Looks Like Oban Has to be Neutered. Phooey :(

[Snowshoe]

This is his third trip the to Vet for bloody urine in about a year and a half. We thought his enlarged prostate was under control but it's big again. A free flow urine sample early this morning and another sterile sample at the Vet's both showed some abnormalities, crystals in the first thing in the morning one, fewer crystals in the later one. Signs of infection. Under ultrasound cavitation of his prostate was revealed as well.

The Vet just phoned to give me more details on the tests she ran this morning prior to sending me the report, she called so I will understand it but I will understand better once I see the report. More tests that had to be sent to the States will take about 5 days to come back. But she feels there is enough information to warrant a recommendation of neuter. Phooey.

First we have to clear up the infection in the bladder so antibiotic for two weeks. That takes us close the Christmas and she wants a calm household so we won't schedule it till the New Year.

Oban isn't showing any signs of discomfort. I can't tell if he is needing out to pee more because he wants to go out and see if he can get into the cat food we put out for the strays. And speaking of cats, apparently it won't be as simple as Joey's was. Oban will have stitches and he will retain his scrotum because it's bigger and it's been hanging there for eight years now and she feels it won't shrivel up into nothing as male cats that I know have done. It will shrink but not disappear.

I'm upset but of course we will go ahead. I've been pretty proud of my all boy, boy. I get a kick out of telling people, no, he doesn't mark, or hump or fight as so many think intact males all do. I'm going to miss that jiggly view from the rear when he walks ahead of me. So silly of me, but I will.

[Snowshoe]

After I posted this I read the threads about Toby and Cookie and this is really sounding like small potatoes to me now.

[Meeps83]

Well since the sack will shrink instead of disappear you can pretend he has baby sized balls ��. But really, better to do it since it's a health issue. I'd be upset too. I understand being able to tell people how good your intact male is and how "proud" you are of that fact!

[CraftHer]

Hope you're feeling better soon, Oban. I posted a song for you

Christmas Carols for Dog Lovers

[SunDance]

We had Brutus neutered when we first got him (he was three) and his privates reminded me of a Clydesdale...he shrunk up pretty good over the years. Good thoughts headed Oban's way!

[Berna]

I totally get you. Even minor, a surgery is still a surgery and I understand that you are stressed about it. I am sure Oban will be fine, and he won't even notice them missing! Ha!

[smartrock]

Sorry for the change in plans! If you like the look of his man parts waving around in front of you, I guess you could always ask them to put in some neuticles. Neuticles.com

Chase says, "Balls? I had balls?"

[Snowshoe]

Hope you're feeling better soon, Oban. I posted a song for you

Christmas Carols for Dog Lovers

I went and looked, great, thanks. Folks, you should all go look, I think.

[POPTOP]

Sorry you and Oban are forced into this decision. Know you've heard it here a million times, but they do really well afterwards. What I've found with the older dogs, the sac slowly gets smaller but never completely disappears. With labs and their fur it seems like they disappear. Our male Dalmatian was well "spotted" including sold black balls on a white butt. With shorter fur, he went from balls to mini-pancakes and they still showed because of the stark contrast.

[Abulafia]

I'm still stuck on the "Neuticles" thing.

However. I can't say I know how you feel, but... I can imagine. A sad day, but it's for his health, so that's important. I am planning to keep Hoku intact until she is two... and frankly, I'd rather not alter her at all, but I did have a dog develop pyometra, and I can't think of risking that.

Anyway, I'm very sorry.