Is it time?

Hi everyone,

As some of you may remember Otis has one testicle that hasn't come down properly. It has been this way since we had him but didn't notice until he was a little older.

I know I have asked this question before but he has just turned one and just wanted to ask is it getting near to thinking about having him castrated? As I think I remember Caryll saying at about a year old, correct me if I'm wrong.

I'm very concerned about him having it done, as I don't want his temperament to be affected and if everything was normal I wouldn't even be considering it. But obviously with that testicle remaining inside its at risk of cancer more so. I also want to time it right so his growth plates have closed properly and the benefits of the hormones  are maximised.

Thank you so much as always for your help

At some point, if the testicle doesn't come down, he will have to be castrated. Normally, as you know, I'm for letting a dog mature to at least 18 months, preferably 2 years, but with an undescended testicle I'd say 12 months is just about ok.

Obviously it's a slightly more complicated procedure because they have to find the missing one & take that away as well, so now he's got his full hormones it's probably as good a time as any.

The testicle has been located by vet and he thinks it should be okay when they come to do it thank goodness. Would there be any risks if I left it until he was about 18 months? I would like to leave it longer so he could mature fully. Thanks Caryll for your help

Health wise, there are no risks in leaving it as long as it doesn't change position, which is probably unlikely. The vet will want it done sooner rather than later, but another 6 months won't hurt!

My mini Dachs had this and the other was located in his abdomen.
We had him done at 18 months and all was fine. I think as long as its not causing any probs, 18 months to 2 years is best. 

you can always make a couple more trips to the vet to check for peace of mind and hang out the extra 6 months

Normally if they haven't descended by 6 months it's not coming down.