Cryptorchidism in Dogs: Diagnosis and Treatment

Cryptorchidism in dogs occurs when one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. Testicles usually descend around 6–16 weeks of age.

The only treatment for cryptorchidism is surgery, and neutering is recommended to prevent breeding and the supplied risks of testicular torsion and testicular cancer.

What Is Cryptorchidism in Dogs?

Cryptorchidism in dogs is a condition in which one or both testicles have not descended into the scrotum. Testicles usually descend around 6–16 weeks of age.

When a dog is born, the testicles are generally located near the inguinal ring, an area around the groin, and are guided by the gubernaculum, a structure that connects the testicle to the scrotum. During development, this structure is located near the kidney.

Cryptorchidism occurs when the gubernaculum fails to develop properly, causing one or both testicles to fail to descend into the scrotum.

If only one testicle descends, it is usually the left testicle, with the right testicle failing to descend. When neither testicle descends, the dog is typically sterile because body temperature usually prevents sperm production.

What Causes Cryptorchidism in Dogs?

Cryptorchidism in dogs is genetic and linked to the X chromosome. If the dog's parental history is known and the father had cryptorchidism, there is an increased chance that the offspring may have it.

Breeds likely to have the cryptorchidism gene include:

• Yorkshire Terriers
• Pomeranians
• French Poodles
• Siberian Huskies
• Miniature Schnauzers
• Shetland Sheepdogs
• Chihuahuas
• German Shepherds
• Dachshunds
• Brachycephalic (smoosh-faced) breeds

How Is Cryptorchidism in Dogs Diagnosed?

Cryptorchidism in dogs may be diagnosed based on family history and a physical examination. Additional testing, including hCG or GnRH response tests, may be recommended to evaluate castration status.

Physical Examination

When family history is unknown, your veterinarian may:

• Check the scrotal sac and its contents to make sure there are no swellings and that both testicles are present.
• If the testicles are not palpable in the scrotum, palpate the abdomen and the area near the groin to check for a structure that may feel like a testicle.
• Examine the penis for penile spines, which disappear after neutering (six weeks).

Hormone Response Testing

Additional testing may include an hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) or GnRH (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone) response test to evaluate castration status.

A GnRH test is typically used when possible because there is a decreased risk of an allergic reaction.

How Is Cryptorchidism in Dogs Treated?

The only treatment for cryptorchidism in dogs is surgery. The dog should be neutered to avoid breeding and to prevent testicular torsion and testicular cancer, which typically affect the undescended testicle.

Locating the Undescended Testicle

Surgery can be complicated because the undescended testicle must first be located. This may involve palpation, ultrasound, or exploratory surgery.

Palpation

Palpation involves using pressure from the fingers to identify a specific area. This may help determine whether the testicle is located near the groin.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a medical imaging procedure that may be used to determine the location of a testicle if it cannot be found through palpation.

Exploratory Surgery

During exploratory surgery, the abdominal cavity is opened and the surgeon inspects areas of the abdomen for the retained testicle.

This typically takes place after palpation and ultrasound to help locate the testicle and minimize surgical time and complications.

Removing the Undescended Testicle

An undescended testicle can be located anywhere between the scrotum and the kidney. Retained testicles may be smaller than normal testicles, making them more difficult to locate, and they may be hidden in other tissue.

Dogs with this issue will typically have multiple surgical sites to locate and remove both testicles.

How Much Does Cryptorchidism Surgery Cost for Dogs?

Cryptorchidism surgery may cost more overall because additional testing may be needed to locate the undescended testicle and confirm its presence. Other factors that can affect the cost include:

• Increased surgical time needed to locate the undescended testicle
• Additional surgical sites and materials used during the procedure
• Additional surgeries that may be needed to correct the issue
• Referral to a specialist

Speak with your veterinarian about the surgical treatment plan to get an accurate cost range for your dog.

Recovery and Management of Cryptorchidism in Dogs

For puppies diagnosed with cryptorchidism, delaying neutering until 1 year of age is typically recommended to give the testicles time to descend into the scrotum. After the neuter procedure, recovery typically takes two weeks.

Timing of Neutering

Even if both testicles descend, it is still recommended to neuter a dog with cryptorchidism because it is a hereditary defect of the gubernaculum.

Recovery After Cryptorchidism Surgery

Limiting activity can help reduce swelling during recovery. Dogs may wear a recovery collar or another comparable cone to prevent licking and irritation of the surgical site.

Check the surgical site daily for:

• Swelling
• Redness

Follow-Up Care

Discuss surgical aftercare with your veterinarian before surgery and again when picking up your dog after the procedure. Your veterinarian can establish a follow-up timeline and outline your dog's surgical recovery.