My Dog Only Has One Testicle: Is It a Problem? Our Vet Answers
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View 5 More +If your dog only has one descended testicle, it could indicate a condition called cryptorchidism. The other testicle is likely retained in his abdomen or in the inguinal canal. Cryptorchidism can be problematic as it puts a dog at risk for developing a spermatic cord torsion or testicular cancer. Let’s learn more about what it means for a dog to only have one testicle and if it is a problem.
What Is Cryptorchidism?
Cryptorchidism, which literally means “hidden testicle”, is a condition where one or both testicles fail to descend into a dog’s scrotum.
Normally, testicles descend or “drop” into the scrotum by 6 to 16 weeks of age in puppies.1 The testes develop behind the kidneys in the abdomen while a puppy is still in the womb. Each testicle is attached to a ligament called the gubernaculum. The end of this ligament is attached to the scrotum. As the ligament shrinks, it pulls the testicle through the inguinal canal (the passage in the lower abdominal wall, located just above the groin) and into the scrotum. In cryptorchidism, one or both testicles are retained within a dog’s abdomen or inguinal canal.
What Causes a Dog to Develop Cryptorchidism?
Cryptorchidism is inherited. It is therefore important not to breed males with this condition. Although any breed of dog can have cryptorchidism, some breeds are at greater risk.
According to VCA Hospitals, the toy breeds, including Toy Poodles, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers, are more likely to have undescended testicles.2
What Are the Signs of Cryptorchidism?
Dogs with cryptorchidism usually don’t show any signs other than the presence of only one testicle in the scrotum or no testicles at all. The condition is not painful and does not make a dog feel sick unless complications arise.
If you’re concerned about your pet’s well-being, we recommend consulting a veterinarian.
What Complications Are Associated with Cryptorchidism?
There are two complications associated with cryptorchid testicles – spermatic cord torsion and testicular cancer.
In spermatic cord torsion, the spermatic cord, which provides blood flow to the testicle, becomes twisted. This twisting can cut off blood flow to the testicle, leading to severe pain and swelling. The only treatment is emergency surgery to neuter the dog. Fortunately, spermatic cord torsion is rare in dogs.
Older dogs with cryptorchidism are at risk of developing testicular cancer of the retained testicle. Cryptorchid dogs are estimated to be 13 times more likely to develop testicular cancer than normal dogs. Some dogs don’t show obvious signs of testicular cancer, but if they do, the signs depend on the type of cancer present.
Testicular tumors of the retained testicle are typically diagnosed post surgery when sections of the tumor are sent to the lab for histopathology, where a veterinary pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope. The best way to prevent testicular cancer from occurring in a cryptorchid dog. is to neuter the dog while it is still young.
Are Dogs with Cryptorchidism Sterile?
This depends on whether just one or both testicles are regained. The undescended testicle is not able to produce sperm due to the higher temperature inside the body. The retained testicle is also usually smaller than the scrotal testicle. If both testicles are retained, the dog will be sterile, while dogs with one cryptorchid testicle are still fertile with the testicle in the scrotum producing sperm.
What Is the Treatment for Cryptorchidism?
Castration (also known as neutering) is the only treatment for this condition. Castration involves surgically removing both testicles while the dog is under general anesthetic. In most cases of cryptorchidism, the retained testicle is located in the abdomen or the inguinal canal. It's also possible for the testicle to be located under the skin in the groin area.
Cryptorchid dogs should be neutered early to avoid life-threatening conditions, such as testicular cancer and spermatic cord torsion, from developing.
What Is the Prognosis for Cryptorchidism?
The prognosis for cryptorchidism is excellent provided that the dog is neutered early before problems develop in the retained testicle.
Conclusion
If your dog only has one testicle, he probably has cryptorchidism, a condition where one or both testicles fail to descend into a dog’s scrotum. Cryptorchidism puts a dog at risk for developing spermatic cord torsion or testicular cancer. Dogs with this condition should therefore be neutered early to reduce the risk of problems occurring.
You might also want to check out: Fake Testicles for Dogs: Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Phatara, Shutterstock
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Dr. Lindsay Bisset BVSc (Veterinarian)
Lindsay is a veterinarian living in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa with her husband and their rescue animals, Blizzard and Harrison. Lindsay received her bachelor's degree in veterinary science from the University of Pretoria and currently works in small animal practice. When she’s not working, you can find her enjoying time outdoors in nature hiking with Blizzard, or writing.
4 Responses
Is it possible to remove just the retained testicle and leave the descended one alone?
Hi Lyn, thanks for getting in touch. Yes, it is possible to remove just the retained testicle while leaving the descended one intact, but your dog will then still be able to impregnate a female. I would suggest setting up a consultation with a vet to discuss your dog's particular needs. We do have an online vet service, PangoVet, where you can speak to a qualified and experienced veterinarian online, and they can help answer any questions you may have and help you come up with an action plan to help your pup. You can book a video consult with our team at https://pangovet.com - Hope that helps!
We adopted a Yorkie Poodle a few days ago and we only see one testicle. The people who had him thought that he was about a year old but were unsure. He looks really young. We would like to have him neutered as soon as possible. Is there more risk or complications from the surgery? I look foreword to hearing from you and appreciate any advice.
Hi Bridget. Thank you for reaching out and congratulations on your Yorkie Poodle! If your pup is under six months of age, there’s still a chance the testicle could descend (be visible) completely. However, if he’s over 6 months of age, it’s more likely that he may be cryptorchid. This means the undescended testicle could be located in the inguinal (groin) area or within the abdomen. If the testicle is inguinal, the surgery is relatively straightforward with fewer potential complications. On the other hand, if the testicle is intra-abdominal, it would require abdominal surgery, which typically takes longer and may carry a slightly higher risk of complications. Your veterinarian will be able to confirm the location of the testicle with a physical exam or imaging and guide you on the safest approach. I hope this helps!
