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Cryptorchid Neuter in Dogs
What is Cryptorchid Neuter?
Cryptorchidism is a condition in which the testicles of a dog fail to properly descend from the abdomen into the scrotum. This can happen to one or both of the testicles, however, three out of four times it happens to only one. The right testicle is retained more often than the left. Sometimes the affected testicle remains deep within the abdominal cavity while in others, it lays just beneath the skin.
Cryptorchidism can generally be diagnosed if one or both of the testicles have not descended to the scrotum by the time the dog is six months of age. This can usually be seen by looking at the scrotal area. Pain only results from this issue if further complications have already developed. Even before these problems exist, it is often recommended to remove the undescended testicle(s) to safeguard the dog. Most veterinarians are able to perform this procedure, as it is a variation on a standard neuter.
Cryptorchid Neuter Procedure in Dogs
To confirm a diagnosis of cryptorchidism, an ultrasound can be used to locate both testes in the dog. Once they have both been found, a plan can be made to surgically excise them. Full blood work will need to be run to determine whether the dog will withstand the use of general anesthesia or not. Before the operation is actually performed, the dog will need to fast for several hours.
To begin the procedure, a sedative will be administered to the dog. An intravenous catheter will be placed and general anesthesia can be given. A ventilator will likely be used to facilitate breathing. The dog's heart will need to be monitored using an EKG. If only one testicle is being removed, one incision can be made. If both testicles are being removed but are located in the inguinal canal, two incisions will be needed. If both testicles are retained in the abdomen, only one incision is necessary. After the testicles have been carefully cut out using a scalpel, the incision(s) may be closed using sutures.
Efficacy of Cryptorchid Neuter in Dogs
The surgical removal of the testicles is a permanent procedure. This effectively reduces all risk of testicular cancer, as the parts in question are no longer in the dog. If the neuter is performed early in the dog's life, the prognosis for the animal is excellent. Even in older dogs, those who undergo the surgery tend to fare better than those who don't. A cryptorchid neuter can be performed laparoscopically, which reduces both pain and recovery time. It is surgically possible to bring the testicle down into the scrotum instead of excising it, however this increases the likelihood of cancer development by up to 13 times.
Cryptorchid Neuter Recovery in Dogs
The dog should be closely monitored as it awakens from the anesthesia. Its temperature will also need to be watched both during and after the operation. Pain medication can be given as soon as the animal regains consciousness. Antibiotics are generally only prescribed if infection begins to develop in the surgical wound.
Upon discharge, all stimulation and activities should be decreased for the duration of the healing period. Food portions may be slowly increased until regular amounts are being given. The dog should begin having regular bowel movements one or two days after surgery. To keep the incision clean, an Elizabethan collar can be used to prevent the animal from licking the area. A follow-up appointment is needed two weeks after the operation. If the dog has been diagnosed with cancer, a treatment plan may be created at this time.
Cost of Cryptorchid Neuter in Dogs
Depending on the veterinarian that is used, some only charge an additional $100 onto the cost of a regular neuter. If diagnostic imaging is needed, or if the testicles are deep in the abdomen, the price tends to be higher. A cryptorchid neuter may cost up to $800 in large breeds or complicated scenarios.
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Dog Cryptorchid Neuter Considerations
As with all neuter surgeries, using general anesthesia exposes the dog to serious risks. The vast majority of dogs do not experience complications related to sedation. While cryptorchid neuters are not often needed, the procedure to excise the testicles is very similar to a regular neuter. The risk of cancer or cord torsion is greatly reduced by this surgery. Care should be taken to ensure the prostate is not accidentally removed along with the testicles. In some cases, damage is done to the ureters, leading to more health issues. Surgical approach through the groin is thought to be the safest method.
Cryptorchid Neuter Prevention in Dogs
Cryptorchidism is generally an inherited problem. Purebred dogs are more often affected than mixed breeds. Toy sized breeds experience this condition more than larger sized of dogs. Miniature Poodles, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and Yorkshire Terriers all are susceptible breeds.
If both testicles are retained, the dog is unlikely to be fertile, however of one has descended, it is possible for the dog to procreate. This should be prevented to stop the defective gene from passing to other dogs. When obtaining a dog, always enquire about the family's health history. If the dog is a rescue animal, a simple blood test can be run to determine if it has been neutered or if the testicles never dropped to the scrotum.
Cryptorchid Neuter Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Australian Shepherd
DIESEL
2 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Mounting, Marking Territory, Roamin
My 2 year old australian shepherd had 1 retained testicle. He was neutered but only had one incision at the base of the penis. It has been about a year since the neuter and he still acts like an intact male. Is it possible that the vet left the retained testicle inside? If so is there any chance he can reproduce?
Feb. 7, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Cryptorchid males either have the testicle in their abdomen, in which case there would have been an incision in his belly, or in the inguinal canal, in which case he may have had an incision beside his prepuce, or your veterinarian may have been able to move the testicle down and remove it through a normal neuter incision. If the testicle was left, it is unlikely that it is producing viable sperm, as the temperature in the body is too high, but the testicle can become cancerous, and will still produce testosterone. You can get a testosterone test to determine if he has been neutered or if he still has that testicle, and it should be removed if it is still there.
Feb. 7, 2018
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Beagle
Oscar
6 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
I have a 6.5 year old beagle with an undescended testicle. He’s a healthy and happy dog but I’ve been reading articles on the internet which suggest that dogs with this condition have a 13 times higher chance of getting cancer. Given his age, Is it advisable to have the procedure done now? Or is the surgery too risky? Also, what is the recovery time like for a Cryptorchid surgery?
Thanks in advance!
Jan. 30, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. It is recommended to have the undescended testicle removed, as they can become cancerous if left alone. If he is otherwise healthy, it is a fairly routine surgery, and his recovery depends on the location of the testicle - he may have in incision into his abdomen, and will need to have pain medications after his surgery, but the recovery time tends to be 3-5 days of monitoring his surgery site.
Jan. 31, 2018
I have a miniature chawawa, pikanese mix both his nuts are retained he seems healthy and it doesn't seem to bother him is surgery absolutely necessary
March 25, 2018
Teresa L.
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cooper
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My 2yr old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel had bilateral cryptorchodectomy yesterday. He was starved from 6pm the day before and has not drunk anything or peed since surgery. He is refusing water. He is 12hrs post op now and is still EXTREMELY dopey. He's not moving around but I understand this as he'll be in pain.
It is the lack of fluid intake and lethargy that is concerning me. When should he start drinking and peeing?
Jan. 13, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. He needs to start eating and drinking! You can try to offer him ice chips, or anything else that he might like. If you can't get him to eat or drink tonight, he needs to be seen tomorrow morning by your veterinarian. he may need to be rehydrated, have pain medications, and other supportive care to get over his post op surgical problems. i hope that he is okay!
Jan. 13, 2018
Is subcutaneous normal saline a good temporary fix to help rehydrate?
April 18, 2018
Dwayne B.
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German Shepherd Dog
Darcy
14 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swelling
Hi,
Our 15 mo german shepherd dog was neutered a week ago. He was a unilateral cryptorchid and the testicle was in his abdomen. He has the three incisions; scrotum, inguinial and abdomen. The scrotal and abdomen incision sites are looking really good, but he is a bit swollen around the inguinial site. He's not painful, the site isn't red or irritated and all the sutures are still intact - it just feels like it's fluid. Is this normal?
He's already on 3 broad spectrum antibiotics because he vomited stomach fluid as the were about to wake him.
He is also acting completely like himself. Should I be concerned about the swelling?
Thanks!
Dec. 21, 2017
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for contacting us about Darcy. Without seeing the swelling, I am not sure if it is anything to sorry about - it would be best to have a recheck with your veterinarian and have it examined to determine if it is a healing seroma, granulation tissue, or a hernia.
Dec. 21, 2017
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Golden Retriever
Koda
11 Months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Criptorchid Surgery
I just got an estimate for criptorchid surgery where neither testical decended. The total quote is for $1,500. I was not expecting it to be more than $1K. This site says cost can be upto $800 for large breeds. My quote inclused a $300+ surgery package in addition the almost $900 charge for the abdomen surgery. Pain regime is the 3rd most expensive procedure included. What advise can you provide me? If you recommend a second opinion can you share your thoughts?
Dec. 9, 2017
1 Recommendations
Cryptorchid neutering costs varies from clinic to clinic and from Veterinarian to Veterinarian; for a procedure like this I would suggest you visit a charity clinic for assistance since their general public fees (non-discounted fees) are still much lower than regular veterinary practices. I’ve added a few links below on pricing, you’ll have to search to find somewhere similar in your area. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
http://iowahumanealliance.org/services-and-fees
https://sterlingshelterclinic.org/pricing-forms/
www.sosohio.org/services-pricing/
Dec. 9, 2017
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