Puppy with a "shy" testicle?

Question

I have a 5 month old Chihuahua who has one testicle that hasn't come down all the way yet.  Our Vet said it would be best to neuter him if it doesn't drop because it could cause cancer later on.  He seems awful young to me to be worrying about this, but this is my first male puppy.  I have always rescued grown dogs from the shelters.

Is this normal, and should we give him some more time to mature?  I do not want to neuter him but, if it poses a health problem, he can live without 'em!

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

dartass224 · Accepted Answer

Yes it will cause a health problem. whatever reason you dont want neuter him, (waiting until older or not at all) it needs to happen because it definitely can become cancerous.

borderbethie · Answer

This is a rescued puppy, he is not going to be shown and should not be used as breeding stock so there is no reason not to neuter him.  At 5 months old this pups testicle should be down.  Since one has not dropped he should definitely be neutered.  He could develop cancer (10 times higher).  Some develop urinating problems.

luvmyfurbabies · Answer

It absolutely poses a health problem, like your vet stated it can cause cancer.  You stated that you always rescued grown dogs from the shelters, so I have to assume that you have been to one (a shelter); why wouldn't you neuter your pet? Have the dog neutered, trust your vet. I had the same problem with a dog that I rescued off the street, he is fine now that he is neutered and I've also had a cat with the same issue (also neutered). He can live a much better, healthier life with out his 'factory installed parts'! Enjoy your puppy.

Katslookup - a Fostering Fool! · Answer

Usually, a male pup will have his testicles drop by the time he is 12 weeks old. When I bought my last male, the breeder would not allow him to leave until they both dropped so that there would be no issue regarding showing him. (If they both didn't drop, he would had to be altered and not able to be shown.)

The latest I would wait for it to drop would be 6 months. I have heard of "late bloomers", but they are few and far between. For his health, he should be fixed.

Jekoca · Answer

Your poor Chi will be fine, this is a good age to neuter most vets recommend at this age and your vet is rifgt to be concerned about your dogs future as well as present health.

Get him booked in asap and best of luck x

Jeremy A · Answer

Well you have a good heart to rescue dogs from the pound. but i would probably neuter him but thats just my thought if you want puppies then dont neuter him but if you dont want  puppies and want him calm well neuter him your choice

ragapple · Answer

At this point if it drops now it would be a near  miracle - by 8 months if it hasn't shown its not going to.
And yes the health problem is real

Sighthounds !!!!! · Answer

it's called unilateral cryptorchidism. It's relatively common, and in the show ring it's a disqualification in all dogs.

Bob · Answer

I'd have the apple cored. Your dog will be better off as a result.

Puppy with a "shy" testicle?

9 Answers