Cryptorchidism refers to the failure of the testicles to descend from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum. Small male dogs are most commonly affected by cryptorchidism.
The development of the testicles in male fetuses begins in the womb. During pregnancy, the testicles begin to descend toward the scrotum. The testicles are connected to the scrotum by a cord, which shortens under the influence of male sex hormones, causing the testicles to descend into the scrotum. At birth, the testicles are still protected between the kidneys and the inguinal ring in the abdominal cavity. Within the first six to eight weeks of life, the testicles migrate through the inguinal canal into the scrotum. This process is called "descent of the testicles." However, the inguinal canal is only passable for the testicles until the age of about six months; a testicle that has not descended by then cannot enter the scrotum.
There are various causes of undescended testicles, but in most cases it is genetic. Anatomical causes include a narrow inguinal canal, overly large testicles, a short spermatic cord, or adhesions. Hormonal disorders can also lead to undescended testicles.
Cryptorchidism can occur on one or both sides. If the undescended testicle is still in the abdominal cavity, this is referred to as abdominal cryptorchidism. If the testicle has descended into the inguinal canal, this is referred to as inguinal cryptorchidism. A wandering or pendulous testicle is when the testicle alternates between the abdominal cavity, the inguinal canal, and the scrotum.
The main symptom is that the testicles aren't visible. If it's on both sides, you can't see or feel either testicle. Undescended testicles still produce hormones, but sperm production no longer functions properly. Male dogs with bilateral cryptorchidism are almost always infertile, while physical and sexual development is normal in male dogs with unilateral cryptorchidism. However, due to the hereditary nature of the condition, male dogs with unilateral cryptorchidism should not be used for breeding.
The higher ambient temperature of the testicle located in the abdominal cavity increases the risk of testicular cancer by a factor of 13 compared to normally descended testicles. Undescended abdominal testicles tend to degenerate from around the age of nine, with both benign and malignant tumors developing, some of which also produce hormones. There is no increased risk with inguinal testicles, as the ambient temperature is roughly the same as in the scrotum.
Another possible complication is the rotation (torsion) of the testicle in the abdominal cavity, resulting in strangulation of the spermatic cord. If loops of the small intestine are involved, this can lead to life-threatening intestinal obstruction.
In male puppies, the testicles are always examined by the vet during the first routine check-up and vaccination appointments. However, as the testicles do not descend completely until six to eight weeks after birth, it is advisable to wait until between the sixth and twelfth week of life before carrying out the examination. Before this time, the testicles are still very small and freely movable, meaning that it is not possible to assess whether they have descended correctly. Fat stored in the scrotum can also easily be confused with the testicles by the veterinarian.
An inguinal (in the inguinal canal) testicle can sometimes be felt by the veterinarian, but an abdominal (in the abdominal cavity) testicle cannot. Ultrasound can be used to locate both inguinal and abdominal testicles. The abdominal testicle can shrink significantly with age, making it difficult to find in adult dogs.
Since hormone production in undescended testicles is normal, a cryptorchid can be distinguished from a castrated male by determining the level of testosterone in the blood (male sex hormone). While a cryptorchid male dog may have levels similar to those of an intact male dog, only small amounts of testosterone are detectable in the blood of neutered dogs.
In puppies, hormone therapy and daily massage can be attempted until the age of six months to induce testicular descent. Surgical relocation of cryptorchid testicles should not be performed, as they remain underdeveloped. However, both treatment methods are controversial and, from a breeding perspective, not advisable, as the dogs should not be used for breeding anyway due to the hereditary nature of the condition.
The most common and promising treatment is castration, i.e., removal of the cryptorchid testicle. In cases of unilateral cryptorchidism, the healthy testicle can be left in place. However, given the hereditary nature of the condition, the vas deferens should be severed to prevent reproduction. This is particularly advisable as other hereditary diseases are often associated with cryptorchidism. Castration does not have to take place when the dog is still a puppy, but should not be delayed too long to prevent the development of tumors. In cases of inguinal cryptorchidism, castration is not mandatory, but these dogs should also not be used for breeding for the reasons mentioned above.
After successful removal of cryptorchid testicles, the prognosis is very good. If complications (tumor, testicular torsion) have already occurred, the chances of recovery may be reduced. If a tumor has already metastasized (spread), the prognosis is unfavorable.
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