older male bulldog: to neuter or not

[Lou's Mom]

Our English bulldog just turned 4. We didn't neuter him because we thought we were going to breed him, and we've decided that it's just not going to happen. I can't seem to find any info about the good or bad on neutering him at this age...and why exactly do you need to find a vet who has experience with anethesia and bulldogs? The sites say "find one" but never spell out why. We want to do this for health reasons and also to try to hinder some of his aggressive behavior.
Any ideas? Thanks!

[Novel]

Crossfire Bulldogs can probably help you with the why you need a vet experienced in bulldogs. My guess would be the soft palete and the need to be very careful with anasthesia. I know in Boxer's they ask that you don't use a common type on anasthesia because it has been known to kill Boxers in a possible reaction.

As far as neutering, at the age of 4. I would highly recommend it. You will likely have less problems with the prostate, as cancer in intact males can be somewhat likely, especially as the get older. You reduce that risk greatly with a neuter, as well as reduce other health problems that may be associated with that reproductive area or with the hormone levels present in an intact dog. Many breeders will neuter their 5, 6, 7, 8 year old dog. Not to mention that your intact dog could possibly impregnate a female accidentally. It's not just the female's owners that need to be responsible.

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Hi there,

I'd be happy answer your question about why its important to find a vet not only experienced in the breed but also one who has extensive experience in anesthesia.

Bulldogs are VERY different than other breeds of dogs in a number of ways but two of the biggest examples are that 1. Their a vet's worst nightmare when it comes to treatment of just about anything. ( What typically works for most dogs usually has a habit of not working for a bully) and many times organs are not exactly where they should be during surgery.

And 2. Bulldogs are VERY difficult when it comes to anesthesia, most anesthesias used by vets are too harsh for the Bulldog and their system simply can't take it.

It only takes about the same amount of anesthesia used for a Yorkie to put a Bulldog under and vets not familiar will either kill your dog by administering too much or they simply won't have a clue that a Bulldog requires an endotracheal tube in its windpipe to facilitate breathing and to be sure its airway remains unobstructed LONGER than most. It shouldn't be removed until they are certain not only that the Bulldog is breathing on their own but that they are literally able to begin attempting to cough up that tube.

Even after tubing is removed this is a breed that MUST be watched closely for signs of choking, many become ill when "coming out" of anesthesia, will vomit, are simply not awake enough yet and choke to death on their own vomit. This is NOT a breed that can be left in recovery alone under any circumstances. I cannot even begin to tell you how many owners I've spoken to who have lost the Bulldog to a vet without the needed experience and it doesn't have to happen.

As for neutering Novel is right on all counts and prostate cancer is a huge concern for the intact male Bulldog. This is also a breed that it is not only wise but a must that Pre-anesthetic Testing be done. Have your veterinarian perform B.U.N. and creatinine test to gauge kidney health and ALT, AP, bilirubin, and cholesterol to detect liver problems. Glucose analysis and total blood proteins detect diabetes and debilitating diseases. Include a hematocrit, a differential and total white blood cell count. It is extremely rare for all these tests to be normal in a dog that is a high anesthetic risk.

[Novel]

Wonderful post Crossfire... I knew that you would be able to answer the question completely!!!!

[Lou's Mom]

Thanks for all the feedback! I really like our vet, so I'll be happy when I go in with all this info in the hopes that he knows what he's doing. If he doesn't, we're not too far from Tufts and their animal hospital, so we can always go there. This is a great resource--I know I'll be back for more. (I'll put up a photo once I can figure out how!)

[Novel]

Can't wait to see that photo!!

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Originally Posted by Lou's Mom

Thanks for all the feedback! I really like our vet, so I'll be happy when I go in with all this info in the hopes that he knows what he's doing. If he doesn't, we're not too far from Tufts and their animal hospital, so we can always go there. This is a great resource--I know I'll be back for more. (I'll put up a photo once I can figure out how!)

Awesome, can't wait to see pics and even if you really love your vet don't be afraid to question him or her. Your bully is waaay more important than whether you tick off the vet, if they truely care for the animals they'll respect you for it and won't hesitate to send you on if they don't have the proper experience.