Neutering Symptoms

Neutering is a surgical procedure to remove an animal's testicles. Most shelter animals are neutered before they are adopted by a family to reduce the number of unwanted pets. The age at which an animal should be neutered is debated by veterinary professionals, as some feel that an animal shouldn't be neutered before 6 months.

  1. Post-Surgery Symptoms

    • Immediately post-surgery, the animal will be groggy and lethargic due to the anesthesia used during the procedure. It is normal for the surgery area to be tender and slightly swollen for the first few days. The affected area may become infected if the animal chews at the sutures or they start to come undone. If an infection is present, you may notice excessive swelling, a foul smell, a thick or bloody discharge and prolonged lethargy in the animal. These are all signs to have your veterinarian check on.

    Behavior Changes

    • Changes in personality, protectiveness and masculinity have not been proved in neutered males. A University of California survey found a marked decrease in roaming, aggression between males, mounting and urine marking. Weight gain may occur due to slower metabolism after neutering, though this can be controlled through diet and exercise.

    Positive Effects

    • Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer. It reduces the risk of prostate diseases, but not cancer. Neutering decreases the risk of developing perianal fistulas (ulcerative lesions of the perianal tissue), according to the National Animal Interest Alliance.

    Negative Effects

    • The risk for several conditions increases in neutered males. Osteosarcoma, bone cancer, is twice as likely in neutered males, according to the National Animal Interest Alliance. Urinary tract cancers are also twice as likely in neutered males.

      Progressive old-age cognitive impairment risk is increased in neutered males, as well as the likelihood of adverse reaction to vaccines.

      Hemangiosarcoma, a cancer of blood vessel linings and the spleen, is 1.6 times more likely in neutered males. This cancer has a high fatality rate.