Cryptorchidism
This is a medical term to describe a dog or cat that has one or more undescended testicles. In most puppies, the testicles should be descended into the scrotum by 2-3 weeks of age. Kittens may take a little longer, but usually we can palpate the testicles by the first if not second kitten visit at 6-9 weeks of age. This condition is far more common in dogs, with the following breeds being predisposed to cryptorchidism:
Cryptorchid puppies should always be neutered, for several reasons. Since this is a genetic recessive defect in dogs, any dog that is cryptorchid should not be used for breeding because this condition will likely be passed on to one or more offspring. Also, a cryptorchid puppy will usually have one or more concurrent genetic problems such as luxating patellas. Unilateral cryptorchid males can still breed since they have one healthy descended testicle, and they will still exhibit male behaviors (such as urine marking, humping, and increased aggression) because they are producing testosterone. Bilateral cryptorchid males will be sterile but will still exhibit male behaviors since undescended testicles still produce testosterone.
Second, the undescended testicle, if left inside the body, is far more likely to become cancerous and undergo a torsion, or twisting, which is a life-threatening condition. It is very important to remove BOTH testicles during the neuter, and not just the descended one, for this very reason. Because this is an abdominal surgery, cryptorchid neuters are generally more expensive and a little more involved than routine neuters. The recovery time for a cryptorchid neuter is similar to a spay in a puppy or kitten, and once neutered the pet should lead a normal life.
- Yorkshire terrier
- Shetland sheepdog
- Pomeranian
- Poodles
- Siberian Husky
- Miniature schnauzer
- Chihuahua
- German shepherd
- Brachycephalic (aka "short nosed") breeds
Cryptorchid puppies should always be neutered, for several reasons. Since this is a genetic recessive defect in dogs, any dog that is cryptorchid should not be used for breeding because this condition will likely be passed on to one or more offspring. Also, a cryptorchid puppy will usually have one or more concurrent genetic problems such as luxating patellas. Unilateral cryptorchid males can still breed since they have one healthy descended testicle, and they will still exhibit male behaviors (such as urine marking, humping, and increased aggression) because they are producing testosterone. Bilateral cryptorchid males will be sterile but will still exhibit male behaviors since undescended testicles still produce testosterone.
Second, the undescended testicle, if left inside the body, is far more likely to become cancerous and undergo a torsion, or twisting, which is a life-threatening condition. It is very important to remove BOTH testicles during the neuter, and not just the descended one, for this very reason. Because this is an abdominal surgery, cryptorchid neuters are generally more expensive and a little more involved than routine neuters. The recovery time for a cryptorchid neuter is similar to a spay in a puppy or kitten, and once neutered the pet should lead a normal life.