Cryptorchidism in Dogs: Undescended Testicle Risks & Surgery
- Cryptorchidism means one or both testicles did not move into the scrotum as a puppy developed. In dogs, descent usually happens by about 2 months of age, and a testicle still missing at 6 months is considered retained.
- Most affected dogs have one retained testicle, and the right side is retained more often than the left. The retained testicle may be in the groin (inguinal) or inside the abdomen.
- A retained testicle still makes testosterone, so your dog may still mark, roam, mount, or show other intact-male behaviors even if only one testicle is visible.
- Undescended testicles have a much higher risk of testicular tumor formation and can also twist on their blood supply, called torsion, which is painful and urgent.
- The usual treatment is a cryptorchid neuter, meaning removal of both testicles. Typical 2025-2026 US cost ranges are about $350-$900 for an inguinal retained testicle and $700-$1,800 for an abdominal retained testicle, depending on location, size, imaging, and whether a general practice or specialist performs surgery.
What Is Cryptorchidism?
Cryptorchidism is a condition where one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotum. In normal development, the testicles form in the abdomen near the kidneys and travel through the inguinal canal into the scrotum. In most puppies, this happens by about 2 months of age, though some may descend a little later. If a testicle is still not in the scrotum by 6 months, it is considered retained and is unlikely to descend on its own.
There are two main patterns. Unilateral cryptorchidism means one testicle is retained and one is in the scrotum. Bilateral cryptorchidism means both are retained. Unilateral cases are more common. The retained testicle may sit in the groin area, where your vet may be able to feel it, or remain inside the abdomen, where it cannot be felt from the outside.
This matters because a retained testicle is not functioning normally. It usually still produces testosterone, but the warmer body temperature around it can damage sperm production. Over time, retained testicles are much more likely to develop tumors, especially Sertoli cell tumors and seminomas, and they are also at risk for torsion, where the testicle twists and becomes very painful.
For pet parents, the most common clue is simple: only one testicle, or no testicles, can be felt in the scrotum after your dog is old enough for both to be present. Even if your dog seems comfortable, it is worth discussing with your vet because treatment is usually preventive and very effective.
Signs of Cryptorchidism
- Only one testicle, or no testicles, present in the scrotum after 6 months of age
- Smaller or uneven scrotum, especially on one side
- Firm lump in the groin area if the retained testicle is inguinal
- Intact male behaviors such as urine marking, roaming, mounting, or interest in females
- Sudden abdominal pain, restlessness, vomiting, or lethargy if torsion develops
- Hair loss on both sides of the body, enlarged nipples, pendulous prepuce, or attraction from other male dogs if a Sertoli cell tumor produces estrogen
- Abdominal enlargement or unexplained illness in older intact males if a retained testicle becomes enlarged or cancerous
Most dogs with cryptorchidism feel normal and act normal. The missing testicle is often found during a puppy visit, vaccine appointment, or pre-neuter exam. That said, See your vet immediately if your dog has sudden abdominal pain, vomiting, weakness, or collapse, because a retained testicle can twist or become diseased. It is also worth booking an exam if your dog seems “partly neutered” but still has strong hormone-driven behaviors, since retained testicular tissue may still be present.
What Causes Cryptorchidism?
Cryptorchidism is considered a heritable congenital condition in dogs. In plain terms, affected dogs are born with the tendency for one or both testicles not to complete their normal descent. The exact inheritance pattern is not fully settled in every breed, but the condition clearly runs in families, which is why affected dogs should not be used for breeding.
The testicle normally follows a guided path from the abdomen to the scrotum. This movement depends on anatomy, hormones, and the gubernaculum, a structure that helps pull the testicle into place. If that process is disrupted, the testicle may stop in the abdomen, the inguinal canal, or just under the skin near the groin.
Small and toy breeds are often overrepresented, and breed predispositions have been reported in Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles, Chihuahuas, Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds, and some brachycephalic breeds. Larger breeds can be affected too, including German Shepherd Dogs and Siberian Huskies.
Because the condition is inherited, prevention is mostly about breeding decisions rather than anything a pet parent did or did not do. If your dog is cryptorchid, the practical next step is not blame. It is planning safe, timely surgery with your vet.
How Is Cryptorchidism Diagnosed?
Diagnosis often starts with a hands-on exam. Your vet will feel the scrotum and groin to check whether both testicles are present. If one testicle is missing from the scrotum and can be felt in the groin, that supports an inguinal cryptorchid diagnosis. If it cannot be felt, the retained testicle may be in the abdomen.
In many dogs, surgery can still be planned without advanced imaging. However, abdominal ultrasound is sometimes helpful before surgery, especially in larger dogs, older dogs, or cases where the retained testicle is difficult to locate. Typical 2025-2026 US cost ranges for ultrasound are often about $300-$700, depending on region and whether a general practice or specialty hospital performs the scan.
If there is uncertainty about whether a dog was previously neutered or still has retained testicular tissue, your vet may recommend hormone testing. Tests such as anti-Mullerian hormone or stimulation-based hormone testing can help confirm whether testicular tissue is present.
For many pet parents, the key point is this: diagnosis is usually straightforward, but the exact surgical plan depends on where the retained testicle is located. That location is what most strongly affects incision size, recovery, and cost range.
Treatment Options for Cryptorchidism
Spectrum of Care means you have options. Here are treatment tiers at different price points.
Short-Term Monitoring in Young Puppies
- Puppy exam with scrotal and groin palpation
- Recheck visits during routine wellness care
- Discussion of timing for surgery if the testicle is still absent at 6 months
- No breeding recommendation because the condition is hereditary
Cryptorchid Neuter With Open Surgery
- Pre-op exam and anesthesia planning
- Removal of the scrotal testicle if one is present
- Surgical exploration of the groin or abdomen to locate the retained testicle
- Pain medication and home recovery instructions
- E-collar, incision monitoring, and activity restriction for about 10-14 days
- Optional pre-op bloodwork, often $90-$250 depending on clinic
Specialty or Laparoscopic Cryptorchid Surgery
- Specialist consultation or referral surgery
- Pre-op imaging when needed to help localize the retained testicle
- Laparoscopic or advanced open abdominal removal
- Expanded monitoring and pain-control options
- Histopathology of removed tissue if the testicle looks abnormal, often an added $150-$300
- Cancer staging recommendations if a tumor is suspected
Cost estimates as of 2026-03. Actual costs vary by location, clinic, and individual case.
Questions to Ask Your Vet About Cryptorchidism
Bring these questions to your vet appointment to get the most out of your visit.
- Can you tell whether the retained testicle is in the groin or likely in the abdomen? Location affects the surgical plan, incision size, recovery, and cost range.
- Do you recommend surgery now, or should we recheck at a specific age? This helps you understand whether your dog is still in the short monitoring window or ready for treatment.
- Will my dog need imaging before surgery, or can you usually find the testicle during the procedure? Some dogs benefit from ultrasound, while others can go straight to surgery without extra testing.
- What is included in your estimate for a cryptorchid neuter? It helps you compare anesthesia, bloodwork, pain medication, pathology, rechecks, and e-collar costs.
- Do you recommend sending the retained testicle for histopathology? This is especially useful in older dogs or when the retained testicle looks enlarged or abnormal.
- What recovery restrictions should I expect after surgery? Knowing the home-care plan ahead of time makes recovery smoother and lowers the chance of incision problems.
- Are there any signs after surgery that would mean I should call right away? Your vet can tell you what swelling is expected and what signs suggest pain, bleeding, or infection.
Can Cryptorchidism Be Prevented?
Cryptorchidism cannot be prevented in an individual puppy once he is born, because the condition is tied to inherited development. What can be prevented is passing the trait forward. Dogs with one retained testicle and dogs with two retained testicles should not be bred.
That recommendation applies even if one testicle is normal and even if the retained testicle is surgically removed later. The surgery protects the dog's health, but it does not erase the inherited tendency that caused the problem.
For pet parents, prevention really means early detection and timely treatment. Ask your vet to check testicular descent during puppy visits. If both testicles are not in the scrotum by 6 months, talk through your options for a cryptorchid neuter rather than waiting indefinitely.
If you obtained your puppy from a breeder, it is reasonable to notify them. Responsible breeders track inherited conditions and should remove affected dogs from breeding plans. That kind of transparency helps reduce future cases without placing blame on the current pet parent.