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Featuring Demian Dressler, DVM and Sue Ettinger, DVM, Dip. ACVIM (Oncology), authors of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide

Dog’s Balls Haven’t Dropped Yet — Is He at Risk for Cancer?

Updated: May 7th, 2021

Summary

It’s not a common condition, but it happens: a dog’s testicles don’t descend. If your veterinarian can’t find them when they neuter … is that a risk for cancer? Dr. Trina Hazzah answers.

This week’s episode of Dog Cancer Answers features Dr. Trina Hazzah, an integrative oncologist outside of Los Angeles. Kim in Sequim calls in to ask a great question: if her veterinarian can’t find her dog’s testicles, should she keep asking them to look for them? If her dog’s testicles haven’t dropped, and are trapped in his body … does that pose a cancer risk?

 

Ack! What an interesting question. For those of us who have dealt with cancer before, we get really vigilant with our new, young dogs.

Reducing cancer risk becomes a huge priority.

So … should Kim spend the money on imaging to determine whether the testicles are there?

Should she get another surgery to open him up and take a look?

Dr. Hazzah votes for YES — it’s well worth an ultrasound. In fact, maybe even a surgical consult, so she can be sure that the search mission is thorough.

You can read the transcript on the episode page on the Dog Cancer Answers website.

Here’s the video version of this podcast:

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Warm Aloha,

Molly

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  1. Laura Ciandrini on April 27, 2021 at 9:34 am

    One of my boy’s testicles did not descend and was located in the abdomen. We checked on it every 6 months with ultrasounds and when it seemed it was starting to change shape l had my dog neutered. He is a Newfoundland and he was 3 when it happened. The wounds healed well and quick enough and we did not have any problem.

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