{"id":3562,"date":"2025-03-28T20:15:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-28T10:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/?p=3562"},"modified":"2025-05-06T13:46:03","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T03:46:03","slug":"step-by-step-vasectomy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/?p=3562","title":{"rendered":"Step by Step: Vasectomy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Article provided by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/\">Vetlexicon Canis<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Contributors <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/awitkowskahotmail.com\">Agata Witkowska<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/davidsonap\/\">Autumn P Davidson<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Images <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/robert-j-mccarthy\/\">Robert J. McCarthy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rationale for technique<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To remove and\/or occlude a portion of the ductus deferens to prevent spermatozoa from being ejaculated during copulation and thus render the male infertile.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For the purpose of this article only open surgical vasectomy technique is described.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Uses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gonad-sparing neutering technique.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advantages<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Preservation of sexual drive and behaviors which may be desirable in some cases, eg police dog.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alternative to gonadectomy&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/reproduction\/articles\/castration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Castration<\/a>&nbsp;permitting maintenance of gonadal endocrinologic function.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preservation of physical appearance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Disadvantages<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sexual drive and behaviors are retained leading to undesirable habits such as territorial marking, mounting and aggression.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long-term studies evaluating benefits of gonadectomy versus vasectomy are ongoing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Requires some basic to moderate surgical experience to ensure sufficient spermatic duct is removed or occluded to guarantee sterility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vasectomy is often a lengthier procedure than traditional gonadectomy and carries a higher risk of failure and complications. Vasectomy is not generally reversible. Both should be discussed with the owner in the pre-surgical assessment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Technical problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Initially vasectomy may take longer for the beginner\/inexperienced surgeon prolonging anesthetic time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Requires good anatomical knowledge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overweight and obese animals are likely to have more inguinal fat hindering easy localization of the spermatic cord. This can be overcome by manipulation of the testicle in a cranial and caudal direction to tense the cord which may ease visualization during subcutaneous dissection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alternative techniques<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Leaving the animal intact.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Surgical gonadectomy&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/reproduction\/articles\/castration\/\">Castration<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medical castration \u2013 eg GnRH agonist implants (Supralorin)&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/pharmacology-and-therapeutics\/articles\/deslorelin\/\">Deslorelin<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chemical vasectomy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Time required<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preparation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Standard surgical scrub and sterile technique is required&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/surgery-orthopedic\/articles\/surgical-asepsis-and-scrubbing\/\">Surgical asepsis and scrubbing<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Procedure<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>10-20 min for an experienced soft tissue surgeon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Decision taking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Criteria for choosing procedure<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Where alteration of physical appearance is not desirable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where retention of sexual drive is desirable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where decreased risk of pregnancy is important in multi-dog households, but early castration is not desirable, eg young giant breeds of dogs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Before vasectomy is performed it is important to perform a full clinical exam and consider testicular ultrasonography&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/diagnostic-imaging\/articles\/ultrasonography-testes\/\">Ultrasonography: testes<\/a>&nbsp;to ensure no pre-existing reproductive pathology is present. The testes, epididymi and prostate should be palpated and possibly evaluated ultrasonographically&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/diagnostic-imaging\/articles\/ultrasonography-prostate\/\">Ultrasonography: prostate<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Risk assessment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Desirability of retaining sexual behavior and the ethics of this should be considered. Clients should be warned of this and gonadectomy discussed as an alternative.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Risk of anesthesia, hemorrhage, infection and wound breakdown.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Risk of procedure failing and accidental pregnancies if the male is in contact with intact bitches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Risk of scrotal and testicular discomfort secondary to epididymal fluid extravasation and\/or formation of a sperm granuloma. Subsequent scrotal dermatitis can occur.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Semen peritonitis has been reported.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Personnel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Veterinarian expertise<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Basic surgical expertise.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understanding of the anatomy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other involvement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Owners are required to monitor patients for post-operative wound interference, swelling, breakdown and infection. A period of post-operative confinement\/rest is advised.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Materials required<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Minimum equipment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Standard soft tissue dissection\/basic surgery kit is sufficient.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ideal equipment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Magnification loupes for smaller individuals, eg miniature dog breeds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ophthalmologic surgical pack with fine instruments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Minimum consumables<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Monofilament, absorbable suture such as polydioxanone in sizes 4-0 to 0 for giant breeds is the author\u2019s choice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preparation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pre-medication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Depending on pre-anesthetic ASA grade, standard pre-medication combination may be used as in case of surgical neutering. Because both sedation and analgesia should be provided, general anesthesia is advised&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/anesthesia\/articles\/general-anesthesia-overview\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">General anesthesia: overview<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dietary preparation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The decision on how long an animal should be nil-by-mouth prior to surgery rests with the veterinary surgeon and is decided on a case-by-case basis based on factors such as age, size, health, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Site preparation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clip the prescrotal and cranial scrotal area carefully as per routine pre-scrotal castration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Routine skin preoperative preparation&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/surgery-orthopedic\/articles\/surgical-asepsis-and-scrubbing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Surgical asepsis and scrubbing<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other preparation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Once the animal has been anesthetized and blood pressure measurements performed&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/anesthesia\/articles\/arterial-blood-pressure-oscillometric\/\">Arterial blood pressure: oscillometric<\/a>&nbsp;and found satisfactory, administer additional analgesia in the form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs intra or post operatively such as Meloxicam&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/internal-medicine\/articles\/meloxicam\/\">Meloxicam<\/a>&nbsp;at 0.2 mg\/kg loading dose subcutaneously.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider a multimodal analgesia approach incorporating the use of subcutaneous local anesthetics such as lidocaine&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/anesthesia\/articles\/lidocaine\/\">Lidocaine<\/a>&nbsp;and bupivacaine&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/neurology\/articles\/bupivacaine\/\">Bupivacaine<\/a>&nbsp;at incision sites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Although vasectomy carries a lower risk than castration, consider pre-anesthetic lungworm\/heartworm testing&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/cardiology\/articles\/angiostrongylosis\/\">Angiostrongylus<\/a>&nbsp;if in an endemic area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gently manually empty the bladder.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Restraint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Restrain for intravenous catheter placement or intramuscular pre-medication\/anesthesia administration as standard.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The dog or cat is placed in dorsal recumbency for the procedure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:47% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"629\" src=\"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download.png\" alt=\"The patient is clipped, scrubbed and draped as shown.\" class=\"wp-image-3563 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download.png 800w, https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-300x236.png 300w, https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-768x604.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1 \u2013&nbsp;<strong>Make a pre-scrotal incision<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The spermatic cords can be palpated either side of the usual pre-scrotal midline incision (as performed during routine castration). These can be felt subcutaneously and if hard to find (overweight animals) the testicles can be manipulated cranially and caudally within the scrotum in a cranial and caudal direction to better visualize them. This technique can also be used once the incision is made if localization is difficult.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make a 1-3 cm midline pre-scrotal incision cranial to the scrotum<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/reproduction\/images\/vasectomy-prescrotal-incision\/\"><\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alternatively, two incisions over each vas can be made. Image \u00a9 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/robert-j-mccarthy\/\">Robert J. Mc<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2 \u2013&nbsp;<strong>Dissect off the midline incision<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make a lateral dissection either side of the mid-line incision to identify the spermatic cord.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If abundant subcutaneous fat is present retractors may be useful.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3 \u2013&nbsp;<strong>Identify the spermatic cord<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:52% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"694\" src=\"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3564 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-1.png 800w, https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-1-300x260.png 300w, https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-1-768x666.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The spermatic cord is made up of the ductus deferens (vas deferens) and the associated artery as well as the testicular artery<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/reproduction\/images\/vasectomy-exposing-vas-deferens\/\"><\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The cord is covered in the tunica vaginalis. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Image \u00a9 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/robert-j-mccarthy\/\">Robert J. Mc<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:auto 47%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Once identified, the cord is undermined with a pair of hemostats for gentle dissection. Image \u00a9 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/robert-j-mccarthy\/\">Robert J. Mc<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3565 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-2.png 800w, https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-2-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-2-768x576.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4 \u2013&nbsp;<strong>Incise the tunic vaginalis<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Taking care not to damage the pampiniform plexus, make an incision into the tunic at proposed vasectomy site.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blunt dissection can be used for this.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5 \u2013&nbsp;<strong>Excise a portion of the ductus deferens<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The ductus deferens (sperm duct) appears as a white tubular structure and is easy to differentiate from surrounding vasculature.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place two encircling ligatures 1-2 cm apart using fine absorbable suture(or coated multifilament sutures like polyglactin 910 (Vicryl, Ethicon) or polydioxanone (PDS, Ethicon)) in sizes 4\/0-2\/0 depending on the size of the patient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Following this, excise the proposed portion of the duct<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-3.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3566\" width=\"373\" height=\"280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-3.png 800w, https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-3-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-3-768x576.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 373px) 100vw, 373px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image \u00a9 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/robert-j-mccarthy\/\">Robert J. Mc<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-4.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3567\" width=\"386\" height=\"291\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-4.png 800w, https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-4-300x226.png 300w, https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-4-768x578.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 386px) 100vw, 386px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Section excised. The use of hemoclips is just for visualization. Suture ligation is generally used. Image \u00a9 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/robert-j-mccarthy\/\">Robert J. Mc<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Recanalization has been reported if a duct is simply severed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"grid-template-columns:47% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"524\" src=\"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3568 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-5.png 800w, https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-5-300x197.png 300w, https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/download-5-768x503.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 6 \u2013&nbsp;<strong>Close the incision and repeat the procedure on the contralateral side<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Using the same steps repeat the procedure on the contralateral side.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The parietal vaginal tunic is closed also with fine absorbable suture<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/reproduction\/images\/vasectomy-wound-closure\/\"><\/a>and the skin is closed with an absorbable suture in a subcuticular pattern. The procedure is then repeated on the opposite side if two incisions were elected.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Incision in the tunic does not need to be closed. As the testicle has not been excised, there is no risk of organ prolapse via the inguinal canal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inspect for bleeding and if none present, close the subcutaneous space with a simple interrupted or continuous pattern using the same suture materials as proposed above.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Close the skin with an intradermal suture pattern. The author advises poliglecaprone 25 in size 4\/0-3\/0 depending on the size of the patient ensuring all sutures are buried. This reduces the risk of post-operative interference. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Image \u00a9 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/robert-j-mccarthy\/\">Robert J. Mc<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Retain the excised tissue<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To ensure the spermatic cord has been resected the tissue can be preserved on a microscopic slide, sent for histopathology and in house cytology of contained material performed in house to visualize sperm.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aftercare<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Immediate aftercare<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Monitoring<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recovery is routine, as for patients who have undergone neutering.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure a medical pet t-shirt, buster collar, Elizabethan collar or comfy collar has been applied to reduce the risk of post-operative wound interference by the patient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure the patient is monitored and TPR performed every 15 minutes for the first hour of anesthetic recovery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Analgesia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Analgesia in the form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, when appropriate, or gabapentin&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/pharmacology-and-therapeutics\/articles\/gabapentin\/\">Gabapentin<\/a>&nbsp;may continue for 3-5 days post-operatively.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Antimicrobial therapy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>None required for routine surgery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Potential complications<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wound breakdown and infection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Azospermia in the dog can take a period of 5 days to 4 weeks, the owner should be made aware of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Outcomes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Complications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wound breakdown and infection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complications associated with poorly monitored anesthetic recovery such as hypothermia&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/anesthesia\/articles\/hypothermia\/\">Hypothermia<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sperm granulomas have been reported in dogs where inappropriate ligation of epididymal tail rather than vas deferens has occurred. This may result in testicular dilation and necrosis requiring surgical castration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chronic scrotal dermatitis has also been reported following vasectomy in dogs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prognosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Good to excellent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reasons for treatment failure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Poor surgical technique and rough tissue handling resulting in granuloma formation and wound breakdown.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amputation of incorrect structures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Infection and wound breakdown associated with lack of operative sterility and post-operative interference.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Further Reading<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Publications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Refereed papers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recent references from&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/?term=%28canine+OR+dog%29+AND+%28vasectomy%29\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PubMed<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cabidigitallibrary.org\/action\/doSearch?AllField=Dog+vasectomy&amp;ConceptID=500081\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VetMedResource<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bach J, Cutchin E &amp; Friedrichs K (2024)&nbsp;<strong>Seminoperitoneum in a Dog with a History of a Vasectomy: Case Report<\/strong>.&nbsp;<em>J Am Anim Hosp Assoc&nbsp;<\/em><strong>60&nbsp;<\/strong>(3), 100-104&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38662996\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PubMed<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hess R A, Park C J, Soto S&nbsp;<em>et al&nbsp;<\/em>(2024)&nbsp;<strong>Male animal sterilization: history, current practices, and potential methods for replacing castration<\/strong>.&nbsp;<em>Front Vet Sci<\/em>&nbsp;<strong>3<\/strong>&nbsp;(11), 1409386&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/39027909\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PubMed<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>McCarthy R (2019)&nbsp;<strong>Traditional surgical and laparoscopic vasectomy in dogs and cats.<\/strong>&nbsp;<em>Clin Theriogenol<\/em>&nbsp;<strong>11<\/strong>&nbsp;(3), 243-246&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaltheriogenology.net\/index.php\/CT\/article\/view\/9495\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clin Ther<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>McCarthy R, Lveine S &amp; Reed, J (2013)&nbsp;<strong>Estimation of effectiveness of three methods of feral cat population control by use of a simulation model.<\/strong>&nbsp;<em>JAVMA<\/em>&nbsp;<strong>243<\/strong>&nbsp;(3),&nbsp; 502-511.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23902443\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PubMed<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Levy J, Crawford P, Appel L &amp; Clifford E (2007)&nbsp;<strong>Comparison of intratesticular injection of zinc gluconate versus surgical castration to sterilize male dogs<\/strong>.&nbsp;<em>AJVR<\/em>&nbsp;<strong>69<\/strong>&nbsp;(1), 140-143&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18167099\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PubMed<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Perez-Marin C, Lopez R, Dominguez J &amp; Zafra R (2006)&nbsp;<strong>Clinical and pathological findings in testis, epididymis, deferens duct and prostate following vasectomy in a dog.<\/strong>&nbsp;<em>Repro Domest Anim<\/em>&nbsp;<strong>41<\/strong>&nbsp;(2), 169-174&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16519724\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PubMed<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Schiff J D, Li P S, Schlegel P N &amp;, Goldstein M (2003)&nbsp;<strong>Rapid disappearance of spermatozoa after vasal occlusion in the dog<\/strong>.&nbsp;<em>J Androl<\/em>&nbsp;<strong>24<\/strong>&nbsp;(3), 361-363&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/12721211\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PubMed<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mayenco A, Fernandez P &amp; Muela M (1996)&nbsp;<strong>Sperm granuloma in the dog: Complications of vasectomy<\/strong>.&nbsp;<em>J Small Anim Prat<\/em>&nbsp;<strong>37<\/strong>&nbsp;(8), 392-393&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/8872942\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PubMed<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>McMahon A J, Buckley J, Taylor A&nbsp;<em>et al<\/em>&nbsp;(1992)&nbsp;<strong>Chronic testicular pain following vasectomy<\/strong><em>. Br J Urol<\/em>&nbsp;<strong>69<\/strong>&nbsp;(2), 188-191&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/1537032\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PubMed<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pineda M &amp; Dooley M (1984)&nbsp;<strong>Surgical and chemical vasectomy in the cat<\/strong>.&nbsp;<em>Am J of Vet Res<\/em>&nbsp;<strong>45&nbsp;<\/strong>(2), 291-300&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/6711952\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PubMed<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wildt D, Seager W &amp; Bridges C (1981)&nbsp;<strong>Sterilization of the male dog and cat by laparoscopic occlusion of the ductus deferens.&nbsp;<\/strong><em>Am J of Vet Res<\/em>&nbsp;<strong>42<\/strong>&nbsp;(11), 1888-1897&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/6461282\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PubMed<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other sources of information<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fossum T W &amp; Hedlund C S (2007)&nbsp;<strong>Surgery of the reproductive and genital systems<\/strong>. In:&nbsp;<em>Small Animal Surgery<\/em>. 3rd edn. Ed: Fossum T W. Mosby Elsevier, USA. pp 702\u2013744.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>by Agata Witkowska and Autumn P Davidson<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Originally published on Vetlexicon at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/surgery-soft-tissue\/articles\/vasectomy\/\">https:\/\/www.vetlexicon.com\/canis\/surgery-soft-tissue\/articles\/vasectomy\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Article published with permission <strong>\u00a9 2025 Vetstream Ltd<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/share-eu1.hsforms.com\/2OPsgYk_URo-7iVdmI_OPZQ2di7dx\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"127\" src=\"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/The-Veterinarian-Aus-Leaderboard-Ad-1024x127.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3559\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/The-Veterinarian-Aus-Leaderboard-Ad-1024x127.gif 1024w, https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/The-Veterinarian-Aus-Leaderboard-Ad-300x37.gif 300w, https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/The-Veterinarian-Aus-Leaderboard-Ad-768x95.gif 768w, https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/The-Veterinarian-Aus-Leaderboard-Ad-1536x190.gif 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Article provided by Vetlexicon Canis. Contributors Agata Witkowska and Autumn P Davidson Images Robert J. McCarthy Rationale for technique Uses Advantages Disadvantages Technical problems Alternative techniques Time required Preparation Procedure Decision taking Criteria for choosing procedure Risk assessment Requirements Personnel Veterinarian expertise Other involvement Materials required Minimum equipment Ideal equipment Minimum consumables Preparation Pre-medication Dietary [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[67],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3562","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-features"],"rise-blocks_total_comments":0,"rise-blocks_categories":[{"term_id":67,"name":"Features","slug":"features","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":68,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":63,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":67,"category_count":63,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Features","category_nicename":"features","category_parent":0}],"rise-blocks_excerpt":"Article provided by Vetlexicon Canis. Contributors Agata Witkowska and Autumn P Davidson Images Robert J. McCarthy Rationale for technique Uses Advantages Disadvantages Technical problems Alternative techniques Time required Preparation Procedure Decision taking Criteria for choosing procedure Risk assessment Requirements Personnel Veterinarian expertise Other involvement Materials required Minimum equipment Ideal equipment Minimum consumables Preparation Pre-medication Dietary preparation Site preparation Other preparation..","blog_post_layout_featured_media_urls":{"thumbnail":"","full":""},"categories_names":{"67":{"name":"Features","link":"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/?cat=67"}},"tags_names":[],"comments_number":"0","wpmagazine_modules_lite_featured_media_urls":{"thumbnail":"","cvmm-medium":"","cvmm-medium-plus":"","cvmm-portrait":"","cvmm-medium-square":"","cvmm-large":"","cvmm-small":"","full":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3562","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3562"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3562\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3598,"href":"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3562\/revisions\/3598"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3562"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3562"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theveterinarian.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3562"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}