DOn't know the answer to your question just commenting on your statement that a little over a year old is "a little late" I personally would NEVER neuter a dog before a year old so your doing good I think.
Chemical neutering?
Scrambles is now a little more than a year old and the fiance and I are now looking into getting him neutered (a little late I know, but better than never). He is due for his yearly exam soon and I am going to bring up neutering to our vet, but recently I've heard about chemical neutering. For those whom haven't heard of such a thing, here's a explanation from an article on the web:
"There is a new method for neutering (blocking male reproduction), it’s chemical, and its low cost (about $4 — yes, $4) makes it look like an extremely attractive option for rescues and adoption groups. It is currently only approved for dogs in the US. It is called EsterilSol. It is essentially the same chemical that used to be in Neutersol, but given in a different manner (one needle for drawing the medication into the syringe and then a separate needle is put on the syringe to inject the dog — this eliminates the surface irritation that Neutersol gave some dogs at the injection site). It’s now been tested on dogs of a variety or ages, not just puppies. And it’s being made elsewhere, for a hugely lower price. Esterlisol is injected into the dog’s testes, and it stops sperm production."
My question is, have any fellow doggie parents out there had their dog chemically neutered? I'm interested to hear stories about how it worked for them, if they noticed any changes in their behavior (less marking, calmer, etc), the cost of the procedure vs typical castration. Of course I will ask my vet's opinion when Scrambles goes in for his exam in May. Just trying to gather some info now! Thanks everyone!
Oh a sidenote: yes it is FDA approved
"There is a new method for neutering (blocking male reproduction), it’s chemical, and its low cost (about $4 — yes, $4) makes it look like an extremely attractive option for rescues and adoption groups. It is currently only approved for dogs in the US. It is called EsterilSol. It is essentially the same chemical that used to be in Neutersol, but given in a different manner (one needle for drawing the medication into the syringe and then a separate needle is put on the syringe to inject the dog — this eliminates the surface irritation that Neutersol gave some dogs at the injection site). It’s now been tested on dogs of a variety or ages, not just puppies. And it’s being made elsewhere, for a hugely lower price. Esterlisol is injected into the dog’s testes, and it stops sperm production."
My question is, have any fellow doggie parents out there had their dog chemically neutered? I'm interested to hear stories about how it worked for them, if they noticed any changes in their behavior (less marking, calmer, etc), the cost of the procedure vs typical castration. Of course I will ask my vet's opinion when Scrambles goes in for his exam in May. Just trying to gather some info now! Thanks everyone!
Oh a sidenote: yes it is FDA approved
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It is in the U.S.
. I know my neighbor in Japan had their cat chemically castrated (and he soon acted like a neutered male and his testicles shrunk so he looked neutered, too, so I think it was different than this product), and I was surprised when we moved to the U.S. and the vets hadn't even heard of it.
Oh, didn't realise that. I've known of it for 10+ years. Dunno if it's the same product though, probably not.It is in the U.S.
Thank you everyone for your replies! I was just under the impression that a year was "too late" because a few owners I've run into for some reason or another seem shocked that he's a little over a year old and hasn't been fixed yet - so I guess they kind of put that thought in my mind - they made me think I was doing something wrong! It's good to know that I've made the right decision by waiting, I can't thank you all enough for your support about that It makes me feel a lot better!
After my post I did read a little more into it, and I found that sometimes they continue marking, etc. I want him to be sterilized (my mother owns an un-spayed yorkie and he grew up with her, but I don't want to take any risks by bringing him over for visits) but I've also noticed some aggression towards males - which is a fairly new thing, a lot of people are attributing this to the fact that he's intact. Who knows! But of course there's also the health benefits of castration...I guess I'll see what my vet has to say!
And I know it won't cost $4...wouldn't that be nice though! I think that price is more for shelters or maybe just the cost of the drug itself...but I know it will be much more than that. My vet visit alone is around $50! And I'm sure they'll have to sedate him...the vet office isn't his favorite place in the world. I think another thing that worries me about your typical neutering is putting him under. I know it's a VERY routine procedure...but he's my baby and it still frightens me of course...I know I'm probably just getting myself worked up over nothing though.
I think the pros for me so far are:
No surgery
No need to put him under
Quick
Cons:
Some still act like they're un-neutered
My vet may not even offer this - assuming I decide to go that route
It probably costs a bajillion dollars (but what doesn't?)
Guess we'll have to see what happens!
It makes me feel a lot better! After my post I did read a little more into it, and I found that sometimes they continue marking, etc. I want him to be sterilized (my mother owns an un-spayed yorkie and he grew up with her, but I don't want to take any risks by bringing him over for visits) but I've also noticed some aggression towards males - which is a fairly new thing, a lot of people are attributing this to the fact that he's intact. Who knows! But of course there's also the health benefits of castration...I guess I'll see what my vet has to say!
And I know it won't cost $4...wouldn't that be nice though! I think that price is more for shelters or maybe just the cost of the drug itself...but I know it will be much more than that. My vet visit alone is around $50! And I'm sure they'll have to sedate him...the vet office isn't his favorite place in the world. I think another thing that worries me about your typical neutering is putting him under. I know it's a VERY routine procedure...but he's my baby and it still frightens me of course...I know I'm probably just getting myself worked up over nothing though.
I think the pros for me so far are:
No surgery
No need to put him under
Quick
Cons:
Some still act like they're un-neutered
My vet may not even offer this - assuming I decide to go that route
It probably costs a bajillion dollars (but what doesn't?)
Guess we'll have to see what happens!
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