Dr. Paul Hodges
Veterinary Endoscopy
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Rigid Endoscopy
Flexible Endoscopy
General Surgery
"Uno" the Cryptorchid Dog
History:
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"Uno" presented to his veterinarian as a puppy for his general examination and puppy vaccine series
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During the course of Uno's puppy visits his veterinarian determined that only one testicle had descended properly, and diagnosed him as a unilateral (1 sided) cryptorchid.
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Uno is an otherwise healthy, happy puppy.
Uno's veterinarian recommended having the abdominally retained testicle removed using a minimally invasive approach
Findings:
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A laparoscopic approach was taken to remove Uno's abdominally retained testicle. An operating laparoscope was introduced into his abdomen and the retained testicle was located just behind the kidney between the urinary bladder and body wall (see picture).
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The testicle was grasped with forceps and removed through an approximately 1cm abdominal incision.
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Uno's descended testicle was removed via a traditional neuter technique.
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Uno recovered well and went home later that afternoon. A subsequent follow-up phone call confirmed that Uno was back to his normal self the next day and seemed comfortable.
Discussion:
Cryptorchidism is quite common in both dogs and cats and generally does not pose a problem long term as long as the retained testicle is found and removed. Traditionally a full abdominal incision is required to allow access and proper visualization of the retained testicle. Laparoscopy allows us to identify and remove the testicle(s) much more easily through a significantly smaller abdominal incision. As a result, the animal is less painful post operatively and recovers much more quickly.