Cryptorchid

Overview:

The descent of both testicles should be complete by 4 months of age. Either one testicle or both can be retained in both dogs or cats, even though it is very rare in cats. Most of the retained testicles are in the inguinal (upper thigh) region, but some are still in the abdomen.

Causes:

It is believed that there is an inherited trait that causes cryptorchidism. Any male pet that is diagnosed as being cryptorchid should not be allowed to breed.

Symptoms:

This condition is non-painful and there are usually no signs of disease other than not palpating both testicles in the scrotum. If the testicle is retained in the abdomen and not surgically removed, some dogs can rarely exhibit female signs (enlarged teats, hair loss, enlarged prepuce). These pets are also at an increased risk (10 x greater) at developing testicular cancer.

Treatment:

Castration is obviously the treatment of choice. The surgery will usually require 2 different incisions depending on where the testicle is retained. These affected males should NEVER be bred.