Chemical Neutering with Neutersol in Dogs

Chemical Neutering with Neutersol

Neutersol®, also known as Zinc Gluconate/Arginine, is an FDA-approved injectable sterilant. Neutersol is used for chemical castration (“sterilization”) of male dogs 3 to 10 months of age.

According to the manufacturer, Neutersol is a safe, effective, and convenient alternative to surgical castration and is 99.6% effective. Employing Neutersol for castration takes a fraction of the time of surgical castration. This drug is registered for use in dogs only.

Technique and Precautions of using Chemical Neutering

The technique involves injecting Neutersol into each testicle. The volume injected is based on the testicular width as determined by measuring each testicle at its widest point using a metric scale (millimeter) caliper. Its active ingredient, zinc gluconate, causes atrophy of the testes and the prostate, rendering male puppies sterile.

Injections must be properly placed. In dogs that are likely to struggle, sedatives are generally recommended. A small percentage of dogs vocalize following injection. Post-procedural vomiting occurs within 1 minute to 4 hours of injection in approximately 4% of pups. For this reason, food should be withheld for 12 hours prior to injection to help prevent vomiting.

Scrotal pain may be elicited by testicular palpation in a very small percentage of dogs. It is generally occurs in less than 5% of the pups 1 day after the injection, 2% after 2 days, and less than 1% on the 3rd day. Scrotal irritation or dermatitis occurs in approximately 2% of pups following injection. Mild, temporary swelling of the testes is an expected reaction to the injection, which owners will notice within 24 to 48 hours of the injection. The pup’s testes may remain slightly enlarged for a few months after the injection.

Other possible systemic reactions include an increase in the white blood cell count, anorexia, lethargy, and diarrhea. These reactions generally occur about a week after injection.

Unlike surgical castration, puppies treated with Neutersol retain their testes. Testosterone production is not completely halted following the bilateral injection though testosterone blood levels are reduced by 41% to 52%. Because of the presence of testosterone, the risk of diseases processes promoted by testosterone, e.g. certain prostatic diseases and testicular or perianal tumors, may remain unaltered. Also, male behaviors such as roaming, marking,
aggression, or mounting in dogs may not be reduced as effectively as following surgical castration.

Before the Neutersol Procedure in Dogs

It is recommended that pets are not fed for 12 hours prior to the injection unless otherwise direction by your veterinarian.

Neutering by this means can be performed as an outpatient procedure. No sutures are necessary.

Home Care After Chemical Neutering with Neutersol

• It is critical to monitor scrotal irritation and inflammation post-procedurally and to take whatever steps are necessary to prevent the pup from licking or biting its scrotal area. An e-collar may be an effective method.
• It is also important to monitor the pup’s appetite and activity level to ensure its continued well-being.
• Owners should contact their veterinarian immediately if they notice the puppy biting or licking its scrotal area or if they see signs of redness, discharge or ulcerated skin in the scrotal region.
• For seven days after release from the veterinary facility:

– Restrict the pup’s exercise to leash walking.
– Not allow the pup to run, jump, or engage in play activity.
– Not allow the pup to lie on hard or wet surfaces.
– Try to prevent the pup licking or biting its scrotal area.

• Puppies continue to produce sperm for up to 60 days following the procedure. They should be kept away from bitches during this time.
• Recheck with your veterinarian as recommended.