What is Cryptorchidism?
Cryptorchidism only affects a small percent of male cats. When the kitten is two to four months of age, a diagnosis can generally be made, although some veterinarians prefer to wait up to 9 months to treat the condition. The testicles can be retained in various parts of the groin area, including inside the abdomen, the inguinal region (where the abdomen and rear legs connect) and just beneath the skin in the groin tissue. Veterinary treatment is necessary to eliminate serious conditions that can develop later in the cat’s life.
At birth,a kitten’s testicles are located inside the abdomen near the kidneys. Over the next few months, the testes descend down to the groin and out into the scrotal sac. Rarely, one or both of the testes fails to descend all of the way to the scrotum. This condition is referred to as cryptorchidism. If only one testis fails to descend, it is termed unilateral, whereas if both testes are affected it is called bilateral. Bilateral cryptorchidism is far less common than unilateral.
Cryptorchidism Average Cost
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Average Cost
$600
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Symptoms of Cryptorchidism in Cats
The cat will generally not exhibit any concerning health symptoms unless the retained testicles are left in the body until adulthood. While serious complications are rare, they can develop. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Infertility
- Marking or spraying
- Aggression
- Pain or inflammation
- Cancerous growths
- Other congenital defects such as a kinked tail, leg deformities, dislocated kneecaps, heart defects, small eyes or missing upper eyelids
Causes of Cryptorchidism in Cats
While the exact reason that some cats fail to have their testicles descend is unknown, the condition does seem to affect purebred cats exponentially more than mixed-breed house cats. Depending on the breed, instances of cryptorchidism may be as high as 30%. Breeds commonly affected include Persians and Himalayans. This genetic predisposition may be exacerbated by inbreeding and continuing to breed affected males.
Diagnosis of Cryptorchidism in Cats
Undescended testicles are often discovered at a kitten’s first vet visit and physical examination. Often, testicular palpation can confirm the absence of testes in the scrotum. In some cases, the testes may be felt elsewhere in the groin under the skin. If only one or none can be found, generally this means that the testes are deep in the abdomen. X-rays or ultrasound imaging will be needed to locate and assess the retained testis. If only one testicle has been affected, it will appear much smaller than the functional testicle.
Blood work may be required, including a testosterone level test and a complete blood count to see if there is any malignancy in the body. If the cat has been rescued and you are unsure if it has been castrated or if it's testicles are retained within the body, the penis will be checked for the presence of barbs. If barbs exist and the cat is over nine months, cryptorchidism can be confirmed. If a testis is proving difficult to find, following the ductus deferens on an X-ray image can help locate the retained testis.
Treatment of Cryptorchidism in Cats
Once cryptorchidism has been diagnosed, treatment should be sought as soon as possible. Some veterinarians will not operate before the cat is nine months old, however there is little research to confirm this is of any benefit to the cat. There is no procedure to bring the testis down into the scrotum.
Bilateral Castration
Even if only one testicle has failed to descend, both should be surgically removed. This will prevent further complications and will ensure that the cat will not pass on this genetic defect to any kittens. The neutering process on cats with cryptorchidism is slightly more complicated than a regular castration. Two separate incisions will need to be made if one testicle is retained in the abdomen or within the inguinal canal. If both testicles are retained in the abdomen, one incision is needed but the surgery is slightly more invasive. Occasionally, a testicle may become trapped in muscular tissue. Maneuvering the area with a blunt instrument can push the testis back up into the abdomen where it can then be removed.
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Recovery of Cryptorchidism in Cats
After your cat has undergone surgery, it is important to follow all at-home care instructions from the veterinarian. Activity should limited through the duration of healing and the cat should be kept indoors. An Elizabethan collar may be necessary to keep your cat from licking or biting at his incision. Monitor the incision site for redness, swelling or any other possible signs of infection. If the testicles were located in the abdomen, the recovery period will be longer than a normal neuter. Prognosis for cats who have undergone this surgery is very good, with most cats leading long and normal lives.
There is no way to prevent instances of cryptorchidism. Selective breeding should be used to help decrease cases of cryptorchidism. Cats who have produced kittens with genetic defects, or who possess genetic defects themselves, should not be allowed to reproduce. Performing a full neuter on affected cats will help reduce the chance of cancer development and will prevent the possibility of testicular torsion. It will also eliminate unwanted male cat behaviors.
Cryptorchidism Average Cost
From 551 quotes ranging from $300 - $1,000
Average Cost
$600
Top
Cryptorchidism Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
mixed
Billy
2 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
No Spraying, No Smell
We are looking at Adopting a Male Stray from a local shelter. He is listed as Cryptorchid Neuter. There were not able to find one of his testicles. He goes back in September to be checked (For Barbs) if no barbs then he will be released. If there are barbs then he will have xrays etc to try to determine where the other testicle is.
In reviewing this problem in felines, I am concerned that we may have health issues as he ages. Should I be concerned? PS: He also poos with his front legs elevated. (Stands up). This is cute, however thinking about it, could it be because he is uncomfortable?
Aug. 30, 2018
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Tuxedo
Bobo
2 Years
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
No Bleeding
Maybe A Little Pain
I have a male stray cat. He is tuxedo cat and is mixed breed cat. I noticed that he only have one testicle. He only does have female-ish body and figure and i even thought he was a female cat until we check him out. I don't seem to see him in pain and no bleeding. It is necessary to have surgery and can it leave untreated?
May 11, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
Cats that have one testicle descended actually do need to be neutered. That just means that the other testicle did not come down normally into his scrotum, and those undescended testicles can become cancerous and cause problems.
May 11, 2018
I meant to he also does*
May 11, 2018
Bobo's Owner
Also He eats well and also plays around. He does seem good
May 11, 2018
Bobo's Owner
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American domestic
Milo
1 Year
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Spraying, Howling Loudly, Agression
My cat has had surgery twice now, and they say they cannot find the other testicle. My cat is howling all night, spraying everywhere and getting aggressive. My vet says there is nothing they can do, no meds that will help, nothing. Is this common? I don't know what to do. :(
May 5, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
Sometimes that other testicle is stuck in the inguinal canal and can't be found from the inside, or the outside. In those situations, your veterinarian should be able to locate the blood supply to that testicle, however, and cut off the supply to the testicle so that he doesn't continue to show signs related to testosterone. If your veterinarian is not able to find that blood supply, it may be worth getting a second opinion to see if another veterinarian may be able to do that for Milo. I hope that all goes well for him!
May 5, 2018
My male cat has the same problem. He has to have an estrogen implant every two years. Exploratory lap x 2, and they finnaly found in embedded in a muscle but could not get to it. With the implant, he does not spray, and is less aggressive. He has to be an only cat, though.
Aug. 17, 2018
Carla G.
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long hair
Chip
7 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vet Unable To Find One Testice.
I am in the process of adopting two black cats, one was neutered today and the other has cruptorchidism and the Vet said he can not find the other testicle. should I rethink the adoption? I am on a fixed income and are worried about the adoption cost. They want the two boys/brothers to stay together and so do I.
Read more at: https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/cryptorchidism
Persian
lucy
21 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Infertility
My cat has unilateral cryptorchidism. We found that out just today. It's inguinal. My vet has suggested that there is no need for any surgery/neutering. But I have been doing some research about it on google and most of the vets suggest neutering and that there are chances of cancer. I am worried. Please tell me, how do I proceed?
Also, his body is female-ish and we thought that he was a "she" until today. My other male cat keeps mounting it and tries to mate.
He twitches his lower half and I think that the male organ is irritating him or something?
Cat
Elijah
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Aggression
Spraying,
The vet and I believed Eli to be female up until around 4 months old when we discovered only one testicle had dropped, and he was diagnosed with Cryptorchidism. From 6 months old he has sprayed in every corner of my flat, howled almost every night, tried to mount my other (neutered-male) cat and been quite reclusive; when not adorabley cuddly.
He was neutered yesterday at just over a year old and is currently recovering. He has been sent home with a cone and pain relief medication, to be administered daily for up to five days. He has a small incision in his groin area and lower abdomen. He refuses to wear his cone and, as he seems to be in great distress, I have taken it off. I’m worried about this but am supervising him at the moment. If I leave his side I’ll pop it back on.
It may be the anaesthetic or exhaustion of past day’s events but he already seems more relaxed, and has actually used his litter tray instead of my carpet to pee on! So here’s hoping Eli recovers and grows to be the strong, relaxed cat he was destined to be.
Domestic shorthair
Pudin
11 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
No Pain
I realised that by the time he is around 8-9 month,both of my cat's testicle is undescended, so far he does not show any symptoms of pain or aggression. Is it a must to go for surgery???
Cryptorchidism Average Cost
From 551 quotes ranging from $300 - $1,000
Average Cost
$600
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
