Neutering
Anaesthesia
Greyhounds are sensitive to anaesthesia, as their system does not process toxins as efficiently as other dogs. ALWAYS find a vet which knows about the specific requirements of the breed - if necessary your rehoming centre should be able to recommend someone.
When Cray was neutered, he fell asleep in the car on the short drive home, and had to be lifted out. For the rest of the evening he was the Incredible Sleeping Dog - lying comatose but with open eyes. Occasionally he would get up for a few minutes - then flop down again. This is normal for a greyhound and you should expect your dog to need to sleep off the anaesthetic when he gets home.
Spaying (female)
I know less about this as my dog is male! So here are some good links on external sites:
The basic facts:
- Spaying involves removal of the ovaries and uterus.
- It is a routine procedure which usually involves an overnight stay at the vets.
- After spaying, your bitch will no longer come into heat (avoiding mess, and indoor confinement).
- Spaying prevents health issues such as phantom pregnancies and pyometra.
- Most rescue and retirement centres will expect you to have it done, if she is not already neutered.
Castration (male)
I wanted to learn more about this before it was done and could find few details, so I have taken some photos of before and after for anyone who is similarly curious!
The basic facts:
- Castration involves removal of the testicles.
- It is a routine procedure and the dog usually goes home the same day
- It can reduce marking if it is undertaken before
the dog learns bad habits, and before he learns to cock his
leg. In retired greyhounds it is too late! Instead
see my housetraining page.
- It can reduce roaming, where the dog was going in search of
bitches. However greyhounds will still run after small furry
animals, so be careful to continue keeping him on a lead.
- Most rescue and retirement centres will expect you to have it done, if he is not already neutered.
A small incision is made just in front of the scrotum and the testicles are removed through this hole; the sack is left empty. At first it still appears full, and bloodstained; after a few weeks it is just an empty sack the same colour as the rest of his body. After a few months even the skin sack is barely visible. Before and after photos follow:
 How his balls lay between his legs - looking silly! |
 A day after the operation, still swollen. |
 View of his genital area, stitches visible. |
 A view along his underside. |
|
All has now healed one month later and a thin sack is in place
- in my opinion it looks far less silly than his balls between
his legs! Here's how Cray looks a year later, where it is almost impossible to see a sack at all. He looked like this after a couple of months. | |
 His underbelly and genital area. |
 View from behind as he sleeps - nothing visible any more! |
This page last updated: 01 September 2022
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