Cryptorchidism: castration for an undescended testicle
Removal of a testicle that has not descended into the scrotum, from the groin or the abdominal cavity, once it has been located by ultrasound. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia with monitoring; the removed testicle is examined histopathologically.
What it involves
Cryptorchidism is a developmental defect in which one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum and stop in the inguinal canal or in the abdominal cavity. In dogs and cats the testes should be in the scrotum by week 8, at the latest by month 6 of life. A testis that remains in the body is a few degrees too warm: it does not produce sperm, but it still produces hormones and — most importantly — carries a many-fold higher risk of malignant change and of torsion.
The procedure involves finding and removing the undescended testis (or both) together with the normal testis, because cryptorchidism is hereditary and such an animal should not be bred from. Depending on the position of the testis, the operation is similar to an ordinary castration (testis in the groin) or requires opening the abdominal cavity (testis in the abdomen).
We send the removed testis for histopathological examination, because in adult dogs neoplastic changes in an undescended testis are common, and the result determines further recommendations.
When it is used
We recommend the procedure once growth has finished, usually between month 6 and month 12 of life — by then it is certain that the testis will not descend on its own. In adult dogs with diagnosed cryptorchidism we operate regardless of age, because the risk of a tumour rises with time. An urgent indication is signs of torsion of an abdominal testis: sudden severe abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy.
Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit
- A puppy is 6 months old and only one testis, or none, can be felt in the scrotum.
- An adult dog with one testis, whose owner has so far not decided on the procedure.
- A tom cat after month 6 has an empty scrotum, or one side empty, and at the same time behaves like an unneutered male.
- A dog with cryptorchidism suddenly has severe abdominal pain, vomits and refuses to walk — suspected testicular torsion.
- A dog with cryptorchidism is losing hair symmetrically, its nipples are enlarging and other dogs sniff it as if it were a bitch — possible oestrogen-producing tumour.
- A breeder wants to be sure the dog will not pass the defect to offspring.
Conditions for which we use it in particular
Diagnostics beforehand
Before the procedure we locate the testis by palpation and ultrasound — this tells us whether the incision will be in the groin or on the midline of the abdomen, and lets us warn the owner about the extent of the operation. Ultrasound also assesses the structure of the testis: an enlarged testis with an irregular echo suggests a tumour. In adult dogs with signs of feminisation we perform a blood count to look for bone marrow damage caused by oestrogens.
As standard the patient undergoes pre-anaesthetic assessment (STD-01): examination, blood count and biochemistry, and in seniors an assessment of the heart.
How it proceeds
The patient is admitted in the morning, fasted. After premedication and placement of a cannula, he is put under general anaesthesia, intubated and connected to monitoring (STD-02). We perform a local block of the incision line and give painkillers in line with STD-04.
A testis in the inguinal canal is removed through a small incision over it; an abdominal testis requires opening the abdominal cavity on the midline and finding it along the vas deferens — this takes longer, usually 45–90 minutes including removal of the normal testis. We control the vessels with ligatures or electrocautery and close the wound in layers, often with an absorbable intradermal suture. In cats the procedure is analogous, on a smaller scale.
Recovery takes place in a heated hospital kennel. After an inguinal procedure the patient goes home the same day; after the abdominal cavity has been opened — in the afternoon or the next day, depending on his condition and the decision of the lead veterinarian.
Aftercare
At home: a collar or post-operative garment for 10–14 days, lead walks, no jumping or play with other dogs, painkillers according to the schedule for 3–5 days. Check the wound every day: slight redness is normal; swelling, discharge or separation of the edges is not. Follow-up after 2–3 days and removal of sutures (if external) after 10–14 days.
We receive the histopathology result after 7–14 days and discuss it by phone; if it shows a tumour, we agree a plan for further monitoring. Call if the dog does not eat for more than a day, vomits, has a hard, painful abdomen or a fever.
Frequently asked questions
Can the testicle still descend on its own?
After 6 months of age this is very unlikely. We do not recommend hormonal drugs that are said to help the testicle descend: they are ineffective and do not remove the hereditary nature of the defect.
Does the normal testis have to be removed too?
We recommend it, because cryptorchidism is hereditary. A dog with one testis can father puppies and pass on the defect. The final decision belongs to the owner.
How does this procedure differ from ordinary castration?
An inguinal testis — little. An abdominal testis requires opening the abdominal cavity, a longer anaesthetic and a slightly longer recovery, similar to spaying a bitch.
Will a cat with cryptorchidism spray urine?
Yes — an undescended testis produces testosterone, so the tom cat behaves like an unneutered one. After both testes are removed these behaviours usually stop.
We manage every case individually. The scope, indications and course described above are indicative; we agree the exact diagnostic and treatment plan during the consultation. This content is for information only and does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Do you have questions about cryptorchidism?
Call us or book a consultation. We will set out the diagnostic and treatment plan in writing, before you decide.