Dear Dr. John,
We own a seven-month-old basset bound. Our vet has pointed out that both of his testicles have never dropped. Recently though, we have noticed a development of what appears to be a scrotal sac, but it still seems to be empty. Is this possible? Why would our dog not develop normally and is there a chance now that with the recent changes that his testicles might still appear? He is scheduled to be neutered next month but we wonder if we should wait or proceed and why our vet has told us that it is so important to have him neutered, even more so than if the testicles were normal. The whole situation is puzzling but other than that he is a wonderful and well-adjusted dog. Thanks. F.B.
Dear F.B.,
Everything you have described is entirely possible. Rarely will testicles suddenly appear in a dog that has reached seven months of age. Testicles should descend and appear in the scrotum by the time puppies start their vaccine series at 6-8 weeks of age.
Testicles developmentally start in the abdomen and, due to hormonal factors, descend through the inguinal canal into where they need to be. One can see dogs with incompletely descended testicles, but it sounds as if your dog does not have these either. The term used is cryptorchid. Why I cannot specifically give you a reason why your dog is as he is, I would proceed with having him neutered. The difference between your dog and those like him versus dogs who develop normally, is that the testicles are most likely still located in the abdomen so the surgical entry will be into the abdomen rather than anterior to his scrotum, so they can be located and removed.
The reason that your veterinarian mentioned the importance of having this done is because undescended testicles are more likely to develop Sertoli Cell tumors which cause several changes including breast enlargement known as gynecomastia, and pheromones developing that will attract other male dogs. In worst case scenarios, the tumor can become of more serious concern. With the surgery, he should have a completely normal life.
Dr. John de Jong owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic.He can be reached at 781-899-9994.
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