While many of you may have heard the name, a vast majority still don’t know what the condition actually looks like or how severe it can be. "Cryptorchidism" is more than just a physical irregularity; it is dangerous enough to cause cancer in your beloved pets. Today, we’re going to help all dog and cat owners understand this condition inside and out.

What is Cryptorchidism? Cryptorchidism is a developmental abnormality where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. This can occur in both dogs and cats. In dogs, the condition is more frequently seen on the right side than the left, whereas in cats, it can occur equally on either side. These retained testicles typically get stuck either in the inguinal canal (the groin area) or within the abdominal cavity, with the groin area being the most common location.  

High-Risk Breeds for Cryptorchidism

While this condition can occur in any breed, certain lineages are genetically more predisposed to retained testicles.

At-Risk Dog Breeds

• Chihuahua
• Schnauzer
• Pomeranian
• Poodle
• Yorkshire Terrier

At-Risk Cat Breeds

• Persian

Causes of Cryptorchidism 

Cryptorchidism is a genetic abnormality passed down from parents carrying the defective gene to their offspring. It is important to note that this condition does not affect the production of male hormones. Therefore, affected pets will still exhibit normal male sexual behaviors, such as territorial marking or aggression.  

From Cryptorchidism to Cancer  

In cases where only one testicle descends, that normal testicle can still produce sperm and successfully mate, potentially passing the abnormal genetics to future generations. Conversely, the retained testicle (the one that didn’t descend) cannot produce sperm due to high internal body temperatures. However, it carries a severe risk: the tissue can abnormally enlarge and transform into testicular tumors or cancer.  

Neutering The Ultimate Solution  

Neutering is the most effective way to eliminate the risk of testicular cancer in dogs and cats. Even if your pet has only one retained testicle (unilateral cryptorchidism), it is medically necessary to remove both. Delaying the surgery until the pet is much older can make the procedure more complex and increase surgical risks. However, the decision to proceed with surgery should always be made under the guidance of a professional veterinarian, as each pet's physical condition and health requirements are unique. 

To protect your beloved pets from the threat of cancer caused by Cryptorchidism, we highly recommend that owners bring them in for a physical examination. A veterinarian can verify if both testicles have properly descended into the scrotum. If an abnormality is detected, your pet can receive timely and life-saving treatment.