I've said this before, and I'll say it again.

[conuly]

The opposite of spay is castrate. Not neuter. Neuter is a gender-neutral term that covers both spaying and castrating. Get it right!

Comments

[theshiversbaby.livejournal.com]

I think most people realize that "neuter" applies to both animals. At least, I hope so. The problem is that, when speaking of neutering pets, "castrate" is an incorrect term because it typically implies the removal of the testicles, something that does not happen when one neuters a male animal. Most people associate castration with gelding or complete removal of the testicles, so it's not an appropriate word to use. Since "spay" can only be used for female animals, people began saying "spay or neuter" to cover both sexes. True, though - they could have just said, "Neuter." And some do!

[theshiversbaby.livejournal.com]

* Amend that to, something that does not always happen when one neuters a male animal.

[ladydiana.livejournal.com]

Every vet I have known that has neutered a male animal has castrated them entirely. Testicles & all.

[theshiversbaby.livejournal.com]

How odd! I've never heard of totally removing the testicles of a dog. Every dog I've ever had neutered had its "balls," so to speak, they had merely been drained of testosterone and the gland had been removed.

Usually, neutering a male dog is a much smaller, faster procedure than neutering a female one. This suggests that the testicles aren't actually removed. As for farm animals, though, I believe the testicles are removed.