Neutering, from the Latin neuter, is the removal of a non-human animal's reproductive organ, either all of it or a considerably large part. The male-specific term is castration, while spaying is usually reserved for female animals. Colloquially, both terms are often referred to as fixing. In male horses, castrating is referred to as gelding. An animal that has not been neutered is sometimes referred to as entire or intact.
Feline uterus
Closed spaying incision on a female dog, taken 24 hours after surgery
Surgical incision site of a female cat
Closed castration incision on a male dog, taken 12 hours after surgery
A gelding is a castrated male horse or other equine, such as a pony, donkey or a mule. The term is also used with certain other animals and livestock, such as domesticated camels. By comparison, the equivalent term for a castrated male bull would be ox, or a wether for rams and billy goats.
A 3-year-old gelding
Gelding a male horse can reduce potential conflicts within domestic horse herds.
An open castration being performed on a horse under ketamine anaesthesia
Recumbent castration, including use of emasculators