Dog’s Balls Haven’t Dropped Yet — Is He at Risk for Cancer?
Molly Jacobson is a writer and also the editor of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide, published by Maui Media. A lifelong dog lover and self-professed dog health nerd, she is all too familiar with dog cancer. She has been supporting readers of this blog since the beginning. Molly earned a BA from Tufts University, and after a career in bookselling and book publishing attended The Swedish Institute to become a licensed massage therapist in New York State, licensed by the medical board. Her fascination with health is both personal and global, and she is most proud of how this site and the associated publications have revolutionized not only our approach to dog health, but our own health.
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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Molly Jacobson is a writer and also the editor of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide, published by Maui Media. A lifelong dog lover and self-professed dog health nerd, she is all too familiar with dog cancer. She has been supporting readers of this blog since the beginning. Molly earned a BA from Tufts University, and after a career in bookselling and book publishing attended The Swedish Institute to become a licensed massage therapist in New York State, licensed by the medical board. Her fascination with health is both personal and global, and she is most proud of how this site and the associated publications have revolutionized not only our approach to dog health, but our own health.
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.