If neutering or spaying an animal is necessary to prevent unwanted babies, why not just give them a hysterectomy or vasectomy instead? Do the remaining hormones still have other negative effects?

Question

If neutering or spaying an animal is necessary to prevent unwanted babies, why not just give them a hysterectomy or vasectomy instead? Do the remaining hormones still have other negative effects?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Spaying a female animal IS a hysterectomy – the uterus is removed.

Yes, the hormones are a reason for neutering male animals. Testosterone can cause aggressive, territorial behaviour such as fighting and spray-marking, or wandering in search of females.