Rig Test or basal Testosterone?

RE: Rig Test or basal Testosterone?

Clive Ansell — Tue, 22 May 2018 20:34:33 GMT

Successfully castrated males will have a low basal testosterone, so in direct answer to the OP, a RIG test would be the better choice to my mind. I believe there is an assay available for anti-Mullerian duct hormone (AMH) too, but know little about it or how useful it would be.

Given that bilateral testicular agenesis is very very rare and unusual, and it is very unlikely the dog would have been castrated prior to 10 weeks of age, I feel exploratory surgery would be justified.

Also would the penis not develop or develop fully in the total absence of testicular testosterone during development?

Another option would be imaging maybe: a good ultrasonograper, or even ct/mri.

On balance, my choice would be to go straight to surgery.

RE: Rig Test or basal Testosterone?

Thomas Johnson — Tue, 22 May 2018 16:23:26 GMT

[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]

I agree...not much chance of a vet castrating before 10weeks!

I've only ever had one dog that I couldn't find a retained testicle at all...very frustrating to sew it up without 2 testis on the tray... luckily bloods later confirmed it didn't exist! Phew!

[/quote]

I would also recommend an ex-lap and look for the testicles, same as I would for a dog with only one descended testicle.

RE: Rig Test or basal Testosterone?

Lucy Fleming — Tue, 22 May 2018 12:57:11 GMT

[quote user="Anthony Todd"]Why do anything at all if there isn't a reason?[/quote]

Increased risk of neoplasia in retained testes, and I think also increased risk of torsion. Given that you can't palpate internal testes to check for masses like you would descended ones, I tend to err on the side of recommending castration.

RE: Rig Test or basal Testosterone?

Anthony Todd — Tue, 22 May 2018 12:48:12 GMT

Why do anything at all if there isn't a reason?

RE: Rig Test or basal Testosterone?

Liz Barton — Mon, 21 May 2018 22:44:48 GMT

[quote user="Anthony Dennison"]just a basal testosterone to see if there are testicles present at all, or go for the rig test straight off?[/quote]

Give the O the information and let them decide whether to test or go straight for op, the latter being preferable, but with your back covered with the usual 'no guarantees' spiel.

RE: Rig Test or basal Testosterone?

David Mills — Mon, 21 May 2018 22:22:08 GMT

[quote user="Michael Woodhouse"]I love a testicle hunt.[/quote]

So many possible responses to this.

Would you say it to a farmer with a knowing wink?

RE: Rig Test or basal Testosterone?

Gillian Mostyn — Mon, 21 May 2018 21:42:16 GMT

I agree...not much chance of a vet castrating before 10weeks!

I've only ever had one dog that I couldn't find a retained testicle at all...very frustrating to sew it up without 2 testis on the tray... luckily bloods later confirmed it didn't exist! Phew!

RE: Rig Test or basal Testosterone?

Michael Woodhouse — Mon, 21 May 2018 21:35:05 GMT

Why test? It's virtually impossible that the dog was castrated before 10 weeks. Just go in and find the testicles. Spending money unnecessarily IMO (given the greatest chance is bilateral retained testicles).

I love a testicle hunt.