'Zeutering': The Non-surgical Alternative To Neutering

By Nan Talleno

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There is a new non-surgical breakthrough in veterinary medicine that has just recently emerged as an alternative to a surgical procedure when neutering male dogs. It's called "zinc neutering" or "Zeutering" which is basically chemical sterilization without surgery involved. At this point, it is used for male dogs only and not cats.

Recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, "Zeutering" is a new non-invasive process of neutering by a small injection requiring no surgery, anesthesia, stitches or after-care and leaves the testicles intact. It is less expensive than traditional surgery and requires very little recovery time. Slight sedation is all that may be necessary. It is a quick procedure of only a few minutes.

The injection of zinc gluconate (hence, the nickname) is now approved for dogs from 3 to 10 months of age. It will be available for all male dogs over three months and up.

Fortunately, this procedure appears to be pain-free except for possible irritation or slight pain at the post-injected site which is manageable with medication and most often not even required. Moments after the injection, vets report that the dogs are bright and alert.

Nauseousness is rare but can appear on the first day but dissipates relatively quickly as reported.

Many shelters and rescue groups are utilizing this economical and seemingly effective pain-free method to help with the prevention of countless homeless animals.