Cryptorchid Neuter

Animal Doctor provides Cryptorchid Neuter Surgery removing the testicle from the abdomen. We accept referrals and provide second opinions.

Description: A cryptorchid neuter is a surgical procedure to remove an undescended testicle. Cryptorchidism is failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum. If both testicles are not present by 8 weeks of age the pet is classified as cryptorchid. The undescended testicle may have become trapped inside the abdomen or within the inguinal canal.

Symptoms & What to look for: Cryptorchidism is most often asymptomatic other than the absence of one or both testicles in the scrotum. Absence of one or both testicles in the scrotum.

How does it happen? Cryptorchidism is a genetic condition (carried from parents to offspring). Interestingly enough, intra-abdominal cryptorchidism is more common in medium to large breed dogs than small breed dogs.

Animal Doctor Cryptorchid Neuter
Animal Doctor Cryptorchid Neuter
Animal Doctor Cryptorchid Neuter

What questions do we ask?

  • Is there a history of cryptorchidism in your pets’ lineage?
  • Does your pet have both testicles descended?
  • If your pets’ history is unknown, neither testicle is present but still displaying behavioral issues, what behaviors are you seeing at home?

What are the steps we take to treat your pet?

  • A thorough physical examination will be performed to identify the absence of one or both testicles.
  • Additional blood testing (testosterone level) or imaging (x-rays, ultrasound) may be used in certain circumstances.

Animal Doctor Cryptorchid Neuter potential treatment plans?

Surgery

  • Due to the hereditary nature of cryptorchidism we always recommend surgical removal of both testes.
    • Inguinal cryptorchid neuter: an incision will be made through the skin in front of the scrotum for removal of the descended testicle. An additional incision will be made over the testicle in the inguinal canal for removal of the undescended testicle.
    • Intra-abdominal cryptorchid neuter: an incision will be made through the skin in front of the scrotum for removal of the descended testicle.  An additional incision will be made beside the prepuce into the abdomen for removal of the undescended testicle.
      • The incision will be closed with absorbable suture that will not require removal. This skin incision will take about 14 days to heal.
        • We control pain with oral anti-inflammatory medications, and occasionally we prescribe antibiotics as well. We also send an Elizabethan collar home to prevent licking or chewing of the incision.

What are the risks if cryptorchidism is left unmanaged?

Undescended testicles that are left are more likely to develop disease such as; cancer or testicular torsion.

 

Animal Doctor Provider

Dr. Jennifer Arneson

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