Retained Testicle (Cryptorchidism) in Dogs

Understanding Retained Testicles (Cryptorchidism) in Dogs

Cryptorchidism, commonly referred to as retained testicles, is a condition affecting male dogs where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum during development. This condition is present from birth and occurs when the normal process of testicular descent is disrupted. Most dogs with cryptorchidism appear completely normal aside from the missing testicle or testicles in the scrotum, which makes early detection challenging for pet owners. Understanding this condition is essential for dog owners, as it can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.

What is Cryptorchidism?

Cryptorchidism is a developmental condition in which one or both testicles remain undescended. In a normal male puppy, the testicles develop in the abdomen during fetal development and gradually descend into the scrotum through a passage called the inguinal canal. This descent is guided by a cord-like tissue structure known as the gubernaculum. The process typically completes by six to eight weeks of age. When cryptorchidism occurs, either one testicle (unilateral cryptorchidism) or both testicles (bilateral cryptorchidism) fail to complete this descent. The retained testicle may remain in the abdomen or lodge in the inguinal region near the groin. Right-sided inguinal cryptorchidism is the most common presentation of this condition.

Causes of Cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism is a heritable condition, although the exact pattern of inheritance is not completely understood. The condition appears to result from a deviation in normal testicular descent and gubernaculum development. Certain dog breeds are predisposed to this condition, including German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds, as well as smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers. The condition is believed to be genetic in nature, which means that dogs with cryptorchidism should not be bred to prevent the transmission of this hereditary defect to future generations. The gubernaculum, which is responsible for guiding the testicles downward, fails to develop properly in cryptorchid dogs, preventing normal descent. Additionally, the inguinal canal closes around six months of age; if testicles have not descended by this time, they are unlikely to do so without intervention.

Health Risks Associated with Retained Testicles

Dogs with retained testicles face significantly elevated health risks compared to dogs with normally descended testicles. The most serious complications include testicular cancer and testicular torsion, both of which require immediate veterinary attention.

Increased Cancer Risk

Dogs with retained testicles are significantly more likely to develop testicular cancer in the undescended testicle. Various testicular tumors can occur, each with their own clinical signs and complications. One common tumor type is Sertoli cell tumor, which can produce hormones causing hyperestrogenism and leading to feminization or symmetrical hair loss in affected dogs. The risk of cancer is substantially higher in retained testicles than in normally descended testicles, making early treatment crucial.

Testicular Torsion

Another serious risk is testicular torsion, where the retained testicle twists on itself, cutting off its blood supply. This condition is extremely painful and requires urgent veterinary attention. Dogs experiencing testicular torsion will exhibit sudden and severe abdominal pain and require emergency surgical intervention.

Other Complications

Beyond cancer and torsion, retained testicles may cause prostate problems and other hormone-related issues. Even though a retained abdominal testicle will not produce viable sperm due to the core body temperature being too warm, it still produces testosterone, which means dogs can still exhibit hormonally driven behaviors such as urine-marking or roaming.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms

The clinical presentation of cryptorchidism varies depending on whether complications have developed. Most dogs with cryptorchidism appear completely normal aside from missing testicle or testicles in the scrotum. In many cases, owners may not notice any symptoms at all during routine observation.

Clinical signs develop only if there is a complication related to the retained testicle. If testicular cancer develops, signs may include enlargement of the retained testicle, prostate problems, or hormone-related changes such as symmetrical hair loss and feminization. If testicular torsion occurs, the dog will experience sudden and severe abdominal pain that requires immediate medical attention. Pain is rarely associated with undescended testicles in the absence of complications.

Diagnosis of Cryptorchidism

Your veterinarian may suspect cryptorchidism if one or both testicles are not present in the scrotum by eight weeks of age. The diagnosis is confirmed at six months of age if the testicles still have not descended. A proper diagnosis involves several steps:

Physical Examination

During a physical examination, your veterinarian will carefully check the scrotal sac to confirm that testicles are missing. If the testicle can be felt under the skin in the groin area, an inguinal cryptorchid is diagnosed. Your vet will also palpate the abdomen and groin area to check for any structure that may feel like a testicle. If no testicle can be felt, it is likely within the abdomen.

Advanced Imaging

An abdominal ultrasound may be recommended to locate a retained testicle before surgery. This imaging can help determine the exact location of the retained testicle and assists in surgical planning.

Hormonal Testing

In dogs with no palpable testicles, or when there is uncertainty about whether a dog has been neutered, blood tests measuring hormones can confirm whether testicles are still present. A GnRH (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone) response test is typically used when possible, as there is decreased risk of an allergic reaction compared to other hormonal tests. These tests help determine castration status and confirm the presence of testicular tissue.

Treatment Options

The only treatment for cryptorchidism is surgical removal of both testicles, a procedure known as neutering or castration. This surgical intervention prevents serious complications related to cryptorchidism and ensures that future generations do not inherit the condition. Neutering is recommended even if one testicle has descended normally, since cryptorchidism is a hereditary defect.

Surgical Approach

The surgical approach varies depending on the location of the retained testicle. If the retained testicle is in the groin, a small incision can usually be made directly over it. If the retained testicle is in the abdomen, surgery is performed through an abdominal incision. Some dogs may require multiple surgical sites to locate and remove both testicles. The retained testicle is often smaller than normal, which can sometimes make it more difficult to find during surgery.

Surgical Timing

Delaying neutering until one year of age is typically recommended for puppies diagnosed with cryptorchidism, to give the testicle(s) additional time to descend into the scrotum. Even if both testicles do eventually descend, it is still recommended to neuter the dog with cryptorchidism due to the hereditary nature of the condition.

Intraoperative Challenges

If a testicle cannot be located during surgery, follow-up hormonal blood tests may be recommended to check for the presence of testicular tissue. The undescended testicle may be hidden in other tissue or located anywhere in the area between the scrotum and the kidney, making surgical exploration necessary in some cases.

Recovery and Postoperative Care

Recovery from cryptorchidism surgery is typically two weeks total. After the neuter procedure, it is beneficial to limit activity to reduce swelling as much as possible. Dogs may wear an Elizabethan collar or another comparable cone to prevent licking and irritation of the surgical site. The surgical site should be checked daily for swelling and redness.

Common postoperative considerations include managing pain and preventing infection. Your veterinarian will provide specific aftercare instructions tailored to your dog’s individual situation. It is important to discuss surgical aftercare with your vet prior to surgery and again when picking up your dog after surgery to establish a follow-up timeline and ensure surgical recovery is properly outlined.

Prognosis and Long-term Outlook

The prognosis for dogs with cryptorchidism after surgical removal of both testicles is excellent. Surgery eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and torsion, the two most serious complications of the condition. Recovery is similar to that of a routine neuter or abdominal surgery. Without surgery, dogs remain at a higher risk of testicular cancer or torsion. Most testicular cancers rarely spread to other parts of the body (metastasize), and surgical removal of the affected testicle usually cures the condition when cancer does develop.

Surgical Costs and Considerations

Pet owners should expect to pay more for cryptorchidism surgery compared to routine neutering procedures, as additional testing may be needed to locate the testicles and confirm their presence. Several factors influence the cost of surgery, including increased surgical time required to attempt to locate the undescended testicle, additional surgical sites and materials used during the procedure, potential need for additional surgeries to correct the issue, and possible referral to a specialist veterinarian. It is important to speak with your veterinarian about the surgical treatment plan to get an accurate range of costs for your specific situation.

Possible Surgical Complications

While cryptorchidism surgery is generally safe, some complications can occur. The most common complications from surgery include hemorrhage, pain, swelling, surgical site splitting, discharging fluid, hypoglycemia, and hypothermia. Most of these complications are managed during the recovery period with appropriate postoperative care. Serious complications are relatively rare when the surgery is performed by an experienced veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: At what age is cryptorchidism diagnosed?

A: Cryptorchidism may be suspected if one or both testicles are not in the scrotum by eight weeks of age. The diagnosis is confirmed at six months of age if the testicles still have not descended, as this is when the inguinal canal closes.

Q: Can a dog with cryptorchidism still reproduce?

A: If only one testicle is retained, the dog may still be able to reproduce through the descended testicle. However, if both testicles are retained in the abdomen, the dog will likely be infertile since the core body temperature prevents sperm production. Regardless, breeding is not recommended due to the hereditary nature of the condition.

Q: Is cryptorchidism fatal?

A: Cryptorchidism itself is not fatal. However, complications from the condition, particularly testicular cancer, can be fatal if not treated. This is why surgical treatment is strongly recommended.

Q: What breeds are most prone to cryptorchidism?

A: Certain breeds are more commonly affected, including German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds, as well as smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers.

Q: Will my dog’s behavior change after neutering for cryptorchidism?

A: Yes, neutering typically eliminates testosterone-driven behaviors such as urine-marking and roaming. However, the extent of behavioral change varies by individual dog.

Q: How long does recovery take after cryptorchidism surgery?

A: Recovery is typically two weeks total. During this time, activity should be limited to reduce swelling, and the surgical site should be monitored daily for any signs of complications.

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Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to fluffyaffair,  crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

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