Not sure if this is the right place for this one.  I had a friend and her two dogs, both neutered males, visit over Christmas.  One of the boys interacted normally with other dogs of both genders met on walks, but the other received lots of attention from at least one entire male, which was obsessed with licking his (visiting dog's) genitals, and on one occasion even prepared to mount him.  My friend said this happens to him a lot.  I know of two or three other neutered males which attract the same sort of attention, and many years ago knew a male cat which after neutering was sexually attractive to other male cats.  Does anyone know what is going on here?  Is it a result of a particular method or process involved in the castration (too much/little tissue removed resulting in total loss of testosterone)?  Why are only some neutered males affected?  Would testosterone supplements change the situation?
I should say that the owners of the dogs affected seem to accept it, as though it's part of their dog's life/fate.  But it seems odd.  What is the experience and views of other dog owners?

Very common unwanted effect of neutering, especially early neutering, before the neutered dog had gained full sexual maturity and male characteristics, it is called Feminisation syndrome.

Other male dogs are confused and see them as in season bitches.

Is it usually regarded as being an acceptable effect?  I should say that my friend's dog was neutered at 8 years, but I can't speak for the others.  The other male dogs are certainly *very* confused.  Do they eventually realise they're on a hiding to nothing?

> Is it usually regarded as being an acceptable effect? 

It can be a most undestireable and upsetting effect.  It is one reason not to neuter, especially fi the male is under confident, as it is testosterone that gives much of a males confidence.

It can turn a dog into a fear aggresive dog unhappy with the company of it's own kind.

Thank you for your replies.  Is treatment ever offered?  Or do the hormones adjust over time to a more normal balance?  My friend's dog seems rather puzzled by it, but luckily is a calm little chap and just tries to move away when the suitor becomes too intense.  I think if it were my dog I'd be rather annoyed with the vet, especially if they didn't point it out as a possible side effect.

Yes, seen this too unfortunately to bad effect, this particular dog was constantly attracting male dogs like honey to a bee, (neutered at 6 months ) eventually the dog became aggressive due to the unwanted attention and a few bad reactions from other male dogs, his owner did not protect him from loose dogs, she thought things would work out, humph.

After talking to her I thought I would try to help and allowed them to walk alongside mine and family dogs for a while on lead to try to integrate him and allow him to see that all dogs would not attack him, alas couldn't help him much he had too much bad attention too young and is scarred from this, he's a little better than before, but wouldn't ever trust him off lead.

If there was ever a reason not to neuter before being fully mature that dog says it all............... 

A regular poster here Nova had so much trouble with ehr boy that she opted for makle HRT.

If she doesn't spiot the post then send her a PM.  Click on messages, put Nova in the recipient.

>Is it a result of a particular method or process involved in the castration (too much/little tissue removed resulting in total loss of testosterone)?

No: in castration the procedure is always the same - straightforward removal of the testicles. Small amounts of testosterone are produced (in both sexes) in the adrenal glands, so it's possible that these occasional under-produce, resulting in a more pronounced feminisation.

If the unwanted attention had started more recently then I'd suggest that the dog might possibly have a bit of an infection which is attracting the other males.

Yes, as Brainless said I had a dog that had to have HRT because of the appalling effect of being castrated amongst which was attracting any other male in the area. The vet will prescribe them for you, they are not cheap but did help with the bitch smell problem.

Thank you.  I will be visiting my friend and her boys at the weekend, so will ask if she's tried HRT for him. 

Thanks too to Jeangenie: "the dog might possibly have a bit of an infection which is attracting the other males." - I will see if she has considered this possibility, too.