Comparative Analysis of Oxidative Stress Induced by Chemical and Surgical Castration in Male Dogs

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

2 Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of chemical and surgical castration on oxidative stress in male dogs. A total of ten healthy male dogs, aged between 1 and 3 years, were assigned to two distinct groups: Group Surg underwent surgical castration, while Group Chem received chemical castration utilizing zinc gluconate. Blood samples were collected at baseline, as well as at 1 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks following the castration procedures, in order to measure indicators of oxidative stress. The parameters assessed included total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde activities. The results indicated an increase in malondialdehyde levels immediately following both procedures, suggesting an elevation in oxidative stress. Conversely, superoxide dismutase levels exhibited a significant increase in the Chem group, indicating a robust antioxidant response. Total antioxidant levels remained consistent and relatively unchanged across both groups; however, superoxide dismutase was observed to be more active following chemical castration compared to surgical castration. Both surgical and chemical castration methods resulted in increased oxidative levels in male dogs, with the chemical process demonstrating a more pronounced effect by elevating malondialdehyde levels and diminishing antioxidant capacity. In summary, although total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde levels differ significantly between castrated and non-castrated dogs in both surgical and chemical methods, chemical castration imposes more oxidative stress on dogs than surgical methods. The results of this study have significant implications for post-castration care and treatment in dogs, as well as for the selection of castration methods. This may include the administration of antioxidants to mitigate the increase of free radicals.

Keywords

Veterinary and Comparative Biomedical Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 12 August 2025

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