Dear Dr. Jackson,
The puppy my family is looking to purchase has only one testicle. The breeder said the other one would ‘come down’ in a few months and not to worry. Should I still buy this puppy or would you advise me to wait? R.R.
Dear R.R.,
I would advise any client in your situation that your decision should be based on whether you are buying the dog for breeding purposes or for a family pet. If you are buying the puppy for breeding purposes, find another puppy in another litter.
If, however, you are buying this puppy for a family pet, my best advice would be to purchase him for a reduced price since you may incur additional expenses during the neuter operation.
Medically speaking, both testicles should be in the scrotum by the time a puppy is six months old. Failure of one or both testicles to descend is abnormal, and the affected individual has a higher risk of developing testicular tumors later in life. These dogs should be neutered and the surgeon will locate and remove the ‘missing’ testicle(s).
This should be done for the dog’s health and for the prevention of breeding since this defect can be inherited. If you are unsure, schedule a pre-purchase visit with your veterinarian to discuss the details for your particular puppy.
Did you Know?
Fleas can jump 150 times the length of their bodies, and can accelerate 50 times faster than the space shuttle.
