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Cryptorchidism is the proper medical terminology used to describe a condition in which one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. Normally, male dogs are born with their testicles still located in their abdomen. Shortly after birth they should descend into the scrotal sac. Sometimes, the testes are slower than normal descending — or don’t at all. Typically, if they have not descended by the time the puppy is six months old, they rarely do.

Often, a cryptorchid puppy will have one testicle retained in the inguinal canal, which is the area it passes through to reach the scrotum. Very often, if the testicle is in the inguinal canal, it can be felt underneath the skin in the groin area. If the testicle is in the abdomen, it is nearly impossible to feel since it is usually much smaller than the normal testicle.

Cryptorchidism can occur in any breed, but the small toy breeds, including poodles, Pomeranians and Yorkshire terriers are much more likely to have a retained testicle. Seventy-five percent of cryptorchid dogs only have one retained testicle and only 25 percent have both testicles not descended. Overall, only about 1 percent of dogs have this condition. It is thought to be an inherited condition, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood.

Initially, cryptorchidism causes no clinical signs. Only on rare occasions the retained testicle might get twisted on itself — known as spermatic cord torsion — causing acute and extreme abdominal pain. But there is another condition caused by cryptorchidism that is more common and uniquely detrimental to the dog’s well being.

Sertoli cell tumors are a direct result of a testicle that has not descended. If the retained testicle is inside of the abdomen, it is always at core body temperature. Over several years of being inside the abdomen and higher than normal temperature, the testicle can turn into a tumor, a Sertoli cell tumor. These tumors usually grow quite large and become a very serious health hazard. The unique thing about Sertoli cell tumors is that they begin to secrete estrogen, female hormones, instead of the typical testosterone of male hormones.

The problem with female hormones being produced by male dogs is not just the fact that they begin to take on female characteristics such as enlarged breasts, looking and act pregnant, and nesting.

The more serious problem is when the estrogen blood levels become dangerously high. Extremely high levels of estrogen can actually shut down the bone marrow from making red blood cells. Therefore, patients with a Sertoli cell tumor will often become very anemic leading to all sorts of other serious medical conditions.

The only treatment for retained testicles is to surgically remove them. There are two reasons for neutering a dog with a retained testicle. First, since it is an inherited trait, dogs with a retained testicle should not be bred. Second, if the testicle is left in the abdomen, it could develop into a Sertoli cell tumor.

Recently, I was presented with a 10-year-old mixed breed dog named Colby. Colby is only 10 pounds but suddenly began to gain weight as his abdomen got bigger and he started to take on female characteristics. Yes, he was a cryptorchid with one testicle that had never descended. Fortunately, Colby was not severely anemic and we were able to successfully remove the tumor which was as big as a grapefruit. Colby made a full recovery and no longer acts like a female dog. Ironically, losing his testicles gave him back his manhood.

So, if you ever have a dog with a retained testicle, consult your veterinarian for their recommendation on when to neuter your dog so that he may live a long, healthy, and happy life.

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