[Tzu]

Hi everyone ... I have a small Chihuahua cross male (crossed with a Jack Russell apparently). He is more Chi though and weighs 2.3 kg. He is 13 months old. His problem is he has one undescended testicle. My vet insists he should have full castration. I realise the retained testicle must be removed soon .. but is it really nescessary to take the other off as well? I have always owned large dogs ie German Shepherds and we didn't even think about castrating them. As I understand the reason is to stop testicular cancer later? But as I say with the large dogs this was never a problem, so wondering why it should be with the little ones .. any advice on this? He is not aggressive (lovely temperament actually) and he is very good about not messing in my house even though I have 2 spayed ShihTzu females. Now and again he will try and cover the younger female and ends up with his penis right out for a while and he looks a bit scared while this happens. Is this more the reason why people neuter (there again .. large dogs don't do this unless a female is actually in season). I probably sound ignorant lol .. but have never owned a tiny male dog before and I'm worried about cutting off parts that maybe he needs ie for testosterone for his bones etc. I really need to make a decision soon to get the retained one out .. so hoping for some advice. Also worried he will get heavier if I neuter him .. I want him this weight as it's easy to carry him around when we go out (he goes everywhere with me)

 

[Brodysmom]

Get him neutered. Both of them should come out. The retained testicle has a high incidence of cancer. There's no reason to leave the other one.

It won't change his personality, other than curbing his sexual behavior. Don't wait too long though as if he learns to tie with your female, neutering won't stop it. You want to get him neutered before he becomes fully sexually aware.

An intact male dog WILL mark, if he isn't already. If you don't want your house to smell like a toilet, then go ahead and get him neutered. Some larger dogs can learn to leave the marking for outdoors, but almost every small dog I've ever heard of will mark in the house.

He won't gain weight, UNLESS you allow him to gain weight. His metabolism may slow down, just cut his food back a tad. Keep a close eye on his body condition. Don't let him get pudgy, keep him lean. Easier on hips and joints/knees and much healthier.

Other than the numerous health benefits, I personally believe a neutered chi is the best pet in the world. I would never have or want an intact one.

 

[Tzu]

Thanks Brodysmom ... very helpful advice

 

[bayoumah]

Hi yes we should all have our chihs fixed it is for their health and longer life with us

 

[jan896]

cocoa had an undescended testicle(cryptorchidism) and was neutered this past week.... I wouldn't even consider leaving the 'good' one... Chico is also neutered....

 

[Tzu]

cocoa had an undescended testicle(cryptorchidism) and was neutered this past week.... I wouldn't even consider leaving the 'good' one... Chico is also neutered....

Did ur vet say where the undescended one was .. groin or in the tummy? I think if it's in the tummy the op is more complicaterd isn't it (they have to dig around and hunt for it)? :/ ... I'm so anxious about taking him in .. he's gonna hate being left there .. will probably phone today

 

[amclifft]

My brothers girlfriends chihuahua dexter had a undescended testicle and had it removed last week. His was in his tummy. The operation was a little bit more complicated but he come out of it with minimal scars and pain. Within a couple of days he was back to his normal happy self.

 

[Angel1210]

Yes, they need to come out. Why take the chance on the other one not going bad. Angel had an undescended testicle also, he was neutered at 9 months old. He actually had 2 incisions, but healed in 3 days!! I'd never seen a dog heal so fast! As for it changing his temperment - don't think so. I wouldn't want the stress of worrying about it possibly being cancerous in the future. It's probably easier to do it now while he's young. I mean easier on you. lol. It usually hurts us more than it hurts them!

 

[Brodysmom]

I just wanted to add one more thing.... as far as the benefits of hormones and attaining full growth... at 13 months he is fully an adult. It's not like you are neutering a puppy. He has had the benefit of his testosterone all this time. There are some vets who like to wait until their growth plates are fully closed before de-sexing. You have done that. Now there's no reason to wait any longer.