| Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of chemical and surgical castration on oxidative stress in male dogs. Methods: 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 (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) activities. Results: The results indicated an increase in MDA levels immediately following both procedures, suggesting an elevation in oxidative stress. Conversely, SOD levels exhibited a significant increase in the Surg group, indicating a robust antioxidant response. TAC levels remained consistent and unchanged across both groups; however, SOD activity was observed to be less 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 MDA levels and diminishing antioxidant capacity. Conclusions: In summary, although TAC, SOD, and MDA levels differ significantly between castrated and non-castrated dogs in both surgical and chemical methods, chemical castration imposes less 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. |