Cryptorchid Dogs: Undescended Testicles, Surgery & Atercare

When a male puppy is born, his testicles are initially located inside his abdomen. As he grows, the testicles normally travel through the inguinal canal and descend into the scrotum.

Sometimes one or both testicles fail to descend. This is known as cryptorchidism, or having a retained or undescended testicle.

Cryptorchidism is relatively common in dogs and is usually identified during routine puppy examinations. While an undescended testicle may not cause any obvious problems when a dog is young, it is important that it is surgically removed because retained testicles have an increased risk of developing complications later in life.

A male dog normally has two testicles, both of which should be located within the scrotum.

With cryptorchidism, one or both testicles have failed to reach the scrotum.

There are two main forms:

• Unilateral cryptorchidism: One testicle has descended normally while the other remains undescended.
• Bilateral cryptorchidism: Neither testicle has descended into the scrotum.

A retained testicle may be located in the inguinal region (groin) or remain inside the abdomen. The location of the testicle can affect how surgery is performed.

The exact reason why a testicle fails to descend is not always known. Cryptorchidism is believed to have a hereditary component, meaning genetics are thought to play a role.

The condition can occur in any dog, although some breeds appear to be affected more commonly than others.

Because of the suspected hereditary component, dogs with cryptorchidism should not be used for breeding.

Your veterinarian will usually identify cryptorchidism during a physical examination.

In a normal male dog, both testicles should be able to be felt within the scrotum. If only one testicle can be felt, or neither can be felt, your veterinarian may suspect cryptorchidism.

A retained testicle may sometimes be felt in the groin. However, if it has remained inside the abdomen, it cannot be felt from outside the body.

Testicular descent normally occurs during puppyhood. If a testicle has not descended by around 4-6 months of age, it is unlikely to descend normally later.

If you have noticed that your dog's scrotum appears to contain only one testicle, or you are unsure whether both testicles are present, your veterinarian can examine your dog and advise you on the next steps.

Yes. Surgical removal of the retained testicle is recommended for cryptorchid dogs.

The usual treatment is removal of both testicles, rather than leaving the normally descended testicle in place.

Removing both testicles:

• Removes the retained testicle and its increased risk of future complications.
• Prevents reproduction.
• Removes the source of testosterone produced by the testicles.
• Prevents the dog from passing the suspected hereditary tendency for cryptorchidism to future generations.

The timing of surgery can depend on your dog's age, health and individual circumstances. Your veterinarian will discuss the most appropriate time for your dog.

A routine castration generally involves removing both testicles through an incision near the scrotum.

With a cryptorchid dog, the location of the retained testicle determines the surgical approach.

If the retained testicle is in the groin

A separate incision may be required to locate and remove the testicle.

If the retained testicle is inside the abdomen

An abdominal incision is required to locate and remove it.

Because the location of a retained testicle can vary, the surgery can be more involved than a routine castration. Your veterinarian will discuss the expected procedure and any additional considerations including costs with you before surgery.

Your dog will be placed under a general anaesthetic for the procedure.

The veterinarian will locate and remove the retained testicle and the normally descended testicle. The surgical incisions are then closed and your dog will be monitored as they recover from anaesthesia.

Your veterinarian will provide appropriate pain relief and give you instructions for caring for your dog at home.

In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend additional investigation or testing depending on your dog's age, health and the location of the retained testicle.

A retained testicle is at an increased risk of developing testicular tumours compared with a normally descended testicle.

There is also a risk of testicular torsion, where the retained testicle twists and its blood supply becomes compromised. Testicular torsion can cause significant pain and can become an emergency requiring surgery.

Importantly, a dog with a retained testicle may appear completely healthy. The absence of symptoms does not mean the retained testicle is risk-free.

Surgical removal prevents these complications associated with leaving the retained testicle in place.

It depends on whether one or both testicles are retained.

A dog with one normally descended testicle may still be fertile because the descended testicle can produce sperm.

If both testicles are retained, the dog will generally be infertile, although the retained testicles can still produce testosterone.

Regardless of fertility, cryptorchid dogs should not be bred because the condition is believed to have a hereditary component.

Cryptorchidism itself does not necessarily cause pain, and many dogs with an undescended testicle show no obvious signs that anything is wrong.

However, complications involving a retained testicle, such as testicular torsion or a testicular tumour, can cause illness and pain.

This is one of the reasons surgical removal is recommended even when your dog appears completely well.

Your veterinarian will provide specific instructions for your dog's recovery based on the surgery performed. If an abdominal incision was required, your dog may need more restricted activity than following a routine castration.

For approximately 7-14 days, your dog should have restricted activity while the surgical site heals, unless your veterinarian gives you different instructions.

This means:

• Short, controlled lead walks only.
• No running or jumping.
• No rough play with other dogs.
• Avoid stairs where possible.
• Keep your dog from jumping on and off furniture.
• Do not allow strenuous exercise until your veterinarian advises that it is safe.

Even if your dog seems to feel completely normal, the tissues underneath the incision still need time to heal.

Dogs may try to lick or chew their surgical incision. This can introduce bacteria, damage the wound or cause the incision to open.

Your veterinarian may recommend an Elizabethan collar (cone) or another form of protective clothing.

If your dog is determined to lick the surgical site, keeping the protective device on is important even if they seem uncomfortable wearing it.

Do not bathe or swim your dog while the incision is healing unless your veterinarian specifically advises otherwise.

Check the incision regularly for changes, but avoid touching it unnecessarily.

A healing incision should remain closed and generally become less red and swollen as it heals.

If your dog has been sent home with medication, give it exactly as directed by your veterinarian.

Do not give human pain relief or other medications unless your veterinarian has specifically instructed you to do so, as some medications that are safe for people can be dangerous for dogs.

Contact Vet Cross if you notice:

• Increasing redness or swelling around the incision.
• Significant swelling or a new lump.
• Bleeding that does not stop.
• Discharge or an unpleasant smell from the incision.
• The wound opening.
• Missing or damaged sutures.
• Your dog repeatedly licking or chewing at the incision.
• Your dog appears increasingly painful or uncomfortable.
• Your dog is unusually lethargic or unwell.
• Vomiting or other concerning changes after surgery.

If your dog develops sudden severe abdominal pain, collapse or significant illness, seek veterinary attention promptly.

If your puppy or adult dog has one or both testicles missing from the scrotum, your veterinarian can examine them and discuss the appropriate next steps.

If your dog has already been diagnosed with cryptorchidism, surgical removal of the retained testicle is recommended to reduce the risk of complications later in life.

If you have questions about your dog's condition or upcoming surgery, our veterinary team can explain what to expect, including the surgical approach, recovery and aftercare.

Contact Vet Cross to book an appointment or speak with our veterinary team.

Written by: Vet Cross marketing Team

Clinically reviewed by: Dr Tomas Richards BVSc

Last reviewed: October 2026