Stupid Newbie ques._cost of neutering - Page 2

Removing an undescended testicle is a much different operation than a simple castration. A castration (removal of testicles that are descended normally) is pretty straight forward, and most of the cutting is done outside the body. It is minimally invasive with little after-care needed, and recovery time is fast. There are usually few complications. When one or both testicles are retained, they could be anywhere close to the surface, close to the skin, or inside the body cavity. Usually the vet actually has to open up the dog, much like he would during the spaying of a female. With the difference that once the dog is opened up the vet has to search for the testicle. Most retained testicles are small and hard to locate. Ultrasound is very unreliable in locating them. If undescended testicles are not removed they could become cancerous. Possibly due to constant exposure to the body's core temperature. Another possible complication could be that the tubes going to and from a testicle twist inside the body, which will be very painful, and could lead to infections. If both testicles are undescended the dog is sterile, if only one is undescended the dog is fertile. If you leave your dog as is you will probably not notice much difference for now, but you run the chance of shorting your dogs life span should he get cancer. Just diagnosing the cancer later in life will probably be just as expensive as the operation is now. Never mind treatment. I recommend phoning around the local vets offices and ask them what the operation will come to at their location. Make sure you ask for a total price, including cost of medication (antibiotics? etc) and check ups, since some vets can tack on hidden costs that way. And yes, pain control is important. It speeds up healing and recovery! But a hundred to a hundred and fifty bucks? Check with the vet for alternative pain meds, some over the counter drugs may do just fine. There has been some controversy re the use of ibuprofin and aspirin type meds in dogs, so make sure you discuss this with the vet before giving anything.

Just getting a good laugh out of "distended testicle" wasn't sure if you meant DECENDED or if it was really sticking out there. Also, I am now using the term "one sack in the back" for any dog I see that has only one decended testicle. You are hilarious! :) This was the best laugh I've had in WEEKS. Thanks a million.

This has been intersting. I sure learned somthing here. Kreghauser are you laffin with me or at me? When I reread these posts, I too couldn't stop laughing but I really don't know why? The subject was serious. And all those nice folks that sent me emails on how to help cut the cost I want you to know I really appreciate it. I was not making a joke. It was real. At least to me. Andy

With you. Never at you. :) Was just hilarious!!! I have never heard that term in my entire life. Too funny. As far as neutering, check out a few other vets. The price is a little high, even for having to "search" for the other testicle. He's probably charging extra for the anesthesia for what some vets consider a "large dog" (75 pounds isn't that large). Check around, especially in the "small town" nearest you--chances are, the surgical procedure will be less expensive there. :) Hope this could help! (I'm still laughing here....)

I'm real tired. Just ran the snow plowy thru the neighborhood. Snow. . . Kreig, are you single and a woman? I like your sense of humor. We need help in the house here. OK now serious. It is all OK from my end. But I got to leave you with one sack thought. I just sacked in $500.00 with this post. Luvya and peace be to all good men and critters! My dogs name is actually Sheep and not Cheapo. The one with the one sack in the back and a great sense of humour.