Canine Cryptorchidism Welfare and Surgical Management

Retained testicles (cryptorchidism) carry significant health risks for dogs, and surgical removal is the recommended welfare and health intervention.

Key Facts

Cryptorchidism affects approximately 1.3% of male dogs
Retained testicles are 13 times more likely to develop testicular tumours than descended ones
Sertoli cell tumours from retained testicles cause feminisation syndrome and significant welfare compromise
Inheritance is polygenic — affected dogs and their relatives should not be bred
Orchidectomy (castration with retained testicle removal) is a more complex surgery than routine castration

Welfare Considerations

Cryptorchidism creates long-term welfare risk through dramatically elevated testicular tumour incidence and the possibility of testicular torsion causing acute severe pain. Sertoli cell tumours can cause progressive feminisation syndrome with bone marrow suppression requiring intensive treatment. Surgical removal of both testes — including the retained one — eliminates cancer risk and is the clear welfare recommendation. Failure to castrate cryptorchid dogs exposes them to preventable welfare risks.

What You Can Do

Arrange surgical removal of retained testicles as recommended by your vet
Do not breed from cryptorchid dogs or their close relatives
Ask breeders about cryptorchidism history in their breeding lines
Seek prompt veterinary advice if a retained testicle causes signs of pain or abnormal behaviour