Cryptorchidism refers to the failure of one or both testicles (testes) to descend into the scrotum. The testes develop near the kidneys within the abdomen and normally descend into the scrotum by two months of age. In certain dogs, it may occur later, but rarely after six months of age. Cryptorchid males should be neutered because:
- They may still be fertile and may continue to have undesirable characteristics of intact males.
- They should not be bred as this is believed to be hereditary.
- The risk of testicular cancer is at least 10X’s greater in dogs with cryptorchidism than normal dogs.
Depending on the location of the undescended testicle(s), incisions could be prescrotal, inguinal (groin), or abdominal. The procedure is typically no more invasive than a female spay.