Cryptorchidism in dogs: what is it and how is it treated?

You're going to have your dog neutered. You have decided that you do not want any bitch to get pregnant, and you would also like to prevent her from marking the house with urine. More or less, you know what they are going to do to him: remove his testicles. It is an operation that veterinarians perform on a daily basis, and from which the furry ones recover after two or three days. However, when your friend is already under the effects of anesthesia, the professional realizes that he has cryptorchidism.

Do not worry: it is not serious if the animal is young (from the age of 4 there is a significant risk of developing into cancer). It has an easy solution. But yes: the operation will be somewhat longer, just like the post-operative one. What is and how is cryptorchidism in dogs treated?

What is canine cryptorchidism?

This is the absence of one or both testicles in the scrotal sac because they have not descended. The normal thing is that they do it at two months of age, but in some cases only one or none decreases. Those that are not in their place can be found in different anatomical cavities, so depending on these favors we differentiate different types of cryptorchidism:

• Unilateral cryptorchidism: only one testicle is in the scrotum.
• Bilateral cryptorchidism: none is located in the scrotal bag.
• Inguinal cryptorchidism: one or both testicles are in the inguinal canal.
• Abdominal cryptorchidism: one or both testicles are in the abdomen.

What is the diagnosis and treatment?

To know if a dog has cryptorchidism what the vet will do is examine it. Through palpation, you will be able to intuit that one or both testicles are not where they should be, and with an ultrasound and / or x-ray you will be able to locate the exact place where they are.

Then, proceed to remove the undescended testicles under general anesthesia.

What are the post-operative care?

After the intervention, and when the effects of anesthesia have worn off, the dog will have the instinct to lick the stitches. To avoid it, it is very important that you wear an Elizabethan collar or, if it is cold, a dog t-shirt. Over the next few days we will have to look at the wound to see that it is healing well. In the event that it has been opened or smells bad, we will have to take it to the vet as soon as possible.

The furry will return to normal life very soon, after a week on average.

Cryptorchidism is a disorder that, if detected early, clears up well. 😉