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【Case Sharing】The "Giant Testicle": A 16-Year-Old Dachshund’s 5-Year Battle with a Testicle Tumor

By Dr. Ryan Chuang


This is a surprising case when I first saw the patient. It's a 16-year-old Dachshund named "Cheong Cheong" (腸腸), weighing only 4kg, who came to us for a second opinion.


A Sight to Behold

When Cheong Cheong walked into the consultation room, I couldn't help but gasp. One of his testicles had grown into a massive tumor—roughly 30 to 50 times the normal size.

Because of the extreme weight, the scrotal skin had stretched so much that it dragged on the ground, causing constant friction and painful skin irritation every time he tried to walk.

Why Wait Five Years?

According to the owner that the tumor began growing 4 to 5 years ago. At that time (when the dog was 11 years old), the owner felt he was "too old" for surgery and chose to wait. Unfortunately, the tumor continued to grow until it severely impacted his quality of life and mobility.

Testicle tumor

The Procedure: Surgery and Dental Care

In order to assess the anesthetic risk due to his senior age, we performed a comprehensive pre-anesthetic evaluation and blood work. Cheong Cheong was found healthy so we performed the following procedure under the same anesthesia.

  • Tumor Removal: We successfully removed the giant tumor and the other normal testicle.

  • Dental Health: Since Cheong Cheong also suffered from severe dental disease, we performed a much-needed dental extraction during the same anesthesia session.

The surgery was a success. Cheong Cheong can walk freely without a heavy tumor dragging behind him.


Dr. Ryan’s Reflection: Age is Not a Disease or concern

This case serves as a vital lesson for all pet owners. The owner originally declined surgery at age 11 due to "old age," yet the dog ultimately required the surgery at age 16 anyway.

If we worry about anesthesia risks in senior dogs, shouldn't we consider proactive surgery (neutering) when they are much younger and healthier? Delaying "inevitable" surgeries often results in doing the same procedure on an older, more fragile patient with a much larger and more complicated problems.


(Article by Dr. Ryan Chuang. Reproduction without permission is prohibited; sharing with original attribution is welcomed.)


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