Abdominal Cryptorchid Orchiectomy in Dogs

Abdominal Cryptorchid Orchiectomy in Dogs - Conditions Treated, Procedure, Efficacy, Recovery, Cost, Considerations, Prevention

What is Abdominal Cryptorchid Orchiectomy?

Abdominal cryptorchid orchiectomy in dogs is a surgical procedure used to correct canine cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of a male dog’s testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. 

Left untreated, a cryptorchid dog can develop testicular cancer within the undescended testicle that can quickly spread to other organs of the body. Irregular testicles can also cause hormone imbalances with affect the bone marrow, which can lead to injury or early cases of arthritis. An abdominal cryptorchid orchiectomy must be treated by a veterinary surgeon in order to place one or both of the undescended testicles in the scrotum. 

Abdominal Cryptorchid Orchiectomy Procedure in Dogs

Prior to conducting the abdominal cryptorchid orchiectomy, tests will be performed to ensure the canine is healthy enough to undergo surgery. A chemistry profile will tell the veterinarian how the internal organs are functioning, which is important when a surgical procedure needs to be performed. If the dog is in good health, the surgical procedure will proceed with a pre-sedative drug to prepare the canine for the procedure. During the procedure, the canine will remain relaxed and comfortable with a gas anesthetic paired with oxygen.

  1. The canine will be placed in dorsal recumbency once he is sedated. The abdominal area will be shaved, cleansed, and draped to prepare the dog for aseptic surgery.
  2. The abdomen will be palpated to determine where the incision should be placed. 
  3. Once the area is determined, a 6-10cm incision will be made in the ventral abdomen, about 3-4cm lateral to the prepuce. 
  4. The subcutaneous tissues will be incised to expose the fascia of the rectus abdominus muscles using a scalpel. 
  5. A small nick incision will be made in the fascia to allow the surgeon to continue the opening using scissors. 
  6. The peritoneum will be incised, laparotomy sponges will be placed on the body wall and the abdominal cavity will be opened. 
  7. The vas deferens will be followed to locate the testicle, which will be ligated with absorbable sutures. 
  8. The testicle will be removed and the abdomen will be closed. 

Efficacy of Abdominal Cryptorchid Orchiectomy in Dogs

The efficacy of an abdominal cryptorchid orchiectomy in dogs varies. In most cases, this surgical procedure is an effective way to treat abdominal cryptorchidism. 

Abdominal Cryptorchid Orchiectomy Recovery in Dogs

After the abdominal cryptorchid orchiectomy is performed, postoperative pain is controlled through a combination of long-acting anesthetics, opioids, and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Antibiotics may also be given during the canine’s recovery period. 

Cost of Abdominal Cryptorchid Orchiectomy in Dogs

Like all forms of pet-related surgical procedures, the cost of an abdominal cryptorchid orchiectomy in dogs can vary from one veterinary hospital to another. The cost of an abdominal cryptorchid orchiectomy can cost $100 to $350 depending on individual dog’s condition. 

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Dog Abdominal Cryptorchid Orchiectomy Considerations

An abdominal cryptorchid orchiectomy procedure has been associated with life-threatening complications. If the surgical technique was not conducted properly, the ureters and bladder can be damaged, or the prostate could be removed. Traditional surgery rarely poses a risk for these types of surgical errors, but dog owners should be aware of the possibility even if the chance is minimal. 

Abdominal Cryptorchid Orchiectomy Prevention in Dogs

Canine cryptorchidism is a genetic predisposition that can easily pass down to offspring, which is why cryptorchid dogs should not be allowed to reproduce. Common dog breeds affected by this condition include Miniature Schnauzers, Chihuahuas and Cocker Spaniels. The best way to prevent this condition from spreading is to discourage a cryptorchid dog from breeding or neuter the dog. 

Abdominal Cryptorchid Orchiectomy Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

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American Bully

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Two Years

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4 found this helpful

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4 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Cryptorchid
My dog is abdominally cryptorchid and I would like to get the orchiopexy procedure for him

July 28, 2020

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM

4 Recommendations

Thank you for your question. That is not a procedure that is performed in dogs, only humans. For dogs, we remove the testicle, as those dogs are not good candidates for breeding, and the cryptorchid testicle can become cancerous over time. I hope that all goes well for your dog.

July 28, 2020

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Pit bull

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Butchie

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7 Months

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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

My 7 month 60 pound pit bull had a testicle removed which was in his abdomen. a couple days later he had swelling that looked like he had a cow utter where his penis is. he’s very active and hard to keep him calm then noticed he popped some of his staples so brought him back to the vet she didn’t like the swelling and wanted to make sure he didn’t tear open the stitches on the inside of abdomen wall . and sure enough he did. had to restitch and then close him up again. She told me they had to put a drain for the next 5 days. Is this normal should I be worried

May 2, 2018

1 Recommendations

The neutering of a cryptorchid dog is more difficult and involves more cutting than a regular straight forward neutering; if sutures and staples have failed then haematomas and fluid may accumulate which may need to be drained, each case is different and I cannot comment without examining Butchie. However, I would follow your Veterinarian’s instructions since Butchie is under their duty of care. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

May 3, 2018

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