What would you do?....

[JRapp]

Had one of boys steers drop a nut recently. It was one we purchased as a steer out of a sale. He was never the most feminine thing, so him have a more cresty neck didn't concern me. I have not had a vet verify it, but if felt his sack and it's there.  My question is... how should I approach this with the breeder? or should I just leave it be?

Thanks for any help!

 

[JRapp]

Sorry for the grammatical errors.... it was well past my bedtime 

 

[hclubcalves]

It happens from time to time if your around cattle long enough. Just have your vet come out and cut him. We had to do it on a yearling calf before, set him back for a week or so then back to the races.

 

[Tallcool1]

I agree, just have the vet come out and cut him.

I would let the breeder know, but certainly wouldn't throw a fit or anything like that.  The producer of all people would have rather it had been done correctly when he was a calf.

I would just want to know if I were the producer so that I could make sure the vet that was supposed to have done this could be made aware of it.

 

[Bulldaddy]

I would band him if he is an older steer.  Less stress and no blood.  Just be sure an give him a tetanus shot.

 

[GoWyo]

I would get the vet to run anesthesia on him and cut him.  He won't miss it in a day or two and less chance of tetanus and other nasty stuff.

 

[JRapp]

We took this guy to the vet, had a repro specialist look at it, a surgeon and a general vet. Three similar answers... they said that the way this testicle came out and is laying that he will likely herniate beyond repair. The only difference in there opinions was the amount of increase chance of hernia. They did indicate there was an option for removal but it was full anesthesia and cost around $1500...

 

[OH Breeder]

We took this guy to the vet, had a repro specialist look at it, a surgeon and a general vet. Three similar answers... they said that the way this testicle came out and is laying that he will likely herniate beyond repair. The only difference in there opinions was the amount of increase chance of hernia. They did indicate there was an option for removal but it was full anesthesia and cost around $1500...

So- I am not a vet but have worked in healthcare all my life. I am trying to figure why they immediately are associating a hernia with the descent of the testicle. Unless it is suggesting a weakness in the abdominal wall that allowed the testicle to descend in the first place. They do have mesh patches and I wouldn't see why that wouldn't be an option to get you to fat weight. I am not sure of your location but we use a University Vet Hospital for things that are more complicated. We have had a great success rate with a few minor set back here and there. University Vet hospitals here are substantial cheaper than private practice. We sign a waive we will allow senior vet students work with our animals. It has helped reduce the cost. You also have to remember they probably do more than an average private practice vet and do more anesthesia than private practice therefore usually cheaper. Not always but usually. I will say that anesthesia seems to be harder on our four legged friends than humans. I am not sure why they can't do a spinal or local vs general for removal and investigate the abdominal wall or pelvic floor. Just my two cents. if he hasn't developed bully characteristics we may not know that its a functioning testicle which sometimes happens. The fact its present may leave some hormonal residue systemically but may not be a viable testi. I may be way out in left field though. Its worth investigating if you have a vet school close.