
Cryptorchidism: Undescended Testicles in Dogs
Cryptorchidism is a condition where the testicles are not yet felt in the scrotum of an 8-week-old dog. You will find out what it is and the consequences of a dog’s missing testicle descent.
Dogs do not always have their testicles located in the scrotum. At birth, they are located between the kidneys and the inguinal rings in the abdominal cavity. The so-called “testicular descent” is the only thing that follows. If this is not true, then one talks about cryptorchidism.
What is cryptorchidism?
Cryptorchidism is a Greek word that means “hidden testicles.” It occurs when the testicles are not able to be felt in the scrotum. Cryptorchidism may occur unilaterally, bilaterally, or both.
Testicular descent occurs in most dogs between 10 and 14 days after the birth. The testicles will then be located in the scrotum. Delays of up to 8 weeks are not uncommon, and they are not harmful. If the testicles of the male dog are not yet in the scrotum, this can have serious health and breeding implications.
Cryptorchidism causes in dogs
Any male dog can be affected by this condition. Small breeds are more susceptible than large breeds. It could be caused by the dog’s anatomies. Cryptorchidism can be caused by a large testicle or a narrow inguinal canal. This is also a hereditary, congenital disease.
Cryptorchidism: What are the consequences in dogs?
Hidden testicles are more than just an unsightly blemish on dogs. They can also have serious health implications for them. The undescended testicles of the abdomen, for example, are exposed to higher temperatures, which prevent sperm formation.
Infertile dogs with bilateral cryptorchidism, are almost always those that have it. Unilateral cryptorchids, on the other hand are fertile. They should not, however, be used to breed, due to the heritability. In addition to infertility and testicular cancer, dogs with cryptorchidism are at a greater risk.
Treatment of hidden testicles
The use of hormone therapy to induce the descent of testicles can be done in puppies up to six months old. If this does not work or the animal is too old, the testicles will be surgically removed. This reduces the risk of developing cancer.