8 year old shihtzu with Cryptorchidism

Hello! My dog is a 8 year old shihtzu and has Cryptorchidism, where one of his testicle has retained and has not dropped down. My mother was informed that he should be operated to reduce the likeness of cancer but my mother didn't get him to be operated when he was younger. This is until I persuaded her because I did not want my dog to die of cancer. Can the risk of cancer be eradicated if my shihtzu has this operation? The veterinanrian near me said that there will be no change since there is a big percentage he will get cancer. I need this information to be verified to make a decision since this will greatly impact the life of my dog. Thank you so much!

Hello!  For those who don't know about cryptorchidism, here is our guide to the basics:  https://vethelpdirect.com/pet-health-library/dog-cryptorchidism/ First, no-one can eradicate anyone's risk of cancer.  Cancer can arise in almost every tissue and body system - and I only left the word 'almost' in there, to cover my back, not because I have heard of an organ, tissue or body system that never gets cancer.  However, it is definitely unlikely that a dog will get testicular cancer if they do not have any testicles.  It is also highly likely that an uncastrated cryptorchid dog WILL develop cancer in the testicle that never dropped from its position in the abdomen.  This adds up to a lot of evidence supporting cryptorchid castration. However, I think the question you are asking may be more subtle than that:  whether cancer can be avoided if the dog is older when castrated.  I have always understood that it can (i.e. if there is no cancer in the testicle and the testicle is removed, then they will likely be ok).  However, it is obviously it is possible that something to the contrary may have been published without my being aware of it. What I would propose that you do, is to go back to the vet and ask them for the evidence supporting this assertion.  If they cannot point you to any, you could ask them to call the pathology lab on your behalf and to ask the pathologist who usually looks at their samples.  If either source can provide evidence, please do let me know where I can read about it, because I personally am still strongly advocating the removal of cryptorchid testicles at this time.