Monorchidism in dogs, also known as cryptorchidism, is a condition in which only one testicle descends and the other testicle is unable to descend into the scrotum. The descent of each testicle begins with each testicle moving through the abdomen into the inguinal area, then continued movement down and through the inguinal canal.
What is monorchidism in dogs?
Monorchidism in dogs, also known as cryptorchidism, is a condition in which only one testicle descends and the other testicle is unable to descend into the scrotum. The descent of each testicle begins with each testicle moving through the abdomen into the inguinal area, then continued movement down and through the inguinal canal.
Is testicular monorchidism hereditary in dogs?
It has been noted as occurring more often in purebred dogs and is inheritable through the male's genes. In monorchidism, the testis is not undescended through the inguinal canal or higher in the abdomen; only one testis drops because only one has developed.
How do you get rid of monorchidism in dogs?
Surgical Treatment. For most dogs with monorchidism, surgery is the best option. For purebred puppy owners that had the goals of showing the dog, this option will prevent this from occurring. However, for the health of the purebred dog, this may be the only option.
Is monorchism rare in animals?
Although extremely rare, monorchism has been observed to be characteristic of some animal species, notably in beetles. An individual having monorchism can be referred to as monorchid .
What is the difference between Monorchid and cryptorchid?
The correct scientific term is “unilateral cryptorchid.” A dog with both testes undescended would prop- erly be referred to as a “bilateral cryptorchid.” The scientific meaning of the word monorchid is a dog in which one testis is entirely absent and not simply retained in his abdomen or in the inguinal canal.
Should I buy a dog with cryptorchidism?
Since cryptorchidism is a genetic disease, it is not recommended to breed dogs with this condition, as the father could pass it along to his offspring. This is actually assuming the father can reproduce. Most dogs with bilateral cryptorchidism (meaning that both testicles are retained) are sterile.
How serious is cryptorchidism in dogs?
Because cryptorchidism carries significant health risks. Most seriously, dogs with cryptorchidism can develop torsion, an extremely painful condition where the testicle twists upon itself, inhibiting blood flow. The testicle swells as it becomes engorged with blood.
Can a dog with one nut reproduce?
Yes, a dog with only one descended testicle is just as likely to be fertile as one with two! One testicle is quite capable of producing millions of sperm, and far less than that are needed for pregnancy.
What happens if cryptorchidism is left untreated?
If not treated promptly, this might result in the loss of the testicle. Testicular torsion occurs 10 times more often in undescended testicles than in normal testicles. Trauma. If a testicle is located in the groin, it might be damaged from pressure against the pubic bone.
How much does it cost to neuter a dog with cryptorchidism?
A cryptorchid neuter may cost up to $800 in large breeds or complicated scenarios.
Can cryptorchidism be fixed in dogs?
What Is the Treatment for Cryptorchidism? Surgical removal of the normal and retained testes is the only treatment for cryptorchidism. Both testicles should be removed, even if the dog is a unilateral cryptorchid. Surgery can be more complicated than usual because the cryptorchid testicle can be difficult to locate.
Can cryptorchidism be corrected?
Surgery. An undescended testicle is usually corrected with surgery. The surgeon carefully manipulates the testicle into the scrotum and stitches it into place (orchiopexy). This procedure can be done either with a laparoscope or with open surgery.
How can you tell if your dog is cryptorchid?
The testicles in a male dog should normally descend into the scrotum by 2 months of age. In certain dogs, it may occur later, but rarely past 6 months of age. Therefore, any dog 6 months of age or older, that has one or both testicles missing from their final scrotal position, is considered to be cryptorchid.
Does it hurt when a dog's balls drop?
What are the signs of cryptorchidism? This condition is rarely associated with pain or other signs unless a complication develops. In its early stages, a single retained testicle is significantly smaller than the other, normal testicle. If both testicles are retained, the dog may be infertile.
Why are my dogs balls pink?
If your dog's balls are red, this can mean he has an infection. Do not try to treat an infection yourself. Get him to a vet. In addition to the probability of infection, a red scrotum can also be caused by an inflammation of the bladder, a scrotal hernia, or testicular torsion.
Do neutered dogs have balls?
Neutered dogs do not have testicles. A couple of things could be going on with King. Dogs that are neutered early in life (as I imagine yours were) have their testicles removed when they are very small. The scrotum does not develop in these dogs.
What is monorchidism in dogs?
Monorchidism is caused by a genetic abnormality and is uncommon. Affected individuals usually show no signs of illness, although the pet has only one descended testicle. Tests must be performed to confirm the diagnosis of monorchidism and exclude other disorders.
What is it called when a dog has only one testicle?
Overview of Monorchidism (Dogs with One Testicle) Monorchidism is a rare developmental condition in which the affected individual only develops one testicle.
Why do dogs have ultrasounds?
Abdominal and inguinal ultrasound to locate a testicle that is otherwise hard to palpate. Plasma (blood) testosterone levels are significantly lower in dogs that lack one or both testes, and help differentiate monorchidism from cryptorchidism.
Why do dogs have only one testis?
What causes the retention of the testes, or the production of only one testis, has yet to be determined other than being a genetic flaw. Some scientists claim it may happen during fetal growth due to the twisting up and loss of blood to the testis. It has been noted as occurring more often in purebred dogs and is inheritable through the male's genes. In monorchidism, the testis is not undescended through the inguinal canal or higher in the abdomen; only one testis drops because only one has developed.
Can monorchidism cause discomfort in dogs?
Monorchidism may not be a significant source of discomfort for a dog, unless there are additional complications, according to the Pet MD website. Bari Spielman, DVM, asserts that neutering is the most common treatment for monorchidism. Breeding animals will pass this abnormality on to their offspring genetically, especially if inbreeding and line-breeding is done.
What is a monorchid?
Monorchidism is an all-too-common condition among male dogs. It refers to the defect in which one of the dog’s testes remains undescended. This canine defect has been recognized for many decades. Even by selectively breeding only males with two normally descended testicles, this defect may be exhibited with relative frequency in their progeny.
How do dogs testicular descent?
In step one, the testes move from the abdominal cavity into the ring of the internal inguinal canal. During step two, the testes travel through the inguinal canal; and step three consists of the descent of the testes from the inguinal canal into the scro- tum. It should be noted that the descent may fail at any point in one of the three phases. Normally, three or four days after birth the testes complete their passage through the inguinal canal and arrive at their final position in the scrotal sack sometime be- tween two weeks and one month of age.
What is cryptorchidism in dogs?
What is cryptorchidism? Cryptorchidism is the medical term that refers to the failure of one or both testicles (testes) to descend into the scrotum. The testes develop near the kidneys within the abdomen and normally descend into the scrotum by two months of age. In certain dogs it may occur later, but rarely after six months of age.
Why neuter a dog with cryptorchidism?
There are several good reasons for neutering a dog with cryptorchidism. The first is to remove the genetic defect from the breed line. Cryptorchid dogs should never be bred. Second, dogs with a retained testicle are more likely to develop a testicular tumor (cancer) in the retained testicle.
What is it called when a dog has only one testicle?
Typically only one testicle is retained, and this is called unilateral cryptorchidism. If you have a dog that does not appear to have testicles but is exhibiting male behaviors, a hormonal test called an hCG stimulation test can be performed to see if he is already neutered.
Can a dog have both testicles?
In its early stages, a single retained testicle is significantly smaller than the other, normal testicle. If both testicles are retained, the dog may be infertile.
Is cryptorchidism inherited?
Cryptorchidism affects approximately 1-3% of all dogs. The condition appears to be inherited since it is commonly seen in families of dogs, although the exact cause is not fully understood.
What is cryptorchidism in dogs?
What Is Cryptorchidism? Cryptorchidism is a condition in which a male dog's testicles have not completely descended into the scrotum. Descent to the final scrotal position should be completed by two months of age. If the testicles have not descended by six months of age, they are considered to be cryptorchid, or retained.
How do you know if a dog has cryptorchidism?
Signs of Cryptorchidism in Dogs. Cryptorchidism can occur on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral). Unilateral crypto rchidism usually involves the right testicle. Bilaterally cryptorchid dogs are typically sterile because the higher body temperature inside the abdomen is enough to prevent sperm production.
Why are cryptorchids sterile?
Bilaterally cryptorchid dogs are typically sterile because the higher body temperature inside the abdomen is enough to prevent sperm production. They will still exhibit male behaviors. Unilateral cryptorchidism is more common, and these dogs can be fertile. Sometimes there may be an acute onset of abdominal pain.
Where are sutures placed for a cryptorchid neuter?
There are usually sutures placed underneath the skin and skin glue put on top. Some cryptorchid neuters may require sutures to be placed on the outer skin layer. When the procedure is finished, the tube helping him breathe will be removed. He will be closely monitored by the veterinary team until released.
What is the condition of a dog with a spermatic cord?
This occurs when there is torsion of the spermatic cord. A condition, known as feminizing paraneoplastic syndrome is another symptom that can arise. In these dogs, estrogen-secreting Sertoli cell tumors in retained testes produce feminizing signs including excessive development of breasts.
What is the procedure for neutering a dog?
The Neuter Process. Before your dog is neutered, a veterinarian will perform a head-to-paw exam, and may also suggest bloodwork to make sure all of the vital organs are in order. Neuters are performed under general anesthesia, so if he is deemed healthy, a sedative and pain medication will be given.
What is the purpose of a dog's catheter?
Some veterinarians may also place a catheter in the vein to administer fluids. Your dog is connected to machines that will monitor his heart rate , respiratory rate , oxygen levels, and temperature . He will be placed on a warming pad on his back, to help maintain his body temperature.
Causes
One testicle not descending into the scrotum during normal embryonic or fetal development (3–4% of 'normal' live births), also known as undescended testis or cryptorchidism. In this case the testis is within the abdominal cavity, somewhere along the normal route of descent – most commonly, within the inguinal canal.
Monorchism in nonhuman animals
Although extremely rare, monorchism has been observed to be characteristic of some animal species, notably in beetles.
Overview of Monorchidism
- Monorchidism is a rare developmental condition in which the affected individual only develops one testicle. It is important to note that this condition is often confused with unilateral (one-sided) cryptorchidism, which is a condition where there are two testicles, but only one descends into the scrotum, while the other is retained in abdomen. Mono...
Diagnosis of Monorchidism (One Testicle) in Dogs
- A complete and thorough examination of the scrotum, as well as inguinal (groin) and abdominal palpation, is necessary in order to identify testicular tissue that may be present. Additional tests may include:
Home Care and Prevention
- Monorchid individuals should never be used for breeding and affected individuals should be neutered. These pets otherwise lead normal, healthy lives.