Cryptorchidism in Dogs & Cats: Location of Retained Testicles

"Cryptorchidism" -- we believe many of you may have heard the name of this condition before, but most people still don't know what it actually looks like, and that "cryptorchidism" can be dangerous enough to lead to cancer in our pets. Today, let's help dog and cat owners get to know this condition together.

"Cryptorchidism" is a condition in which one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. It's found in both dogs and cats, and can affect just one side or both. In dogs, a retained right testicle is more common than the left, but in cats, both sides are equally likely to be affected. An undescended testicle usually remains in the groin area or inside the abdomen, though it's more commonly found in the groin.

Dog Breeds at Risk

• Chihuahua
• Schnauzer
• Pomeranian
• Poodle
• Yorkshire Terrier

Cat Breeds at Risk

• Persian

Causes of Cryptorchidism

This condition results from a genetic abnormality in the father or mother that carries the abnormal gene, which can then be passed down to offspring. Cryptorchidism has no effect on male sex hormones, so affected animals will continue to display normal sexual behavior.

How Cryptorchidism Can Lead to Cancer

There are 2 testicles -- the one that has descended can produce sperm and pass on the abnormal genetics to offspring through breeding, while the undescended testicle cannot produce sperm but carries a risk of developing into a tumor or testicular cancer.

Neutering Is the Solution

Neutering helps reduce the risk of testicular cancer in dogs and cats. Even if an animal has cryptorchidism in only one testicle, both must still be surgically removed. The longer this is left untreated as the animal ages, the more complicated the surgery becomes. However, the decision to proceed with neutering surgery should always be made under a veterinarian's guidance, since each dog and cat's physical condition differs.

To prevent the dangerous cancer that can result from cryptorchidism in the future, dog and cat owners should bring their pets to see a veterinarian to check whether both testicles are properly present in the scrotum. If it's found that your pet doesn't have both testicles descended, they can receive prompt treatment.