Hello everyone. This is my first post in this category. Our 4 year old lab, was to the vet 2 weeks ago, and the vet noticed that one testicle was smaller than the other. She said, to just keep an eye on it. We had his blood work done including a thyroid test, for another problem, interdigital cysts. We were not planning on altering him, because he gets rashes from the collars to prevent licking. Now , I am thinking that if may be wise to alter him. Raphael is going to the vet, on monday. I am concerned about his seizures as well as the potential for testicular cancer. All I know, is that in a dog where only one testicle has dropped, may have an increased chance of testicular cancer. Any advice as to the questions to ask the vet, other than the obvious ones. Thank You in advance for any advice you might be able to share. raf108
In humans, it is an undecended testicle (one that cannot be felt outside the body) can possibly be at higher risk of cancerous changes. Sounds like your vet can feel both in Raphael which suggests they are both decended? In humans, there is often one larger and higher/lower located than the other. Might be the same in dogs. Is this observation of the vet a definite indication of something wrong? Or just simply an observation? Size isn't always important Its more the texture. NO idea at all if male dogs tolerate their testicles being felt but if they feel different in texture or if one has lumpy bits the other doesn't that might be an issue to discuss ASAP. Don't have to worry about this with girls. Are you worried this somehow may be linked with the seizures?
One testicle is often smaller than the other. Maybe it always was and you just didn't notice? A lot smaller or suddenly smaller is something to investigate. Yes, I'm not sure from your writing if both are descended or not. LOL, @drjs@5 , Oban doesn't mind if anyone cops a feel. In fact, the little devil might like it.
Thank You for your reply, drjs@5, The vet simply observed this difference when feeling them. She said , just keep an eye on them. She said later thet there was nothing to lose sleep over, but I want to be sure. I have not really felt both testicles to be able to say if they were always that way. Not much of a size fifference, now that I felt them, and He is so good, he does not mind anything. There is no bogginesss or lumpy feeling. Thanks again, raf108
Thank you, Snowshoe, That is very possible, that it might have always been that way, since I do not have a reason to check his testicles. Yes, both testicles have dropped when they were suppose to, what ever that age is. We are going to the vet, Monday, so hopefully we will know more. I am hoping just something that was observed by the vet, and nothing to get alarmed about. I tend to be very observant and detail oriented. When it rains, it pours though, and in the last 6 weeks , all three dogs have been to the vet, and it seems like I am working for the vet. My buddy, a practicing surgeon only gets about $700.00 for a hip replacement. ( orthopedic ). Thanks again, raf108
I had a quick search on the internet and it seems that a testicle that hasn't descended is a greater cause of testicular cancer and is often evidenced by swelling. As your vet says try not to worry as it may have been an observation more than anything else. Hope all goes well at the vets tomorrow.
Just to add, you DO have a reason to check the testicles on a regular basis. Every part of your dog's body should get a check over regularly, for the very reason that prompts your thread, to establish what is normal for your dog and what is a change that needs monitoring and/or Vetting.
Thank You, I have been checking since the vet pointed this difference out to us. Thank you for enlightening me to the importance of checking. Raf108
Thank You, Yes, atleast I know that is very true for human males. I go yearly , to the urologist for regular check up. Too bad, Rami, our Rhesus Macaque, will not let be get near his precious "jewels". When I even try, he gives me a yawn, with those big giant canines, and I immediately respect his wishes. Otherwise, he loves all attention, including a game of catch the ball. Raf108
Feeling a little grateful that I have a girl right now! Although I did have to deal with um, discharge, with her recent UTI so not exactly pleasant.
Thank You MaccieD, Newbie Lab Owner, and everyone else, Thank God, everything went well. The Vet was not concerned about the size difference, and just recommended neutering for the usual reasons, if we decided to go ahead and neuter Raphael. I had failed to mention that we had noticed, what looked like a blood blister on the surface of his testicles , perhaps the size of the pea. We decided to have Raphael neutered, and the lesion will be removed and biopsied. Thank You all for your concern. I keep you posted, on Raphael's surgery. He also needs to loose a little weight, he weighs 86.4 lbs and is rated as 6 out of 10. We cut back his secound meal, dinner , by 1/4 cup, so now is getting 2 cups , and his breakfast will remain at 2.5 cups. Thanks again. raf108
Glad to hear the vet thinks that Raphael's testicles are pretty much normal! Raphael looks like a very handsome boy, but I agree he looks as though he could lose a bit of weight. I have to say that when I feed Poppy only kibble (which isnt normally; she usually gets raw food for one of her meals), I only feed her a total of 2 cups a day, so that is less than half what you are giving Raphael! She is quite small though and weighs 25 kg (55 lbs). Also; do note that if/when you have Raphael neutered, he will be more likely to gain weight than before, so you will have to be doubly vigilant. What were the vet's main reasons for neutering him, if she doesn't think there is an issue with his testicles?
I'm not sure if I've recounted this embarrassing nugget before, but a couple of months ago, I was asleep on the sofa. Shadow was lying alongside me, on his back as always. I was awoken to a snort and, "Uh, Fi.... you're cupping the dog!". My hand had fallen - um - down there, as I slept. I collapsed into fits of laughter and woke poor Shadow up from his dreams... whatever they may have been!
