Where are the testicles on the puppy? | .de

At birth, the testicles of male puppies are not in the scrotum, but in the abdominal cavity. In the first six to eight weeks after birth, they then usually migrate down through the inguinal canal of the little four-legged friend. However, it can happen that this so-called testicle descent does not occur. In the following we will explain why this is and what consequences it has for affected puppies.

Key facts at a glance

At birth, the puppy’s testicles are in the abdominal cavity.
In the first six to eight weeks, the testicles descend into the scrotum.
The descent of the testicles should be completed after three months at the latest.
A failure of the testicles to descend is called cryptorchidism.
To prevent reproduction and health problems, dogs with cryptorchidism are usually spayed.

When is the testicular descent complete in puppies?

The Latin term for testicular descent is Descensus testis. The process is usually completed after around three months. At this point, the puppy’s testicles are fully in the scrotum.

Cryptorchidism (concealment) in puppies

It is quite possible that the puppy’s testicles do not migrate from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum as intended. If the testicles have not fully descended by the age of six months, the puppy will suffer from cryptorchidism (the need to hide).

As the puppy’s inguinal canal narrows over time, eventually the testicles cannot pass through it. Cryptorchidism can affect one or both of the dog’s testicles.

Causes of cryptorchidism in puppies

Cryptorchidism is usually genetic, which is why affected dogs are usually excluded from breeding. In rare cases, however, contact with environmental toxins or the administration of hormones in pregnant bitches can also lead to the testicles not descending in puppies.

In principle, cryptorchidism can occur in all dogs. However, small breeds are particularly affected. In addition, the risk in purebred animals is significantly higher than in mixed breeds. Overall, cryptorchidism occurs in one to seven percent of all male dogs.

Health consequences of a failure to descend the testicles

Unfortunately, hidden testicles are not just an optical flaw. In addition, cryptorchidism also has consequences for the dog’s health. Due to the higher temperatures in the abdominal cavity, sperm cannot be produced, so dogs with bilateral cryptorchidism are usually infertile.

In addition, hidden testicles in dogs increase the risk of developing testicular cancer.

How are hidden testicles treated in dogs?

In most cases, the vet will recommend neutering dogs with cryptorchidism. If only one testicle is affected, the normally descended testicle does not theoretically have to be removed. However, to avoid inheriting cryptorchidism, it is advisable to remove both testicles from the dog.

Cryptorchid testicles do not necessarily have to be removed as a puppy. However, to avoid problems such as developing testicular cancer, the procedure should be performed within the first three years of the dog’s life.

There are also some attempts to induce the descent of the testicles in puppies by administering hormone preparations. However, the effect of such therapeutic approaches is controversial and the chances of success are usually very low.