DOG CASTRATION "BREW" COOK - WEIMERANER - MALE - AGE 5 YRS
Brew is a silver Weimeraner, male, age five years. He was admitted for elective castration following recent episodes of overtly sexual behaviour and dominance. It was suggested by the veterinary surgeon that neutering could help to solve these behavioural problems by eliminating the release of the male sex hormone testosterone.

Testosterone is produced by the interstitial cells of the testis (cells of Leydig) and is responsible for sperm production and the development and maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics.

Beneficial results that may result from castration include reduction of excessive libido and reduction of aggression. It was hoped that the surgery, combined with a retraining program would make Brew an easier dog for his owner to handle.

Bilateral orchidectomy was performed under general anaesthesia. Surgery was unremarkable and no complications such as haemorrhage were evident. Post- operatively, Brew regained his reflexes and appeared to begin to make a normal recovery. He was placed in the recovery room for monitoring for half an hour and then returned to his kennel having made a satisfactory recuperation.

It was noted that Brew was very vocal upon his return to the kennel. Excessive vocalisation may indicate pain. However, 2.6mls of an analgesic drug (Rimadyl) had already been administered pre-operatively. The veterinary surgeon was consulted and advised that further pain relief should not be necessary.

I examined Brew closely, as I was concerned that he had remained in lateral recumbency and had made no attempt to move. He was visibly breathing, but I checked to ensure that the airway was clear prior to undertaking any further investigations. It was possible that Brew was suffering from hypovolaemic shock following internal bleeding. I noted a substantial amount of capillary haemorrhage at the operating site and immediately applied a cool compress to stem the blood flow.

Brew's temperature was then taken and recorded as 38°C which is in the normal range for dogs recovering from general anaesthesia (although slightly lower than the range considered normal in fully conscious adult dogs, ie. 38.3 - 38.7°C). I also checked his extremities and found these to be of a normal temperature.

I then checked Brew's mucous membrane colour and capillary refill time which were both normal. His tongue and gums were pink, and his CRT less than 2 seconds. It was impossible to accurately assess Brew's respiratory rate and listen to his heart due to the constant vocalising and subsequent chest movements. His pulse, however, was strong, regular and within the normal range at 68 beats per minute. These details were duly recorded on the in-patient records.

Finally, I assessed Brew's hydration level by tenting his skin. This sprung back easily indicating that he was not suffering from dehydration. Following my assessment, I was happy that Brew was not in surgical shock. The compress had stopped the haemorrhage by vasoconstriction and was removed. I then ensured that the heat pad was warm and that adequate blankets were provided before enlisting the assistance of a veterinary nurse to help clean the wound.

Sterile saline was warmed to body temperature and used with swabs to gently remove the bloodstains. Caution was exercised in order to prevent disturbance of the clot which had formed at the area. The incision wound was then carefully dried and covered with a sterile, absorbent, non-adhesive dressing which was regularly checked throughout the rest of the day. I was anxious to prevent excessive movement or patient interference, either of which could have caused further haemorrhage. Brew was checked every 5 minutes for the next half hour, and then every half an hour until he was considered well enough to be discharged. No further haemorrhage occurred.

Prior to discharge, Brew's dressing was removed in order to check for haemorrhage and/or loose sutures. The surgical wound was found to be clean and dry. An Elizabethan collar was fitted in order to prevent the patient from licking at the scrotal sack and making himself sore. A dressing was not deemed practical at this site since it would have been likely to become soiled during defecation.

The owner was advised that some bleeding had occurred following the surgery. It was strongly recommended that strict rest be enforced and a very close eye kept on the surgical site. The veterinary surgeon advised re-examination after 3 days in order to check Brew's wound and general demeanour.