When we adopted Hank we were advised that we might want to wait a while before we had him neutered. His little body had been through so much in his short life and waiting would give his body a chance to fully recover.

This is where the story becomes sensitive, so the faint of heart may want to bail out now.

I had no problem with waiting to neuter Hank. I was very concerned that he grow to his full potential and wanted to give him that extra boost of testosterone in case it helped. However, I was not hopeful because… his testicles were really small.

I had noticed and hoped that his starvation hadn’t effected his development in that area permanently. When I talked to Dr. V, she also agreed that we should wait to neuter him. She then pointed out his small testicles! Now I had medical proof that my dog had tiny testicles.

After a few months of a healthy and plentiful diet and lots of love and activity… let’s just say that I am no longer concerned about his development. Hank is still behind in many ways, but he now has a more than healthy pair of testicle. In an odd way, I am proud. I am proud of Hank for his progress and I am proud that Vinny and I have been able to nurture him to grow so strong.

I’ve never had an intact male dog before (Charleston was fixed before I adopted him) so it has taken some getting used to. I had hoped to wait until he was about a year old (February-ish) before we neutered him. Every time I look at him he seems taller. But, I think it’s just about time. He’s not marking, but he has tried to hump a couple of my friends (sorry about that Lynda).

Does anyone have any thoughts? Are there any discernible benefits to waiting another few months before we neuter Hank?