Frequent question: When should you neuter a dog with an undescended testicle?
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Frequent question: When should you neuter a dog with an undescended testicle?
What happens if a dog’s testicle doesn’t drop?
“If both testicles are retained, the dog may be infertile.” One complication of cryptorchidism is spermatic cord torsion (twisting onto itself). If this occurs, there will signs consistent with sudden and severe abdominal pain. More frequently, a retained testicle will become cancerous.
Can you neuter a dog with cryptorchidism?
It is recommended to neuter a dog with cryptorchidism. Dogs are typically sedated before surgery, and they are under anesthesia for the surgery.
How serious is an undescended testicle?
An undescended testicle increases the risk of infertility (not being able to have children), testicular cancer, hernias and testicular torsion (twisting). An empty scrotum also can cause significant psychological stress as the boy gets older. For these reasons, early treatment is very important.
What happens if cryptorchidism is not treated?
In most cases, the testes descend by age 6 months without any treatment. In other cases, surgery or hormone therapy may be needed. If testes don’t descend, this can cause problems such as infertility, higher risk of testicular cancer, and other problems.
At what age will my balls drop?
Luckily, about half of these testicles will drop on their own during the first 3 months of life. But testicles won’t drop on their own after 3 months of age.
How do you fix cryptorchidism in dogs?
The only treatment is to have your dog neutered (i.e. both testicles removed). A cryptorchid neuter is a more involved surgery since it may involve an incision in the abdomen and a longer surgery time. Your veterinarian may recommend an overnight stay depending upon the specific procedure.
How long does a cryptorchid neuter take?
The procedure takes about 45 minutes to an hour to perform in most cases, including the needed time for preparation and anesthesia. In older or large-breed dogs the procedure can take longer and may require two surgeons.
Can cryptorchidism be corrected?
Surgery. An undescended testicle is usually corrected with surgery. The surgeon carefully manipulates the testicle into the scrotum and stitches it into place (orchiopexy).
Can a dog breed with 1 testicle?
At least cryptorchid dogs can be neutered and placed as wonderful pets. Still, it makes sense to never breed a cryptorchid dog as we know he is affected. And yes, cryptorchids are fertile as the one testicle outside the body can produce viable sperm.
Is surgery necessary for undescended testicle?
When the testicles don’t descend within the first few months, the condition is known as cryptorchidism. A doctor will likely recommend surgery to correct the placement of the testicle that hasn’t dropped into the scrotum. This procedure is called orchiopexy or orchidopexy.
What happens if you have an undescended testicle?
What problems could an undescended testicle cause? A testicle that does not drop into the correct place in the scrotum could become damaged. This could lead to infertility (not being able to have children) later in life or to other medical problems.