My dog has one undescended testicle. Can I remove just it?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 3rd, 2020

  Hello. I wrote earlier on this. Laparoscopic surgery still requires full anesthesia, but the incision will be much smaller than opening the abdomen ( which really is not usually a huge hole ), so recovery may be a day or so quicker with the laparoscopic surgery. The real thing is to compare the costs of both procedures, which may be substantially higher using a laparoscope. Also, if there is any chance the undecended testicle is still in the inguinal canal, often it can be removed through the normal testicles incision by just gently pushing it down. You can check this by having your dog lie on his back in a relaxed position. If the testicle is in the inguinal canal, you may see a smallish bump on one side of his penis, often on the dog's right side. If your dog has 2 firm swellings near the back of his penis, this is NOT the testicle. If you think you can feel this smallish bump under the skin, then his abdomen may not need to be opened, & both testicles can be removed through the same normal incision. I will tell you that sometimes this can be hard to visualize in an active, wiggly pup, but under sedation, we can usually feel for it. Hope this helps.

  

  2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Rosemary Barber, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 27th, 2017

  Hello! Well, there are different ways to look at this. Definitely, having an undescended testicle complicates the neuter surgery, provided it doesn't descend in the next few months. Instead of being a relatively quick procedure, this if often an abdominal exploratory. Sometimes, the missing testicle is just found in the soft tissues near the scrotum, but sometimes it is up in the belly. As long as the testicle is found and removed at neutering time, there is no further concern, as far as I know! But, it does complicate things a little! So, it is up to you! Best of luck with your decision!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Ana M, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 2nd, 2020

  Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. If you are nervous regarding the procedure, then I recommend having it performed by a board certified surgeon. This will greatly reduce the risk of a surgical complication. If the testicle is left in the abdomen, it will likely grow a cancerous tumor over time. So in most cases it is advised to have it removed prior to this happening. I hope this information helps!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful