Cryptorchidism

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                    (undescended testicles)



                      General Information



During growth of a male fetus, the testicles develop in the

abdominal cavity, pass through an opening in the body wall

called the inguinal canal, and descend into the scrotum.

Normally both testicles have descended into the scrotum at or

shortly after birth.  Occasionally descent is not complete until

5-6 months of age.



In some individuals, however, one or both testicles fail to

descend into the scrotum.  Dogs with both testicles undescended

are usually sterile while those with only 1 testicle undescended

are fertile.  Unescended testicles are most common in small or

toy breeds.



Dogs with undescended testicles should be castrated, since the

condition is hereditary, the dogs are not eligible for show,

and the incidence of testicular tumors in undescended testicles

is 14 times greater than in descended testicles.



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