Undescended testicle - page 1

certainly it may still come down - the older the pup is the less likely, but 9 weeks is way too early to think it won't come down.

molly

We've just had some recent experience with this for the first time so here's what we've found in a nutshell.

1.  Cryptorchidism is the term used for undescended testicles.  Bilateral cryptorchidism involves both sides; i.e., neither testicle has descended into the scrotum. Unilateral cryptorchidism (also called monorchid) involves one side only; i.e., one testicle is retained or hidden, and one is descended.

2.  If you check with most vets as well as breeders, testicles should be descended by the age of 8 weeks.  If they aren't, chances are much higher that they won't come down at all.

3.  Puppies with undescended testicles are sold for lower prices because they aren't breedable or showable.  Cryptorchidism is considered a genetic birth defect so you never want to pass on this condition to future dogs.

4.  In doing some online research, there isn't clear-cut reason why this happens, or which parent passes it on, etc.  As a result, usually you shouldn't breed either parent again.

5.  Because the testicle is retained (usually in the abdomen), you'd need to eventually have surgery performed to get this testicle.  This is more involved than simply neutering the dog.  While vets like to scare you by saying your dog will get cancer right away, other studies and experiences I've read about say you don't need to rush your puppy in for surgery but can wait til he's about 2 or so.  Frankly, I've read studies on early neutering that say the lack of hormones can actually make dogs grow faster and taller than they would otherwise by having those hormones.  Just to be safe I think I'd wait til the dog has matured before taking them in for surgery.

My mom purchased a male and was told when we picked him up that one of his testicles hadn't dropped yet.  The breeder told her it can be common and that testicles usually drop within the first six months.  My mom had purchased him as breeding quality and luckily she does have a contract.

We took him in for a second puppy shot and the vet still found only one testicle.  We told him what the breeder said and his response was that in all his years of being a vet he never saw a puppy's testicles drop later on.  He basically told us there wasn't much hope.  Well, I searched for other information on the subject and while testicles can drop later on, I guess it's pretty rare.  While we really hoped they'd drop by 6 months, he's 10 months old and still has just one testicle.  We've had 5 boys over the years (4 being GSD's) and never had a problem with testicles before.  As always, life throws out a learning experience, so now we know!

Bottom line:  If you're not interested in breeding or showing, the testicle issue isn't a real concern.  My mom's boy is the sweetest guy, very smart and a real joy.  Just know that eventually he'll need surgery to prevent cancer that can be caused by the retained testicle and be sure to get a fair price.  Otherwise, if the puppy has the personality that matches what you want, he might be a good choice.

MomofBeckett

Simply Shepherds

I had a Labrador Retriever that had 1 testicle up until
he was 6 months old, then magically, his other one
decended, that's really sweat'n it!!

Then I owned a GSD that had 1 testicle, and I never had the other one
removed & he got cancer at the age of only seven, it seemed like it was
from the undecended testicle, cause it was in his liver, kidney & stomach area.

Sometimes the undecended one can be removed easily, but
sometimes it's so far in there that it turns into a big surgery.

Manual massage of the testes may help the little onion drop. If this does not work, try some stewed German celery for one week.

My pup's didn't descend until three months. I wasn't worried about it except for the surgery part as I have no plans to breed. The breeder told me not to sweat it until another month when I talked to him a couple days before.