Undescended Testicles

[littleman]

whippets (and any other breed of dog) wouldn't exist if people hadn't bred dogs selectively -- better to select for health than for some of the strange things like the extreme pushed in faces of pekingnese and pugs for instance
I wouldn't think the genetics of cryptochidism was simple. I expect there is more than one gene involved and that environment plays some role as well as inheritance. There is more than one reason testicles don't descend, although short cords seem to be the most common problem. I'd be interested in links to info on research into crytochidism. There was an item on k9 a few years ago about ongoing research at Cornell Uni in the US into genetics of cryptochidism in dogs. I haven't heard whether the researchers have reached any conclusion.

Its not only genes that cause this issue either.

Macha theres some interesting research about a link between zinc deficiency and retained testicles. Zinc supplements are sometimes given to young boys who have this issue (which is apparently more common than most folk think) with some success.

Hi was interested to know where you found this information. Obviously in humans testicles in young boys can go up and down and there is an operation where a stitch is put in to prevent it going back up. Only know this as a friend's son of 8 had this done.

 

[IanGerman]

"Only know this as a friend's son of 8 had this done. "

8 years old and he had his knackers??? !!!!!

Blimey! Did he sing baritone? (w00t)

 

[littleman]

Very funny !! The testicle was not in the srotum when they did the check at the doctors- I think that's how the story goes! Lovely topic of conversation.

 

[whippetfan]

I'll hunt down the stuff about zinc and cryptorchidism soon but did find an interesting reason as to why retained testicles should be removed.

They are far more likely to suffer testicular torsion than descended testicles. I'd call that an issue and its a genuine emergency if/when it happens.

 

[TillynPip]

I'll hunt down the stuff about zinc and cryptorchidism soon but did find an interesting reason as to why retained testicles should be removed.
They are far more likely to suffer testicular torsion than descended testicles. I'd call that an issue and its a genuine emergency if/when it happens.

I mentioned this on page 1. When castration is given as a reason for a defence against testicular cancer, many people dismiss it and say statistics don't back it up (I have no idea either way having never investigated it) but rarely do people consider testicular torsion. We had a working springer many years ago who died of it. In any case, you know what they say about statistics - there are lies, damned lied and statistics.

 

[littleman]

Had no internet access for a while so just to say thanks for all the reassuing comments I received, his testicle that had being going up and down is permanently in place and both are the same size, which is good news. He has been loosing teeth all over the place and has only 1 baby canine tooth left all others have fallen out and adult ones are growing in. His ears are definately a bit strange just now but hopefully will settle back to the way they were.

 

[June Jonigk]

Had no internet access for a while so just to say thanks for all the reassuing comments I received, his testicle that had being going up and down is permanently in place and both are the same size, which is good news. He has been loosing teeth all over the place and has only 1 baby canine tooth left all others have fallen out and adult ones are growing in. His ears are definately a bit strange just now but hopefully will settle back to the way they were.

Great news :thumbsup: