Cryptorchid Neuter Surgery
Concerns Regarding Cryptorchidism
What to Expect
- Perform an ultrasound in order to locate both testicles in the dog’s abdomen.
- Make a plan to surgically excise the retained testicles.
- Run the necessary blood work in order to determine what type of anesthesia is best.
- Require that the dog refrain from eating or drinking for several hours leading up to the surgery.
- Administer anesthesia to the dog.
- Use a ventilator to help smooth the dog’s breathing.
- Monitor the dog’s heart using an EKG machine.
- Make the necessary incisions to remove the retained testicle or testicles. If only one testicle has been retained, or if both testicles have been retained in the abdomen, a single incision should be sufficient. However, if both testicles have been retained in the inguinal canal, two incisions are likely required.
- Carefully cut out the retained testicles.
- Close the incision with sutures.
Final Thoughts
Obviously, cryptorchid neuter surgery is a permanent procedure. A young dog who undergoes this surgery usually recovers very well and quickly. Older dogs who undergo this surgery may take a bit longer to recover, but they too recover well and they actually tend to lead a better quality of life than those dogs with retained testicles who do not receive the surgery. Another point to take notice of is the fact that dogs who have undergone cryptorchid neuter surgery have no risk of testicular cancer, which can be an enormous relief to their owners. On the other hand, retained testicles can sometimes be surgically brought down into the scrotum, but this increases the dog’s likelihood of developing cancer by up to thirteen times.
For more information about cryptorchid neuter surgery, contact La Crosse today.