Characteristics of Cryptorchid Castration Performed by HQHVSN Veterinarians in Dogs and Cats: A Multi-Center Study
Study Purpose and Procedures
The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the frequency of cryptorchism in dogs and cats and the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative characteristics of animals presented
for castration by high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) surgeons in the USA and Canada.
This study focuses on responses from clinicians who perform HQHVSN surgery on dogs and cats. For the purposes of this study, an HQHVSN veterinarian is defined as one who has performed at
least 3,000 spays and neuters in 2024 as the primary surgeon. Since the study focuses narrowly on outcomes for skilled HQHVSN surgeons, we are interested only in the surgeries in which the
veterinarian was the primary surgeon and not surgeries in which the veterinarian supervised trainees such as inexperienced veterinarians or veterinary students.
Veterinarians who enroll will provide the following information:
- Total cat and dog spay/neuter surgeries performed as the primary surgeon during the study period (01/01/2024 to 03/31/2025).
- Case summaries for each cryptorchid surgery performed in the study period (a link will be
sent with the form to be completed per animal). Our research team can assist with
compiling these if that is helpful. - Veterinarian contact data for the purpose of follow-up data clarification if needed.
All data, including veterinarian, facility, and patient identification, will be anonymized and aggregated prior to analysis and publication. The patient demographic variables recorded will be a patient identification code, species, breed, body weight, date of birth, and ownership status. Additional information will be collected for each dog or cat, including the castration date, surgical approach, and pre-operative, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics.
Request to Participate in Cryptorchid Case Reporting in Multi-Center Study
I understand that the data I submit will be anonymized and compiled with data from other clinics in the multi-center study for publication. My individual clinic data will not be published or made available to others. All contributors of complete data can be acknowledged in the final publication.
Please indicate if you are interested in participating in this study.
- No – This is an opt-out of further participation
- Yes – You will now enter the study participation application
Veterinarian Contact Information
Veterinarian first name:
Veterinarian last name:
Email address:
Phone number:
In which country(ies) were you performing HQHVSN during 2024/2025?
- USA
- Canada
In which state(s)/province(s)/territory(ies) were you performing HQHVSN during the study
period?
Select the type(s) of organizations where you performed in 2024/2025 (check all that apply):
- Private Veterinary Practice (GP)
- Animal Shelter Clinic
- Stationary spay/neuter or Access-to-care Clinic
- Mobile Clinic § Temporary MASH Clinic
- Trap-neuter-return Clinic
- Other (please specify)
For the following information on the number of surgeries you performed during the study period (01/01/2024 -03/31/2025), you may enter the exact number if known at this time or estimates pending confirmation of the actual totals later.
- Cat spays
- Dog spays
- Cat castration – not cryptorchid
- Dog castration – not cryptorchid
- Cat castration – cryptorchid
- Dog castration – cryptorchid
Are these totals complete and finalized for 2024/2025?
- Yes – these are the finalized totals for 2024/2025
- No – I will provide updated totals for 2024/2025 at a later time
How disruptive is a cryptorchid castration surgery to your average HQHVSN clinic day?
- Not at all disruptive
- Mildly disruptive
- Moderately disruptive
- Majorly disruptive
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Thank you for your interest in participating in this retrospective study. We will review your information and be in touch shortly.