Got My Male Dog Neutered, Vet Only Took Out One Testicle

folks, I'm kind of freaking out here and could really use some advice. I got my dog neutered a few days ago, and today my neighbor, who used to work in a vet's office, mentioned that it looks like the vet only removed one of his testicles. I don't know if she's right, but she seemed pretty sure. I've been noticing he's still a bit groggy and a little off, like he doesn’t want to play as much, which I figured was just recovery stuff, but now I’m second-guessing everything. Did something go wrong, or is all of this normal? It's so confusing. He’s a one-year-old Lab, and I don't want to deal with this on my own if it's serious. Any insights or similar experiences would be super appreciated. Thanks!

Answer

Thanks for reaching out—let's unpack this a bit to help ease your mind. What you're describing sounds like a condition called cryptorchidism, where one of the testicles does not descend into the scrotum. This is more common than you'd think and can happen in male dogs. Sometimes, the undescended testicle is located in the abdominal cavity or elsewhere in the inguinal area, which may require a slightly more involved surgical procedure to remove.



In your dog's case, it sounds like only one testicle was accessible during the neuter procedure. Your vet likely removed the one they could find and will assess the location of the other during a follow-up.



At home, you can help by monitoring your pup's incision site for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, and keep him from licking the area by using an e-collar if necessary. Be sure to limit his activity according to your vet’s instructions to promote healing.



Watch for signs that might indicate a problem, such as a change in appetite, vomiting, lethargy, or any swelling in the groin or abdomen. If any of these occur, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian promptly.



To ensure everything is on the right track, you might want to book a video consult with one of our vets on Dial A Vet. They can guide you on the next best steps and offer any additional support you may need.

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