Big Boy Surgery

As pet owners, we want nothing more than to ensure our furry friends live long, happy, and healthy lives. But sometimes, unforeseen challenges arise that make this goal harder to reach. Recently, my friend’s dog, Enzo, underwent his “big boy op”, as we affectionately call it, and it reminded me of my mom’s dog, Lucky, who had the same condition. Their stories highlight the importance of timely veterinary care and the risks of waiting too long before seeking a professional’s opinion.

Lucky’s Struggle with Testicular Cancer

My mom’s dog, Lucky, was a lovable Pomeranian with infectious energy and charm. From a young age, it was clear that Lucky had a unique physical trait: he had only one visible testicle, with the other one hidden inside his body. Despite advice from veterinarians to consider neutering him, my mom was reluctant. She wanted to give him a chance to live a full, natural life without the need for surgery.

However, as time went on, Lucky’s health began to decline. He wasn’t as energetic, and there were subtle signs that something wasn’t right. After much hesitation, my mom took him to the vet, where he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. The undescended testicle had become cancerous, and surgery was necessary. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the veterinary team, Lucky passed away a few days later. At only three years old, his death was heartbreaking for our family.

Lucky’s passing was a tough lesson for all of us. It made us realise that certain health issues—like undescended testicles—can carry severe risks if not addressed early. My mom’s hesitation to have him neutered ultimately led to a situation where his health had deteriorated too far for successful treatment.

Enzo’s Journey: The Need for Proactive Care

Fast forward a few years, my 'godson', Enzo—a sprightly two-year-old West Highland Terrier (Westie)—faced a similar issue. Enzo, too, had one visible testicle, with the other hidden. This time, his mama didn’t hesitate. She sought veterinary advice early and was advised that Enzo should undergo neutering sooner rather than later.

However, Enzo’s path to surgery wasn’t without complications. Along with his undescended testicle, Enzo developed elevated liver enzymes, which raised concerns. He had to visit the vet several times for additional tests for almost a year and was repeatedly rejected for surgery due to his liver issues. It was a stressful and worrying time for his mama, who just wanted to the best for her boy.

Finally, after multiple rounds of testing and a thorough assessment of his overall health, Enzo was cleared for surgery. On January 20, 2025, he underwent his big-boy operation to remove both testicles. Both his mama and I were incredibly relieved when the surgery was a success.

A Happy Recovery: Enzo’s Doing Great

Today, Enzo is on the road to recovery, and we’re thrilled to report that he’s doing incredibly well. He’s already showing signs of improvement, happily eating his meals and regaining his energy. It’s been a tough journey with many obstacles, but now that the surgery is behind him, Enzo’s health is steadily improving. His mama can finally rest easy, knowing they made the right decision.

The Takeaway: Don’t Wait Too Long

Enzo’s story, combined with the painful memory of Lucky’s early passing, serves as a powerful reminder: if your pet has any health concerns, don’t wait too long to consult with a vet. We learned this lesson the hard way with Lucky, but thankfully, with Enzo, we were able to address the issue in time.

Neutering isn’t just about preventing unwanted puppies; it’s also about reducing the risk of serious health problems like testicular cancer. By seeking veterinary advice early, you can address potential issues before they become life-threatening.

This situation is similar to Cotton’s case, which I shared in a previous article. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and act sooner rather than later. While not every situation will result in complications, the risk of waiting too long is simply too great. Your pet’s health and happiness depend on it. Consult your vet and ensure they get the care they need before it’s too late.

Photo credits: Enzo’s Mama, Eve Lee https://www.instagram.com/boiboibooberries?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==