This condition occurs when the testicles do not descend to the scrotum where they were designed to be. Testicles in the fetus start out near the kidneys and must travel through the abdomen, through the muscle wall and into the scrotum. They can be left either inside the abdomen or stuck in the groin area just under the skin. One or both testicles can be retained in this manner. If a dog has a testicle in the groin area, it is called inguinal cryptorchidism; abdominal cryptorchidism is the name for testicle(s) retained in the abdomen.
The condition is considered hereditary, and although dogs can be weakly fertile and produce litters, it is not advised, as the trait will then be perpetuated within the breed. Also, retained testicles are more likely to become cancerous later in life. Yorkies, Pomeranians, small Poodles, Schnauzers, Shelties, Siberian Huskies and the Chihuahua are most commonly affected.
Cryptorchidism can be diagnosed as early as 3-4 weeks of age, and if both testes are not present by 4-6 months of age, they most likely never will be. It has been documented where testicles do fall into place later than 4 weeks, but almost never after 6 months.
TREATMENT
OF CRYPTORCHIDISMNeutering is always advised as this prevents later cancers as well as stops the breeding of defective dogs. Although human males are surgically "corrected", it is considered unethical to do so in dogs, if not even fraudulent and thusly not performed.