What does castration mean?
Castration (neutering) is the surgery in which a male animal's testicles are removed. It is a common and safe procedure, performed at Saari Animal Clinic under inhalation anaesthesia with comprehensive pain relief. For dogs we also offer chemical castration with a Suprelorin implant, with no anaesthesia. The procedure for female animals is described on our Spaying page.
Castration prices
The price includes inhalation anaesthesia, the surgery, medicines and take-home pain relief. The dog price depends on weight. For the price of chemical castration (Suprelorin implant), please call (06) 321 7300. All prices are in our price list. Direct insurance billing is available for LähiTapiola, Agria and Pohjola customers.
Why castrate a dog, cat or rabbit?
Castrating a male cat stops urine marking, reduces roaming and fight injuries and extends the cat's life. Castrating a dog may be medically indicated for prostate problems, testicular tumours or perianal tumours, and it can reduce hormonal behaviour such as marking, escaping and roaming after bitches. Castrating a male rabbit is recommended when the rabbit lives with another rabbit — it prevents fights and litters and reduces marking.
Chemical castration (Suprelorin implant)
Chemical castration with a Suprelorin hormone implant is available for dogs. The implant is placed under the skin at the back of the neck during a consultation — the procedure is quick and needs no anaesthesia. Full effect is reached within about 6 weeks and lasts 6 or 12 months depending on the implant chosen, after which it wears off completely. Chemical castration is a good option when you want to test the effect of castration on behaviour before a permanent decision, when surgery is to be avoided, or when the dog is elderly.
Cryptorchidism (retained testicle)
If one or both testicles have not descended into the scrotum, the condition is called cryptorchidism. A retained testicle should always be removed, because its tumour risk is clearly elevated. Cryptorchid surgery is a larger procedure than a routine castration, since the testicle is retrieved from the groin or the abdomen — €473–623 for dogs and €208–268 for cats depending on location.
Safe anaesthesia
Surgical castration is performed under inhalation anaesthesia with comprehensive pain relief. The patient is monitored continuously throughout: heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and temperature. Adult dogs and cats are fasted 8–12 hours before surgery (water until the morning); rabbits are not fasted. Patients usually go home the same day with pain medication for the recovery period. Read more about anaesthesia safety.
Timing and guidance
The optimal timing for castration depends on the animal's species, breed and size. Male cats are usually castrated at around 5–6 months of age before marking begins, male rabbits at 4–6 months as they reach sexual maturity, and dogs at 6–18 months depending on the breed — in large breeds we recommend waiting until skeletal growth is complete. Let us discuss what is best for your pet: surgical or chemical castration, and the right timing.
Recovery after castration
A cat's castration wound is small and usually has no sutures; most cats are bright again the next day. A dog needs about 7–10 days of rest: only short lead walks, no jumping or rough play. The wound is protected with a cone or recovery suit so the dog cannot lick it, and pain medication is sent home. Sutures are removed after about 10 days or dissolve on their own. Contact us if the wound swells, discharges or reddens.
Frequently asked questions about castration
How much does dog castration cost? Castrating a male dog at Saari Animal Clinic costs €383–553 depending on weight: under 10 kg €383, 10–20 kg €453, 20–40 kg €503, over 40 kg €553. The price includes anaesthesia, the surgery, medicines and take-home pain relief. Cryptorchid surgery costs €473–623.
How much does cat neutering cost? Castrating a male cat costs €108, including anaesthesia, the surgery and pain relief. Castrating a male rabbit costs €253.
How much does chemical castration cost and how long does it last? Chemical castration is done with a Suprelorin implant during a consultation, with no anaesthesia. Full effect is reached within about 6 weeks and lasts 6 or 12 months depending on the implant. For the price, please call (06) 321 7300.
At what age should castration be done? Male cats are usually castrated at 5–6 months of age before marking begins, male rabbits at 4–6 months, and dogs at 6–18 months depending on the breed. In large breeds we recommend waiting until skeletal growth is complete.
Does a dog's behaviour change after castration? Castration can reduce hormonal behaviour such as marking, escaping and aggression towards other males. The effect depends on the individual — learned behaviour patterns do not necessarily change through castration alone. Basic temperament remains the same. Chemical castration is a good way to test the effect before a permanent decision.
Can castration be reversed? Surgical castration is permanent. That is why we offer chemical castration with a Suprelorin implant, whose effect lasts 6 or 12 months and then wears off completely.
How long is recovery after castration? Cats are usually bright again the next day. A dog needs about 7–10 days of rest, and the wound is protected with a cone or recovery suit. Sutures are removed after about 10 days or dissolve on their own.
What is the difference between castration and spaying? Castration (neutering) refers to male animals: the testicles are removed. Spaying is the surgery for female animals in which the ovaries and often the uterus are removed. Spaying of female dogs, cats and rabbits is covered on our separate spaying page.