm from the testicles) have been severed and permanently tied off. If Rowdy has had a vasectomy he won’t get father’s day cards but he might still be a canine Casanova, jumping the fence in pursuit of the young and the restless. Because of his continued testosterone production (male hormone) he would still be at risk of prostate disease.

Vasectomy is not new for pets. In my practice I have only performed them on dogs owned by bohemians, interested in sharing their free-spirited lifestyles. This minor surgery accomplishes reliable population control while allowing these cads to, well, you know what I mean.

There is a relatively new neutering procedure that employs a drug called Zeuterin (zinc gluconate) that’s injected directly into the testicles of 3-10 month old male puppies. Also known as “zinc neutering” it eliminates sperm production and reduces testosterone but the procedure requires special training. Some dogs experience serious pain and swelling following administration. Their testicles atrophy but, well, at least they still have them. Surgical neutering is still our best preventive medicine. How would anyone know? Ask Rowdy’s doctor – but only with his consent.

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Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist. He provides consultations in-person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through my website, drjeffnichol.com/contact/ or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.