Dog Cryptorchidism: Welfare and Surgical Management

Cryptorchidism — failure of one or both testicles to descend — carries significant health risks including cancer and hormonal effects that justify surgical intervention for welfare.

Key Facts

Cryptorchid testicles are retained in the abdomen or inguinal canal rather than descending to the scrotum
Retained testicles have a 14-fold increased risk of developing testicular tumours, particularly Sertoli cell tumours
Sertoli cell tumours produce oestrogens that cause feminisation, bone marrow suppression, and serious illness
Surgical removal (castration) of cryptorchid dogs is the recommended welfare and health management
Cryptorchidism has a significant hereditary component and affected dogs should not be bred

Welfare Considerations

Cryptorchidism poses long-term welfare risks through the dramatically elevated cancer risk in retained testicles. Sertoli cell tumours from retained testicles can grow slowly for years before causing clinical signs, then cause severe systemic illness from oestrogen production including aplastic anaemia — a life-threatening bone marrow condition. Surgical castration eliminates this risk and is strongly recommended as the welfare-appropriate management. The hereditary nature of cryptorchidism means that castrating affected dogs also prevents the condition from being passed to offspring. Breed clubs and kennel clubs that prohibit registration of cryptorchid dogs reduce prevalence in affected breeds over time.

What You Can Do

Have cryptorchid dogs surgically castrated by a veterinarian, ideally before 12-18 months of age
Monitor intact cryptorchid dogs closely for signs of testicular tumour including feminisation and coat changes
Do not breed from cryptorchid dogs to reduce hereditary transmission in affected breeds
Support kennel club policies that disqualify cryptorchid dogs from registration in breed registries