Retained Testicles In Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis ... - Wag!

• Home
• Dog Conditions
• Retained Testicles in Dogs

Retained Testicles in DogsWritten By hannah hollingerPublished: 05/19/2016Updated: 05/13/2021Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVSWhat are Retained Testicles?If your dog does not have two visible testicles by the second month after birth, you need to have your veterinarian check for cryptorchidism, or retained testes. While many owners think having retained testes is not a big deal and just ignore it, this can put your dog at a much higher risk of getting testicular torsion or cancer. Both of these illnesses are extremely painful and can be fatal. Cancer of the testicles is the second most often reported cancer in dogs overall and about 12 times more common in dogs with retained testes. This cancer can lead to symptoms including abdominal swelling and weight loss. Testicular torsion is usually rare, but with the testes floating around unattached in the abdomen it is much more common and a life-threatening emergency. It occurs when the testicle twists itself up and cuts off the circulation to that testicle. Extreme pain and infection are imminent and emergency surgery to remove the testicle will have to be done immediately to save your dog. Retained testes happen when the tube that connects the testicle to the scrotum does not form correctly, the testicle will not be able to drop down into the scrotal area as it should. It is actually fairly common in dogs, although unilateral cryptorchidism is the most common. There are two types; unilateral, which means only one testicle has descended, and bilateral, which means neither testicle drops into place in the scrotum. In unilateral cryptorchidism it is the left testicle that descends in most cases. Those with bilateral cryptorchidism are almost always sterile because it is too hot inside the abdomen for sperm to live.When one or both of a dog’s testes do not drop down into the scrotal area, this is called cryptorchidism, which is also called undescended or retained testes. There are two types of retained testes, which are unilateral (only one testicle drops down) or bilateral (both testes do not drop down). By the eighth week of a dog’s life their testicles should have both fallen into place in the scrotal area behind the kidneys. If one or both testicles do not drop into the scrotum, this can cause more than just cosmetic issues. It can also affect the health of the dog by increasing the risk of cancer or testicular torsion. A dog with retained testes will almost always be sterile, but it is still essential to get your dog neutered to prevent cancer or torsion.Youtube PlayRetained Testicles Average CostFrom 72 quotes ranging from $400 - $2,500Average Cost$1,000Protect yourself and your pet. Compare top pet insurance plans.

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

Symptoms of Retained Testicles in DogsThe most obvious sign that your dog has retained testes is if your dog has only one testicle or none at all. Even if you do not notice this, your veterinarian will catch the problem at your puppy’s first examination. That is why it is so important to take your puppy to the veterinarian between six and eight weeks of age for the first check-up.  Sometimes, a puppy's testicle may drop down at a later age (e.g. 3 or 4 months).Signs of a problem down the line can include:

• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Mass in the abdominal area
• Poor appetite

 Types Unilateral Cryptorchidism

• This happens when your dog only has one testicle that drops down into the scrotal area
• The other testicle is either in the abdomen or the inguinal canal

Bilateral Cryptorchidism

• This is when neither testicle drops into place in the scrotum
• This is not as common as unilateral cryptorchidism.

Causes of Retained Testicles in DogsWhile this is not uncommon in any dog, it is more common in certain breeds, which are:

• Chihuahuas
• Dachshunds
• French Poodles
• German Shepherds
• Miniature Schnauzers
• Pomeranians
• Shetland Sheepdogs
• Siberian Huskies
• Yorkshire Terriers

Diagnosis of Retained Testicles in DogsAlthough this condition should be noticed by the veterinarian at your puppy’s first examination between six and eight weeks, sometimes it may go unnoticed until a later age. A good example of this is if you get your dog when it is older and the first owner did not get the puppy checked by a veterinarian or if your male dog was mistaken for a female because it has bilateral cryptorchidism (although this would be rare as their penis should still be visible). Either way, provide the veterinarian with as much information about your dog’s history as you have. This should include medical records, vaccinations, illnesses or injuries, changes in behavior or appetite, and any symptoms you have noticed. Your veterinarian will then do a physical examination of your dog. A complete physical exam will include heart rate, weight, body temperature, and blood pressure. After the examination, the veterinarian may do some tests, including urinalysis, stool sample, semen sample, x-rays, and ultrasound. He may also need to do a CT scan and/or MRI if necessary to see exactly where your dog’s testicle(s) are located.Treatment of Retained Testicles in DogsThe only treatment for both unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism is surgically neutering your dog. Neutering a dog with retained testes is more complicated because it involves locating and removing the testes from the inguinal canal or wherever in the abdomen they may be. While this type of surgery has some risks, it is much safer than not having the surgery. Your dog will will need rest and relaxation for at least two weeks at home.

Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?

Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.

Get a quote

Recovery of Retained Testicles in DogsAfter going home, your dog will need to be on limited activity with possible cage rest. The veterinarian may also give you an Elizabethan collar for your dog to wear to keep him from licking at the incision area. Check daily for signs of infection at the incision site. The signs of infection are redness, swelling, bad odor, or any kind of discharge. You will have to bring your dog back within 7-14 days to get the stitches removed and to see if it is healing properly. Be sure to tell your veterinarian any concerns you may have.Retained Testicles Average CostFrom 72 quotes ranging from $400 - $2,500Average Cost$1,000Protect yourself and your pet. Compare top pet insurance plans.TopRetained Testicles Questions and Advice from Veterinary ProfessionalsMixed chowaawaFour Years

0 found this helpful

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:RednessOur dog is 4 and it's been about a week his tested have like going inward. He doesn't seem to be in pain or anything. What do I do.Sept. 26, 2020Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM0 RecommendationsThank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. Without being able to see what is happening, unfortunately, it is difficult for me to say what might be causing this. It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.Oct. 15, 2020Was this question and answer helpful?

YES

NO

AffenpinscherFour Years

1 found this helpful

1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:RednessHis tested all of a sudden are inside and have not dropped back out what do I do? It's been around 7 days since this happened. He doesn't seem to be in any pain or discomfort. What do I do.Sept. 26, 2020Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM1 RecommendationsThank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. If he does not seem to be bothered, this may be something that you can monitor and see if they drop back down. There is a canal that exists where they may move between. If you are concerned, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.Oct. 15, 2020Was this question and answer helpful?

YES

NO

See moreSee moreMost popular symptom guidesThickened Foot PadsPulpitisHeart CancerAcute VomitingWater on the BrainCyanobacteriaTooth Root AbscessPoisoning Due to Ingesting Rat PoisonTick Medicine PoisoningThyroid Gland DisorderHypokalemiaBacterial PneumoniaThickened Foot PadsPulpitisHeart CancerAcute VomitingWater on the BrainCyanobacteriaTooth Root AbscessPoisoning Due to Ingesting Rat PoisonTick Medicine PoisoningThyroid Gland DisorderHypokalemiaBacterial PneumoniaThickened Foot PadsPulpitisHeart CancerAcute VomitingWater on the BrainCyanobacteriaTooth Root AbscessPoisoning Due to Ingesting Rat PoisonTick Medicine PoisoningThyroid Gland DisorderHypokalemiaBacterial PneumoniaRetained Testicles Average CostFrom 72 quotes ranging from $400 - $2,500Average Cost$1,000Protect yourself and your pet. Compare top pet insurance plans.

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

Need pet insurance?Wag!

About Wag!

About Wag!Trust & SafetyDo Not Share My InfoCommunity GuidelinesWag! PartnersBlogCareersBecome a Dog Walker

Top Wag! cities

San FranciscoLos AngelesChicagoNew YorkAtlantaWashington D.C.DallasMiamiPhiladelphiaHelp Center

Resources

Dog HealthDog TrainingDog GroomingDog BreedsDog NamesDog ActivitiesDog SensesDog Behavior

Lifestyles

Dog BeachesDog CampgroundDog ParksDog Trails

Security

Responsible Disclosure

Account

Delete your accountApp StoreGoogle Play StorePrivacy policyCA PrivacyTerms & conditionsAccessibilityTransparencyYour Privacy Choices

© 2025 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.

Wag!Help Center

Download the Wag! app

App StoreGoogle Play Store

About Wag!

About Wag!Trust & SafetyDo Not Share My InfoCommunity GuidelinesWag! PartnersBlogCareersBecome a Dog Walker

Resources

Dog HealthDog TrainingDog GroomingDog BreedsDog NamesDog ActivitiesDog SensesDog Behavior

Top Wag! cities

San FranciscoLos AngelesChicagoNew YorkAtlantaWashington D.C.DallasMiamiPhiladelphia

Lifestyles

Dog BeachesDog CampgroundDog ParksDog Trails

Security

Responsible Disclosure

Account

Delete your accountPrivacy policyCA PrivacyTerms & conditionsAccessibilityTransparencyYour Privacy Choices

© 2025 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.

Wag!Help Center

Download the Wag! app

App StoreGoogle Play Store

About Wag!

About Wag!Trust & SafetyDo Not Share My InfoCommunity GuidelinesWag! PartnersBlogCareersBecome a Dog Walker

Top Wag! cities

San FranciscoLos AngelesChicagoNew YorkAtlantaWashington D.C.DallasMiamiPhiladelphia

Resources

Dog HealthDog TrainingDog GroomingDog BreedsDog NamesDog ActivitiesDog SensesDog Behavior

Lifestyles

Dog BeachesDog CampgroundDog ParksDog Trails

Security

Responsible Disclosure

Account

Delete your accountPrivacy policyCA PrivacyTerms & conditionsAccessibilityTransparencyYour Privacy Choices

© 2025 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.