What are the chances?

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by JRANSOM on 11 January 2011 - 01:01

Sorry, hit return before finishing my sentence.

What are the chances of a dog getting cancer from a retained testicle in the abdomen? Can a dog live it's life w/o getting neutered and live a full and uncomplicated life w/one down and one up? Or who thinks a monorchid should be neutered just because it is. He will never be bred. I've done some reading on this but it goes back and forth.

by hodie on 11 January 2011 - 01:01

There is no definitive data in canines, but in human males, the statistics do show a higher incidence of cancer when a similar condition exists and the testicle is not removed. There are other potential reasons to consider removal. It is a much more difficult surgery than typical neutering. Are you sure the dog is not really monorchid rather than cryptorchid?

Another argument for removal is that in many instances in humans and animals, irritants, be they retained tissue or a foreign body can lead to cancer.

by gucci on 11 January 2011 - 02:01

I agree Hodie: but think they need to get their growth before having them removed, and think a lot of Vets just make money off this...At least that is what my Vet told me..."let them grow into themselves" first.. What do you think..?

by eichenluft on 11 January 2011 - 03:01

I would wait until the normal age to neuter - I personally recommend waiting until the male dog is fully grown - 18 months to 2 years old at least - before neutering. then I definately recommend neutering a dog with retained testicle(s) - certainly a higher risk of cancer in that testicle (which in dogs can spread rapidly to major organs) though of course it isn't a sure thing that they will develop cancer. It is genetic or so they say (cryptorchidism) and obviously they can still be bred with only one testicle down - so neuter is a good idea for that reason as well. But IMO no need to neuter early.

molly

by JRANSOM on 11 January 2011 - 03:01

Both testicles were down when I got him. The right one then went up then down then up and stayed up. So, only one down. I didn't plan on neutering him until he was matured. Probably 2.5 yr. He's 22 months now and I plan on getting his BH in the Spring, then his SchH1. Then I planned on neutering him but I've heard different things regarding that. "Don't do it, he'll be fine." "it can cause cancer." I've also read both. Has anybondy been through that? And, if so...what was the outcome?