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Should I neuter my dog with a retained testicle? Cancer risk?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | English Setter | Male | neutered | 50 lbs

I have recently adopted a 4 year old English Setter. In the past week I have noticed he only has one testicle descended (he was never neutered) and it feels as if the other testicle may be in the side of his inner thigh. Is this advisable to get removed now at his age? Is this surgery common? What signs and symptoms reveal testicular cancer in dogs?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 19th, 2017

I would definitely get Huxley neutered. He's not too old to be neutered, and given that he has a retained testicle, neutering is highly recommended. The retained testicle is more prone to testicular tumors and testicular torsion. Testicular tumors are more common in older dogs, but warning signs include swelling in the testicle, hair and skin changes, nipple enlargement, and pale gums among other symptoms. I would speak to a vet about scheduling Huxley for a neuter very soon.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 30th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

    If Oreo has a retained testicle (hasn't dropped in to scrotum) then it should be removed. The testicle needs to be at a lower temperature than the body. There is a risk for the retained testicle to become cancerous over time. Put your trust in to your Vet and medical professionals.

    Have a great night

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 27th, 2017

    If Sorn's testicle has not dropped by now, it will not drop. Neutering him at 11 months will not have any adverse effects on his growth, and I would recommend having it done as soon as possible. You are correct that there is a much higher risk of testicular cancers with this retained testicle, but there is also the risk that the testicle can twist on itself, cutting off it's blood supply. I would speak to Sorn's vet about having him neutered.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
My dog has one testicle. Does he need neutering due to cancer risk?
Marshal is likely a cryptorchid which means he still has a testicle retained in his abdomen. He should absolutely be neutered as the retained testicle makes Marshal at high risk for a certain type of cancer called a Sertoli cell tumor. I'd recommend having Marshal neutered right away. The veterinarian will need to remove both the testicle in the scrotum and the one that is retained in the abdomen. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and best wishes to you and Marshal!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My puppy has an undescended testicle. Is neutering safe and when?
Neutering is safe and is very highly recommended. Simba likely is cryptorchid, which means one testicle is retained in the body and hasn't descended. Leaving it leads to a higher incidence of cancer and testicular torsion later in later. You can wait until he is a year old to neuter him.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog's testicle didn't drop. Is surgery needed to remove both?
Yes, I recommend neutering and removing both testicles. This can be a genetic problem so you don’t want to breed him. The testicle that is in the abdomen has an increased chance of developing testicular cancer in the future so removing now is best. This surgery is more like spaying a female dog, with only a slightly longer recovery than a typical male dog neuter. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Rex.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Can my 14-year-old dog with a large testicle be safely neutered?
this could be cancerous but could also be a testicular infection or inflammation. At 14 he can safely be castrated if he is healthy. Your veterinarian will examine your dog pre-surgery and determine whether it is safe to give him anesthesia for the surgery.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Is it risky to neuter a 3-year-old dog with undescended testicle?
Three is a perfectly fine at to neuter a dog! Elliot isn't a senior dog, and as long as he is healthy, the risks are minimal, just the usual ones for any surgery such as infection and excessive bleeding. Have him seen by a vet to get him neutered. I hope this helps.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog has one undescended testicle. Can I remove just it?
Hi there. If you don't want to neuter him, then yes - I would recommend having the abdominal testicle removed, and leaving the other one alone. The abdominal testicle needs to be removed because it will likely develop into a testicular tumor later on in life if it's not taken out.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Should I neuter my senior dog? What are the risks and benefits?
This depends entirely on the patient. Castration in older dogs is often recommended to manage hormonal dependent conditions, certain prostate issues or to remove testicular tumours. Risks include mostky surgical and anaesthetic risks in an older dog
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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