Hi Corissa,
I'm sure you have already come up with a solution to this incident but just wanted to add a little more info for next time :)
In terms of reproduction, the cat is considered sterile. A testicle that is in the abdomen is not functional so even though you didn't remove it, he will not be able to reproduce. In instances where this happens at our shelter we tip the ear and call it good enough.
He may however, still display tom cat attributes. He could start/keep spraying, have smelly urine, or do other annoying tom cat things that we all try to prevent.
With limited resources it's not worth it for us to spend a large amount of time, do a second surgery, or hold onto the cat and stress him out more when the end goal is just to stop the cycle.
Hope this helps (and eases your mind),
Heather Traxler
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Heather Traxler
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Original Message:
Sent: 12-01-2022 05:14 PM
From: Corissa Arndt
Subject: Cryptorchidism
Today I sent a TNR cat to clinic. The cat was cryptorchid and the second testicle was unable to be located despite the DVM's best efforts and abdominal exploration. This cat could have been born with one testicle or it still have it retained somewhere in its body. What is best practice for TNR cats in the case of cryptorchidism when both testicles cannot be located? Currently, these are the options we are considering:
1. Return to colony with one only one testicle confirmed to be removed
2. Second surgery with a different DVM to re-explore (additional cost)
3. Delay return, monitor testosterone levels (additional cost)
I am curious to know what other rescues have done or would recommend doing when faced with the same circumstances.
#CommunityCatManagement
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
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Corissa Arndt
President and Founder
Whiskers TNR of Warren County
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