Undescended Testicles

How is undecended testicles hereditary, and what problems can arise if not neutered? And when neutered, is it more difficult and expensive? The one testicle is down, the other is not but still in sight.

Undescended testicles or cryptorchidism in dogs is a genetic defect that has a sex-limited (expressed in the male) autosomal recessive transmission. That means that the parents of affected dogs are carriers. Dogs with one descended testicle are fertile and should be neutered because of an increased incidence of testicular cancer. The surgery is usually a bit more difficult (expensive) depending on where the retained testicle is located. The testicles should be in the scrotum by 7 weeks of age. I have seen testicles descend into the scrotum up to the time of sexual maturity but I don't think these dogs should be used for breeding.

Dr. Mike

<< Back to Q&A