Pet Cosmetic Surgery All The Rage

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Cosmetic surgery is all the rage, and pets are now the newest patients.

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Your dog can surgically shed unwanted pounds and even get testicular implants after he's neutered to help him feel more manly, WLKY News Channel 32's Abby Miller reported Thursday.

It's a growing business in other parts of the country and around the world, but some wonder if it's ethical, necessary or even safe.

A dog named Butch is about to be neutered, and his owner is worried about him getting picked on for losing part of his masculinity, Miller reported.

"How is he going to be looked at by the other dogs in the dog world?" asked Ralph Liberatore, Butch's owner.

Silicone implants eventually replace what Butch is losing. They're called neuticles -- testicular implants with the sole purpose of keeping Butch looking boyish.

Neuticles are FDA-approved and have been on the market for the past 10 years. Nearly 150,000 implants have been fitted worldwide.

Dogs are the primary recipients, but cats, horses and bulls can be fitted as well.

"A lot of that translates into society making them more attractive, and so it's naturally going to transmit to the veterinary aspect," Louisville veterinary specialist Dr. Aric Applewhite said.

Surgery for pets is supposed to be limited for medical necessities like fixing a crooked nose, but most vets say they do it because it improves an animal's health, not because it will make them look better.