Castration – A Responsible and Beneficial Procedure for Male Pets

 Castration is a surgical procedure that removes the testes in males, thereby stopping sperm production and significantly reducing testosterone levels. Unlike sterilization (which refers to females), castration has a clear medical and behavioral purpose – preventing reproduction, as well as reducing unwanted behaviors and health risks.
 At our veterinary clinics in Novi Sad and Veternik, we perform castration on dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, and small rodents, using carefully planned anesthesia, a safe procedure, and postoperative care.

 In male dogs, castration leads to reduced territorial behavior, escaping in search of females, aggression, and urine marking. It also lowers the long-term risk of testicular diseases and prostate problems.
 Besides classical surgical castration, there is also the option of chemical castration, performed by implanting a microchip under the skin. This chip gradually releases a substance that temporarily blocks testicular function and mimics the effects of castration. Chemical castration lasts from six months to two years, depending on the dog’s size, and is an excellent option for owners who want to test the effects before opting for a permanent solution.

 Castrated tomcats show less tendency to mark territory, fight, roam, and contract bite-transmitted infections (such as FIV and FeLV). After the procedure, they become calmer, with a more stable temperament and more attached to their owner.
 The risk of injuries and infections is significantly reduced, which directly affects the quality and length of life.

 In male rabbits, castration has a very positive effect on behavior. Aggression, territory marking, and dominant behavior decrease, and the animal becomes calmer and easier to socialize with other rabbits.
 The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and recovery is fast with minimal stress if proper postoperative care is followed.

 In male ferrets, surgical castration is no longer recommended because it can lead to serious hormonal imbalances, increasing the risk of adrenal gland disease (hyperadrenocorticism).
 Therefore, only chemical castration is performed using a subcutaneous chip implantation that controls hormone levels.
 The effect is temporary but safer for this species and can be repeated as needed.

Guinea pigs, chinchillas, degus, and hamsters can be castrated for behavioral and social reasons, especially if kept in groups with females.
 The procedure is technically demanding due to their small body mass and is only performed in well-equipped clinics experienced in anesthesia for small animals.
 At our clinic in Novi Sad, castrations of these species are carried out with special care and tailored protocols.