If your veterinarian mentioned that your male puppy has a “missing testicle” or “retained testicle,” you’re not alone. Cryptorchidism in dogs is one of the most common congenital conditions we see at Bushnell Animal Clinic, and the good news is that it’s completely treatable with planned surgery.
This article explains what canine cryptorchidism is, why it occurs, which dogs are at risk, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment options available. It is intended for dog owners who have been told their puppy has a missing or retained testicle, or anyone interested in learning about this common condition. Understanding cryptorchidism is important because early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious health complications for your dog.
Overview of Cryptorchidism in Dogs
Discovering that your puppy has only one testicle in the scrotum can be concerning, but this is a well-understood condition that we diagnose and treat regularly in Central Florida. Cryptorchidism simply means that one or both testicles have failed to descend, resulting in an undescended testicle that does not reach the scrotum by approximately six months of age.
The cryptorchid testicle can be located in one of three places:
- Abdominal cryptorchidism: The testicle remains inside the abdomen, often near the urinary bladder or along the path toward the groin
- Inguinal canal location: The testicle is stuck within or just outside the inguinal ring in the groin area
- Subcutaneous tissues: The testicle sits just under the skin near the scrotum but hasn’t fully descended
Approximately 1% to 15% of all dogs are affected by cryptorchidism, with toy breeds like Toy Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers being at higher risk. Interestingly, approximately 75% of cases involve only one retained testicle, and the right testicle is more than twice as likely to be retained as the left. However, both testicles can be retained, which significantly increases the risk of cancer and torsion.
While cryptorchidism isn’t a painful condition initially and doesn’t require emergency surgery, it does set up your dog for serious complication later in life. That’s why we recommend planned surgical correction before problems develop.
At Bushnell Animal Clinic, Dr. Roger Hart and our team have extensive experience diagnosing retained testicles during routine puppy exams and performing the corrective surgery that keeps your dog healthy for years to come.
Normal Testicular Descent vs. Retained Testicle
Understanding how normal descent works helps explain what goes wrong in cryptorchid puppies.
In a developing male puppy, the testes form high in the abdomen near the kidneys. Normally, a puppy’s testicles migrate from the abdomen near the kidneys down into the scrotum by two months of age. This journey takes the testicles through the inguinal canal—a small passage through the abdominal wall—and into the scrotal sac.
Veterinarians may suspect cryptorchidism if one or both testicles are not in the scrotum by eight weeks of age, with confirmation typically made at six months if the testicles have still not descended. The inguinal canal closes around this time, meaning spontaneous descent after six months is not expected.
Types of retained testicle locations:
Location | Description | Palpable on Exam? |
|---|---|---|
Abdominal | Testicle inside the abdomen | Usually no |
Inguinal | Testicle in or near the groin | Often yes |
Subcutaneous | Testicle under skin near scrotum | Yes |
This classification helps your veterinarian plan the right surgical approach for your dog’s specific situation. In small anim pract, similar classification and surgical planning are used for both dogs and cats. Cryptorchidism and its management are also relevant in cats, though it is less common than in dogs. |
Causes, Genetics, and At-Risk Breeds
Cryptorchidism is a heritable condition, although the exact pattern of inheritance is not fully understood. It is more commonly seen in certain breeds such as German Shepherds, Bulldogs, and Yorkshire Terriers. Research consistently shows this condition runs in families, which is why breeding recommendations exist.
Recent genetic research has identified specific risk factors. Combining genetic data with clinical records allows researchers to identify risk factors associated with cryptorchidism. For example, a mutation in the HMGA2 gene has been identified as a genetic risk factor for inguinal cryptorchidism, increasing the odds of this condition by 27% in dogs with two copies of the mutation. This gene is also associated with body size, which helps explain why small breeds are almost three times more likely to be affected than large breeds. Studies have found a significant difference in the incidence of cryptorchidism among certain breeds.
Commonly affected breeds include:
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Pomeranians and Chihuahuas
- Miniature and Toy Poodles
- Dachshunds
- Bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds
- German Shepherds
- Siberian Huskies
However, cryptorchidism can occur in any breed, including mixed-breed dogs from shelters and rescues. Many dogs we see at our Bushnell practice are crossbreeds with small-breed ancestry.
The genetic basis of this condition has important implications: affected dogs must never be bred to prevent passing the defect to future generations. Even if a cryptorchid dog is otherwise healthy and fertile, breeding perpetuates the genes responsible for this developmental problem. The Vet Med Assoc provides authoritative guidelines and research supporting these recommendations.
Future studies in veterinary medicine continue exploring the molecular pathways involved, but current practical guidance remains straightforward—neuter affected dogs and avoid breeding them.
Clinical Signs and Health Risks
Most owners first notice cryptorchidism when they observe “only one testicle” in their puppy’s scrotum during play or grooming. Young cryptorchid dogs typically appear completely normal otherwise.
Typical clinical signs include:
- One or both testicles missing from the scrotum by four to six months
- A small, firm oval structure palpable in the groin (inguinal cryptorchidism)
- Normal appetite, energy, and growth
- Typical intact male behaviors like urine marking, mounting, and roaming
The primary sign of cryptorchidism is a missing testicle, which may be palpable in the inguinal area if it has not descended. Retained testicles still produce testosterone, so your dog will display normal male behaviors even though his sperm production may be affected.
Long-term health risks are significant:
Dogs with cryptorchidism are at least ten times more likely to develop testicular cancer, with the risk estimated to be at least ten times greater than in normal dogs. Retained testicles are 10 to 13 times more likely to develop cancerous tumors than normal testicles due to higher internal body temperatures.
The excessive warmth can cause cell mutations in retained testicles, leading to testicular cancer and other hormonal issues. The most common tumor types include:
- Sertoli cell tumors (can cause feminization, hair loss, enlarged nipples, and life-threatening anemia)
- Seminomas
- Interstitial cell tumors
Testicular torsion is a painful condition that can occur in dogs with retained testicles, requiring immediate veterinary attention to prevent severe complications. Torsion involves twisting of the spermatic cord, cutting off blood supply to the affected testicle. This causes sudden, severe abdominal pain and requires emergency surgery.
If your dog shows acute abdominal discomfort, vomiting, weakness, or a suddenly painful swelling in the groin, contact Bushnell Animal Clinic immediately.
Diagnosis of Cryptorchidism in Dogs
If the testicles have not descended by four to six months, the dog is diagnosed as a cryptorchid. Diagnosis is usually straightforward during routine puppy wellness visits.
Physical examination includes:
- Scrotal palpation to confirm presence or absence of testes
- Gentle inguinal palpation to detect a retained testicle in the groin
- Abdominal palpation to assess for masses or discomfort
If a testicle can be felt under the skin in the groin, an inguinal cryptorchid is diagnosed. If no testicle can be felt, it is likely retained within the abdomen, which may require an abdominal ultrasound for confirmation.
Diagnostic imaging and testing:
- Abdominal ultrasound locates an abdominal testicle and can identify testicular tissue changes suggestive of tumors
- Radiographs help evaluate for torsion, masses, or other abdominal concerns
- In cases where no testicles are palpable, blood tests measuring hormones can confirm whether testicular tissue is still present, aiding in the diagnosis of cryptorchidism
Diagnostic approaches for canine cryptorchidism follow guidelines and techniques described in Vet Clin North Am and small anim pract, which emphasize the use of imaging and hormonal testing for accurate diagnosis in small animal practice.
This hormonal testing (anti-Müllerian hormone or hCG stimulation) is particularly helpful for adult dogs adopted with unknown medical records or unclear neuter status.
At Bushnell Animal Clinic, we provide written diagnostic and treatment plans explaining each step and associated costs before proceeding, so you always know what to expect.
Surgical Approach and Treatment Options
The recommended treatment for cryptorchidism is surgical removal of both testicles, known as neutering, which prevents serious complication such as infection, trauma, or cancer, and eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and torsion. According to clinical guidelines from the vet med assoc, this is the only treatment that definitively addresses the condition.
Why remove both testicles?
Even in unilateral cryptorchidism, both the normal testicle and the undescended testicle are removed to:
- Eliminate cancer risk in the cryptorchid testicle
- Prevent passing the heritable condition to offspring
- Reduce hormone-driven behaviors
Surgical approach depends on testicle location:
If the retained testicle is located in the groin, a small incision can be made directly over it, while an abdominal incision is required if the testicle is retained in the abdomen. This may mean two incisions—one for each testicle location.
For abdominal cryptorchidism, surgeons typically use a ventral midline approach through the linea alba, which provides good exposure and reliable healing. The surgeon traces the ductus deferens from near the bladder to locate the undescended testicle. These surgical techniques are standard in small anim pract and are also used for cryptorchidism in cats, with similar approaches and considerations.
Laparoscopic-assisted cryptorchidectomy is an advanced surgical method that may provide benefits for the removal of abdominal cryptorchid testes, although further studies are needed to compare it with traditional approaches. Most general practices, including ours, achieve excellent outcomes with traditional open surgery.
Timing considerations:
Most dogs undergo cryptorchid castration between 6 and 18 months of age. At Bushnell Animal Clinic, Dr. Hart discusses anesthesia protocols, pain management, and surgical options in detail, tailoring the plan to your dog’s age, size, and overall health.
Anesthesia, Recovery, and Prognosis
Cryptorchid neuter is a routine procedure in experienced veterinary hands, and most dogs recover smoothly.
Standard anesthesia protocol includes:
- Pre-anesthetic physical examination
- Bloodwork (especially recommended for adult dogs or those with health conditions)
- Modern injectable induction and gas anesthesia maintenance
- Continuous monitoring of heart rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature
Recovery expectations:
- Most dogs go home the same day once awake and comfortable
- Activity restriction: leash walks only for 10–14 days
- E-collar use to prevent licking at the surgical site
- Mild bruising or swelling around incisions is normal but should not worsen
Post-operative care checklist:
- Check incisions daily for redness, discharge, or opening
- Give pain medications as prescribed
- Watch for concerning signs: lethargy beyond 24 hours, vomiting, refusal to eat, or fever
- Call the clinic if any complications arise
The most common complications noted after cryptorchid castration include urinary tract trauma and gastrointestinal signs, with many complications identified within the first 24 to 48 hours post-surgery. Complications associated with cryptorchid castration can include trauma to the prostate, urethra, or urinary tract, which may occur due to inadequate exposure during surgery—though these are uncommon in experienced hands.
The prognosis for dogs with cryptorchidism after surgical removal of both testicles is excellent, with recovery similar to that of routine neutering or abdominal surgery. When surgery occurs before tumor or torsion development, most dogs never experience further issues related to their retained testicle.
Frequently Asked Questions from Dog Owners
Can my cryptorchid dog still father puppies?
Many unilateral cryptorchid dogs are fertile because the descended testicle can produce sperm normally. However, breeding is strongly discouraged because cryptorchidism is inherited. Bilateral cryptorchid dogs are often infertile due to heat-impaired sperm production, but fertility should never be assumed without testing.
Is surgery more expensive than a regular neuter?
Yes, cryptorchid surgery typically costs more due to longer anesthesia time, additional incisions, and sometimes pre-surgical imaging. At Bushnell Animal Clinic, we provide written estimates upfront so there are no surprises.
Is there any medical treatment to make the testicle drop?
Hormonal injections have been tried historically but show poor success rates and raise ethical concerns—if “successful,” the dog would appear normal but still carry genes for cryptorchidism. The recommended treatment remains surgical neutering.
What happens if I don’t fix my dog?
Leaving cryptorchidism untreated means accepting a significantly higher risk of testicular tumors, potential testicular torsion requiring emergency intervention, and ongoing intact male behaviors. Emergency surgeries for torsion or advanced cancer are more expensive and higher risk than planned correction.
What age is best for surgery?
Once cryptorchidism is confirmed by six months, owners should plan surgery relatively soon. Most dogs are neutered between 6 and 18 months, with timing individualized based on your dog’s health, size, and your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Will my dog’s personality change after neutering?
Core personality traits—affection, playfulness, intelligence—remain unchanged. Some hormone-driven behaviors like roaming, mounting, and urine marking often decrease over time, though learned behaviors may require additional training.
How Bushnell Animal Clinic Can Help
Bushnell Animal Clinic is a family-owned veterinary practice proudly serving Bushnell, FL and surrounding Central Florida communities including Sumter, Pasco, Hernando, Lake, Citrus, and Marion counties. We understand that learning your puppy has a retained testicle can feel overwhelming—but you’re in good hands.
Dr. Roger Hart brings extensive experience in diagnosing and surgically treating cryptorchidism in dogs, from straightforward inguinal cases to more complex abdominal testicle removals. Our clinic also provides emergency care for complications like testicular torsion when rapid intervention is needed.
What sets us apart:
- Calm, kid-friendly environment where families can ask questions
- Clear communication with written treatment plans and options
- Affordable, compassionate care focused on long-term pet health
- Pre-surgical bloodwork and diagnostic imaging on-site
- Additional services including microchipping, dental care, vaccinations, and boarding
If you’ve noticed your male puppy has only one testicle, or if you’ve adopted a dog with unknown neuter status, we encourage you to schedule an examination. Our team will thoroughly evaluate your dog, explain the diagnosis and risks, provide a written estimate, and answer every question before moving forward with treatment.
Ready to take the next step? Call Bushnell Animal Clinic today to schedule a puppy wellness exam or cryptorchid surgery consultation. We’ll treat your dog like family—because that’s exactly what he is.
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