general health

Question
I have a German Shepherd that I got when he was around a year old. He was a stray so I am not sure of his history. When I got him he had no scrotum at all. I just assumed that he had been spayed. Now I am a little concerened that his testicals may have never dropped from birth. Is their anyway to tell if he has been spayed by looking or feeling? I have looked for a scar but his hair is fairly thick and I cant see anything. Also if they have not dropped, I have heard this can cause cancer. What dangers are their in leaving a dog this way if infact his testicals have not dropped. He is now about 3 to 4 years of age. Thanks, Robert  

Answer
It is most likely he has been castrated.  Dogs can get testicular cancer whether they have dropped or not.  The only way to tell is by tests or an operation.  If you take him to the vet and tell them you want to know, they can usually feel them in the abdomen.