You are right there are benefits to both.  For boys, the benefits can include a less aggressive disposition, if they're having hormonal issues.  There are folks here who neuter and spay all rats in their colonies.  For me, personally, spaying seems a bit more important health-wise than neutering, and I would never have an unspayed female here.  Having said that, I've neutered two boys because of aggression issues, and it solved those problems beautifully.

oh it sort of dissapoints me to hear that to have a good chance of preventing mammary tumors the surgery must take place at an early age. i wanted to spay the girls i might adopt because i was worried more about those tumors (as well as pregnancy because i was planning to adopt boys as well) but at the time i adopt them they will be months old.

i guess when i decide to adopt id still have to consider surgeries in either sex to at least prevent litters and to hope that might prolong any tumors from developing.

 

oh thanks. that cleared the misconception i had about wat you wrote. its really neat that they found a way to help treat estrogen levels that create the tumors in the girls. i didnt realize the menopause time for rats and so that made things a lot clearer for me. i am pretty sure these rats im going to rescue are under 18 mos. and since im rescuing them id want to make their quality of life better not to dimish it by not spaying for health reasons.

I have seen paraphimosis occur in neutered rats as well.

I do agree with you about the fact that a neutered rat is a sweet sweet male. If done young enough, their fur remains very soft too, which I love. One thing we keep note of at the clinic (s) is that it appears that bucks neutered young seem to have their growth stunted, or at least they never seem to be as big as intact males.

One thing I do push is to be sure to have blood work done before having your rat put under.

Kidney and liver,Electrolytes, platelets, Red and white blood cells  should all be studied before surgery.

A few things to make sure your rat will have the safest experience possible during surgery:
Be sure that the vet understands the need for thermal support AFTER surgery. All too often, rats are sent home too soon after surgery resulting in possible compications with hypothermia because the rat should be kept very warm several hrs. post op on an heated table, pad or enclosure. The body temp drops during and after surgery.

Also check to be sure that a pulse oximeter is used, and also be sure that the heart rate and the depth of anesthesia are also monitored closely.  I am sure this is normal protocol but you would be surprised how many vets dont even have the proper implements for small animal surgery and they compromise which is when it can be a great risk to your rat. This is why I only trust exotic vets or vets that are serious in treating small animals and not just some general vet that is willing to take a look at the rat and assume they can make a few changes in the surgical implements they have to accomodate the rat even if its nowhere near the right size for them.

Also, regardless of age, if the surgery is considered do not let age stand in the way (this pertains to elderly rats)
Age is a number, not a disease. If the rat is healthy, there is no reason to withold surgery.  I have had surgery done on 3 year old rats of my own and also have cared for many senior rats, both male and female, all over 2 and 3 years old recovered fantastic with little complications (infection) or no complications. Some of these rats were kept under anesthesia 90 minutes plus and did great afterwards.  The key is a good vet and a healthy rat.

Thats a good idea JR.  How long does it retain warmth!? 

I use a fabric bag with corn kernels sewn into it.  It stays very warm 

Just wanted to add my 2cents, I have 6 girls very close to 3 years a couple of them which didn't get spayed until they were about 5 is months and none of them have tumors (knock on wood).  It's interesting too, because my newer wave of rats  six girlie's were spayed at younger ages then the older girls and they are all smaller than my oldies (they are about a year and 2 months.  I had all my new girls spayed at the same time and it took about 2 hours (it was done by a lab vet who has done hundreds of rat spays).  We  were VERY careful with the anesthesia and he reversed it when he was finished (now that was cool to see!)  Most of the time I think anesthesia is reversed with Yohimbe, but I think he used something newer--I can't recall the name.  We also kept them warm with the heated rice socks in 48 hours, the were doing great--almost like they didn't have the Sx.   

Okay, so I am guessing there must be great debate over to neuter or not?? I am new to the rattie world so I really dont know    I had intended on neutering my boys but now thinking I may need to investigate further. I dont plan on adding anymore ratties so opposite sex wont be a factor.  Are there many benefits to neutering males or is it an un-neccessary surgery if aggression is not an issue?? I am confused??!!

Due to the fact that most female rats are expected to develop estrogen fueled mammary tumors some point in their life, I would have the females spayed by a skilled vet ONLY. Keep in mind that neutering is no less invasive than spaying if the Vet goes through the abdomen which I suggest. Scrotal neutering is more painful post op with alot of cramping and the possibility of a scrotal abscess post op is fairly common as well. Neutering should not be taken so lightly to think its a breeze compared to spaying female rats.  Its much easier in a dog or cat, but with male rats, since they have an open inguinal canal, there are two ways to perform a neuter and if the vet prefers the scrotal method, its pretty darn painful for recovery.

You have a good vet.  You would be shocked to find out many vets do not use any medications for pain post op taking neutering too lightly as a common procedure that is considered by some vets to only cause mild discomfort.
Not true.
Scrotal neutering is less invasive and faster for recovery, but it is a bit more painful as the scrotum is very delicate.
Each vet has his or her own method they feel more comfortable with. I have seen more abscesses after scrotal neutering and the pain comes post op during recovery, which most rat owners do not see unless you happen to be there when the anesthesia is reversed.  I wont go into detail but it is pretty obvious the amount of pain they are in after a scrotal neuter as opposed to going through the abdomen.  My rats have all been neutered through the scrotum as well since again, it is safer and less invasive, I only suggest rat owners keep up with the techniques so they can be sure the rat is given pain medication at all times, especially for home.  They usually feel better in 24 hours with a scrotal and it takes a bit longer the other way (as far as healing goes)  Education is key.

Yep, education is key, as  I always say.
I educate rodent owners with a special interest in rats,  in "real life" and also on the internet, volunteering on websites where I answer rat care questions when people write in etc..and I also write and supply rat care brochures for vets that see "pocket pets".  I dont care for that term, pocket pets. It seems like it kind of says that they are disposable pets or something and appears to give the impression they are pets that are not really taken seriously.
Maybe I am wrong but I try to avoid using that term and have succeeded in getting Vets I am in contact with from referring to hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice and other small critters as "pocket pets". I dont know about you but I cant slip any of my bucks in my pocket!

Oh and HOW!

Funny though, how they are so alike. You can never have enough of either!   

I can clarify on my side.  The vet who did my rat spays was a Laboratory/Research Vet not a companion animal Vet.  Protocols for lab animals verses