Neutering/spaying questions

[sweetlychee]

I'm pretty nervous about this but Milo is 7 months old now. I was wondering if this is the best time to get him neutered. I also have some concerns:

1. Does this change his temperament or personality? He's a very energetic dog and I don't want him to change.
2. How much does it usually cost?
3. How long does it take for him to heal or stay with the vet?

I think neutering him is the best. I heard he can live longer and have lesser complications. But, since he's our first sweet corgi, I would like to know more about this process.

Thanks all!

[Fluffypants]

It's natural to be nervous before your baby goes under the knife. I'm no expert as far as the BEST time to fix him, but I would think 6-7 months is ideal. That was the age recommended by our breeder & vet. And it will not drastically change his temperament, the changes will likely be between subtle and unnoticeable. It's usually an outpatient procedure, so he can come home the same day. Jackie had to limit her activity for 2 weeks, but she was spayed, which is much more invasive than neutering. So Milo should be his regular spunky self in much less time!!!

And you're right about the less complications . . . certainly there is much less risk of getting testicular cancer!

[Checkers]

1. Hehe... I can tell you 100% certain after having more dogs "fixed" than I can remember that it absolutely does NOT change their personality or energy levels! Checkers is a VERY active boy with lots of spunk and he was fixed at about 4 months of age. Six months is just fine to have him fixed as well.

2. Cost varies greatly with the area you are in and also if you choose a standard procedure or laser. The laser is said to speed up healing time but also tends to add quite a bit to the price. I believe my current vet is about $65 for a standard and $200 for the laser. For a male dog I honestly would go with standard if there is a big price difference. (I would try laser for a female though because of how much more invasive it is.) Best thing is to just call around to get an idea of prices. Also check with your local humane society to see if they can recommend places that will give discounts.

3. Most neuters get dropped off at the vet in the morning and picked up in the evening. They will probably ask if you want any pain meds for him but I wouldn't bother unless he is showing he needs them. Checkers was up and running around like normal the next morning... though they will probably encourage you to keep him relatively quiet and clean for a week or so until the incision has had a chance to heal.

I agree.. it is perfectly normal to be nervous any time your baby is at the vet.. but a neuter is probably the safest operation done now and your little man will be much less distracted by those pesky women afterwards! Best of luck to Milo!

-Cheryl

[corgimom]

Cody's neuter cost $170 - this included the procedure itself, plus his IV surgical Bundle and some meds...Cody's was a neuter/spay because one of his testicles did not descend, so the neuter cost a slight bit more. they give him meds through the IV also.

I also had him microchipped at that time, which added another $45.00 to the $170 cost.

It has not changed his personality - and he is still as active as he was before the neutering. The doctor gave me some rimadyl, in case he needed it(just a 3 day supply) - I think I only used the pills for one day.

You do have to keep them from jumping for at least a week to 10 days(per my vets instructions) because of the stitches. Also need to keep the incision dry - hard to do when grass comes in contact with those tummies - just pat it dry if that is the case

You may be given one of those collars to use for you dog to help stop him if he tries to lick his incision. I used a baby onesie instead.

JeniD on this forum had the laser surgery done on Dudley, and maybe she will
read this and mention how she liked that route and the cost.

Good luck, I think this is a good time to have it done.

[Fluffypants]

The onesies also help keep the incision clean/dry! Plus, they look SOOOOOO cute in them!

[corgimom]

Yes, I bought a 3 pack, so I could change him and keep him clean - They do look cute dressed in one.

[tandemgal]

Chloe went thru it about a month ago. She was sore and tender for a few days but then that corgi butt started right back up at full speed!

I do think she is better at comming back to me when we are in the yard and I call her. The last few weeks b4 her surgery she was getting very hard of hearing LOL

[jprechel]

I'm glad sweetlychee started this thread! We are in the process of getting Ace fixed as well. We want him micro chipped at the same time. I am very nervous about the whole ordeal and felt better after reading all the replies. I definitely want to look into the laser procedure if it as a quicker healing time. As for the onesies, that works for cardis too right?

[darci]

Egan goes next month, our vet requires a 24 hour stay, but is going to let us bring him home that afternoon. He knows we crate him and how neurotic I am when it comes to their health. LOL

[Checkers]

As for the onesies, that works for cardis too right?

I would think it would work just as well for a cardi. Would just have to cut a hole in it for his tail and you'd be good to go!

-Cheryl

[corgimom]

The onesies should work, yes just cut a hole for the tail OR...

What I actually did, was turn the onesies around, so that the snaps came up on top of the back, rather than in the belly area and actually, if you do it my
way, his tail may be able to fit between the snap area. Not sure.

I got my onesies at a place called Burlington Coat Factory...they had the biggest assortment of sizes and I got Cody a 3 toddler with short sleeves because he is rather long and I made a few snips in the neck area. He did look cute.

I must say though that one morning when I came down to get him out of his crate, he had completely wiggled his way out of it.

[sweetlychee]

After the procedure, does Milo need to go back to see the doc like a post operation check up?

[glencorgi]

The vet will give you all information regarding post surgical care.

Debbie

[sweetlychee]

Thank you for all your help. I think we will schedule Milo for next weekend or near Labor Day since I'm getting some days off. After Milo has the procedure, I'll be sure to post about it.