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by VKGSDs on 03 October 2012 - 15:10
I know someone with a dog that has a retained testicle and I believe the plan is to neuter between 2-4 years.
by jc.carroll on 03 October 2012 - 15:10
I'm a big supporter of spay/neutering as a general rule *shrugs* All my pet dogs get altered.
None of my males have become lazy "couch potatoes" from being neutered, however they were also neutered after maturity, at about 3yrs old each. I don't like the idea of neutering before a male has time to mature. Castrati effect and all.
I have had several pet puppies I bought, that wound up retaining testicles. Several different breeds, mind you. I still waited till they were fully mature. Unless the testicle twists, there's no reason to remove it too early in their lives. It won't do any short-term harm sitting up there. However, a cryptorchid dog can still produce offspring. He has to be watched so he doesn't father any puppies. Genetic testicle retention IS an inheritable condition, carried by both male AND female dogs; though obviously only males show it. When he hits maturity, 2-3yrs depending on the breed, it ought come out.
[edit] I have also seen testicles drop as late as 6-7mo. I wouldn't advise a premature decision on a young dog.
None of my males have become lazy "couch potatoes" from being neutered, however they were also neutered after maturity, at about 3yrs old each. I don't like the idea of neutering before a male has time to mature. Castrati effect and all.
I have had several pet puppies I bought, that wound up retaining testicles. Several different breeds, mind you. I still waited till they were fully mature. Unless the testicle twists, there's no reason to remove it too early in their lives. It won't do any short-term harm sitting up there. However, a cryptorchid dog can still produce offspring. He has to be watched so he doesn't father any puppies. Genetic testicle retention IS an inheritable condition, carried by both male AND female dogs; though obviously only males show it. When he hits maturity, 2-3yrs depending on the breed, it ought come out.
[edit] I have also seen testicles drop as late as 6-7mo. I wouldn't advise a premature decision on a young dog.
by jcmeyer on 08 October 2012 - 23:10
It would be considered irresponsible for a veterinarian to remove only the retained testicle. There is no reason to even risk the chance of a cryptorchid breeding, that is the kind of thinking that has led to the high incidence of cryptorchidism in the breed.
by Jenni78 on 09 October 2012 - 02:10
Depends on where it is. Is it really retained or is it just stuck right under the skin? A friend had a dog like this and he had surgery to drop it. Minor surgery and the dog was normal. I had a cryptorchid Chihuahua and asked my vet about it. He said the cancer thing is a big scare- the odds are higher, but only IF THE DOG IS PREDISPOSED TO CANCER ANYHOW. Cancer is opportunistic. If the dog is going to get testicular cancer, it's more likely in the retained testicle. That is not to say that retained testicles cause cancer.
I'd leave it alone if it's not bothering him and if you're going to neuter him, I'd wait until he's older...much older...like 6-7, when cancers become more prevalent.
People who frequently neuter their pets don't see the differences that people who don't, do. I was at the vet today and a few were surprised that I could tell who was neutered and who wasn't just by looking at them. Not sure why so many don't see it, but it is what it is. Also, one person's active, healthy dog is a lethargic mess in someone else's eyes, as I see more and more.
If he were mine, I'd look into dropping it, not removing it.
I'd leave it alone if it's not bothering him and if you're going to neuter him, I'd wait until he's older...much older...like 6-7, when cancers become more prevalent.
People who frequently neuter their pets don't see the differences that people who don't, do. I was at the vet today and a few were surprised that I could tell who was neutered and who wasn't just by looking at them. Not sure why so many don't see it, but it is what it is. Also, one person's active, healthy dog is a lethargic mess in someone else's eyes, as I see more and more.
If he were mine, I'd look into dropping it, not removing it.
by Jenni78 on 09 October 2012 - 02:10
Nan, I think I know the puppy you mean! Oh, PM me, I hope it's him! I hope you get him! If it is, no way would I neuter that puppy. I have seen some come down at 8 months, even. Heck, my Friesian stallion didn't drop both until this year, when he turned 4. I had a lot of knee-jerk "geld him" comments from the loud, conventional majority. Not that I'm usually one to listen, but I didn't and here he is, whole and gorgeous as can be at 4 years old and not a terrible stud prospect for the right person. So, patience may just pay off. If the price is right, I'd take him in a heartbeat and just plan on surgery to drop it down if possible. If not, wait until he's middle aged if you're nervous.
No way would I neuter him just for that, though. You may as well grab something from the pound if you're going to do that. Anyone who says a neutered dog (early) has the same temperament as a working dog allowed to be as nature intended hasn't worked enough dogs to see the obvious errors in their opinion.
No way would I neuter him just for that, though. You may as well grab something from the pound if you're going to do that. Anyone who says a neutered dog (early) has the same temperament as a working dog allowed to be as nature intended hasn't worked enough dogs to see the obvious errors in their opinion.
by Nans gsd on 09 October 2012 - 23:10
Agree Jen I would not neuter him at an early age, learned my lesson with that. I sent you a PM. Nan
by leoetta on 10 October 2012 - 00:10
Nan, I know it's a little bit of a drive but it's worth it. Dr. Jezbera in Riverside is my vet and he is great, been a vet for 45 years, is the vet for the city's K-9 unit. He is not quick to spend your money and knows what he is doing. He has tons of clients that drive hours to go to him. His number is 951-683-4200. Glad to hear you found a puppy that may work out for you.
by jcmeyer on 10 October 2012 - 01:10
Canine testicles should descend by two weeks of age. Since the inguinal ring does not close until 6 months of age there is an outside chance that the testicle could descend by then but not later. You could have your veterinarian ultrasound the inguinal ring to determine if the testicle is intraabdominal or not. Regardless the dog should not be bred if either testicle is undescended.
by Nans gsd on 10 October 2012 - 02:10
Thanks Barbie (Leoetta) but it just in the mill at this point. NOT a done deal but thank you for the vet referral.
And thank you all for your expertise and knowledge; I really appreciate it.
JCMeyer; no this dog will not be bred but a working animal. Just a pet peeve health concern of mine and with the stories above you can see why. Also all of my puppy males you could see testicles at birth and they were out there like little furry shining stars. Now if they sometimes went away later almost always the would come back. But the shepherds are definitely more susceptible to this problem. Am sorry about this for the breed. I am sure this means that it eliminates many good dogs.
Great days everyone, will keep you all posted. Nan
And thank you all for your expertise and knowledge; I really appreciate it.
JCMeyer; no this dog will not be bred but a working animal. Just a pet peeve health concern of mine and with the stories above you can see why. Also all of my puppy males you could see testicles at birth and they were out there like little furry shining stars. Now if they sometimes went away later almost always the would come back. But the shepherds are definitely more susceptible to this problem. Am sorry about this for the breed. I am sure this means that it eliminates many good dogs.
Great days everyone, will keep you all posted. Nan
by ronin on 11 October 2012 - 11:10
I've just been through this with my dog, I waited until his was 3yrs old then I only had the RETAINED testicle removed.
Personally I noticed a difference in his movement, jumping, it became faster and more dynamic. However there has been an increase in his drive, which was never low, but I think this is more to do him maturing at 3yrs.
Ronin
Personally I noticed a difference in his movement, jumping, it became faster and more dynamic. However there has been an increase in his drive, which was never low, but I think this is more to do him maturing at 3yrs.
Ronin
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