Neuter Flashcards
What is the testicle? What is a neuter?
male reproductive gland that produces sperm
surgical removal of BOTH testicles regardless of location
- castration
- orchiectomy
- orchidectomy
What are the 3 main reasons to neuter pets?
- sterilization - population control, less likely to be returned to the shelter
- removal of male characteristics - removes primary source of testosterone important for prostate health, decreases roaming behaviors, lowers aggression, decreases odor and urine spraying
- disease control/treatment - healthier with age
What is the difference between routine/elective neuters and neuters for medical treatment?
ROUTINE/ELECTIVE - young, happy, healthy patients with no clinical signs
MEDICAL TREATMENT - patients with some kind of disease process typically involving the testicles and/or epididymis with clinical signs relating to the underlying disease process
When are healthy canines and felines neutered?
CANINE: 6 months to 2 years depending on breed and lifestyle and tends to be earlier in shelter medicine (unlikely to see the dog after adoption)
FELINE: 6 months+
What diseases/conditions are commonly treated with a neuter?
- cryptorchidism
- testicular hypoplasia/atrophy
- scrotal or testicular trauma
- testicular torsion
- prostatic diseases
- neoplasia
- orchiditis/epididymitis
- perineal hernia
What is cryptorchidism? What are the 2 types?
one or both testicles do not descend from the abdomen (undescended = prone to cancer, genetic predisposition and should not be bred)
- inguinal - made it through abdomen
- abdominal - inside
What are 2 common presentations upon physical exam with cryptorchidism?
- may be able to palpate the testicle in the inguinal canal (ultrasound if you cannot for surgical planning)
- abdominal mass
What neoplasia is cryptorchidism commonly secondary to? What are 2 clinical signs of this?
Sertoli cell tumors
- alopecia
- enlarged mammary glands
What is testicular hypoplasia/atrophy?
poor development or degeneration of the testicles, typically without clinical signs unless associated with neoplasia
How does scrotal/testicular trauma present? What is the most common cause?
scrotal/testicular swelling or discoloration, hemorrhage, and/or pain
blunt force trauma
What is testicular torsion? How does it typically present?
spermatic chord rotates on itself, which leads to ischemia
- necrosis
- acute scrotal/testicular swelling
- pain**
What 4 prostatic diseases can be treated with a neuter? Why does this work?
- prostatitis
- prostatic cyst and abscess
- prostatic hypertrophy (most common in intact males)
- prostatic cancer
testosterone increases prostatic size and neutering will cut off the supply of testosterone
What are 5 clinical signs associated with prostatic disease?
- constipation
- straining to defecate (tenesmus)
- abdominal pain
- straining to urinate
- hematuria/urine discoloration
What 3 neoplasias require a neuter for treatment?
- testicular neoplasia
- scrotal neoplasia
- perianal gland adenoma
What are 5 common clinical signs pointing to neoplasia requiring neuter for treatment?
- enlargement of 1 or both testicles
- enlargement of scrotum
- pain
- hair loss
- mammary gland enlargement
What is the difference between orchitis and epididymitis? What are 5 clinical signs?
- ORCHITIS: inflammation/infection of the testicle
- EPIDIDYMITIS: inflammation/infection of epididymis
- testicular/scrotal pain and swelling
- depression
- lethargy
- fever
- anorexia
What are perineal hernias secondary to?
progressive weakness and failure of the pelvic diaphragm (displaced pelvis allows organs to fall through gap)
- high likelihood in intact males, likely due to hormone imbalances
What are 4 clinical signs of perineal hernias?
- swelling adjacent to rectum
- constipation
- straining to defecate
- straining to urinate