Terminology question: Testicle removal vs penis removal?

Question

Hi all,
I was asked a very interesting question the other day and I thought I'd do some research. Is there a difference in terminology between a testicle removal and a penis removal? I know the testicle removal is known as a castration. Is it the same for a penis removal?

I asked my vet -- she says the only reason she's ever heard of to remove a penis is in cats, something called a penile urethrostomy. The penis is removed to re-shape and/or re-direct the urethra.

Anybody familiar with these terms or who can give me some kind of insight is greatly appreciated.

Bunni

Answer 1

"Castration" tends to mean the removal of both the penis and the testicles, whereas neutering is just the testicles. Removal of the just the penis is pretty much unhear of since the victim would still have a sex drive but no way to satisfy it. It would be called a phallectomy, I guess. Maybe urethrectomy.

Answer 2

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RE:

Terminology question: Testicle removal vs penis removal?

Hi all,

I was asked a very interesting question the other day and I thought I'd do some research. Is there a difference in terminology between a testicle removal and a penis removal? I know the testicle removal is known as a castration. Is it the same for a penis removal?



I asked my vet...

Answer 3

The American Veterinary Medical Association is a great site and puts out a pretty good, comprehensive brochure called: "What You Should Know About Spaying and Neutering." It explains the terminology for spaying (female) and neutering (male.) I took a look at it and it agrees with what you say; male testicle removal is otherwise known as castration. I'm not a vet professional, but I'm not sure why they would remove a healthy penis in any male animal unless the organ is diseased or deformed. The penis, I would think, would still be necessary for urination if it is functional. The testicles are where the sperm live, not the penis. However, it does seem like they remove the whole "kit and caboodle" (pardon the pun) when spaying a cat (fallopian tubes, ovaries, etc.)



BTW--for the *really* devoted pet owner, they do (believe it or not) sell "testicle implants" for male dogs called "Neuticles." Don't laugh--the inventor makes a good living off of them! Something else to ask your vet about when you're, uh, hanging around the office... :)

Answer 4

Removal Of Penis

Answer 5

I've never heard of penis removal for purposes of sterilization, but male sheep and goats frequently have kidney stones/blockage that necessitate radical surgery on the penis. You can look up more information about goats and urinary calculi (kidney stones) if you're interested.

Answer 6

I have never heard of a male dog needing his penis removed.

I have seen male cats getting a penile urethrostomy. It is quite common on male cats who get reoccurring UTI and bladder stones.

Answer 7

what are you planning on doing to that poor animal???