Cryptorchidism in Dogs Is Common, Treatable, and Worth Taking Seriously
A retained testicle isn't just a quirk of anatomy. Here's what cryptorchidism means for your dog.
If your vet just told you your puppy has a retained testicle, here’s the short version: a cryptorchid dog is a male dog whose testicle (or both testicles) didn’t descend into the scrotum the way it should have. It’s the most common developmental issue of the male reproductive tract in dogs. It’s not usually a medical emergency right now, but it does carry real health risks down the line, and ignoring it isn’t really an option.
The good news is that it’s well-understood, very treatable, and your dog can go on to live a completely normal life.
TL;DR
- Cryptorchidism means one or both testicles didn’t descend into the scrotum by around six months of age. It’s hereditary and the most common reproductive developmental issue in male dogs.
- Retained testicles carry a significantly higher risk of testicular cancer (including Sertoli cell tumors and seminomas) and a dangerous twisting condition called testicular torsion.
- No home remedy or hormone treatment reliably causes a retained testicle to drop. Surgical removal (neutering) is the recommended treatment, and it’s the only way to eliminate the cancer risk.
- Because a cryptorchid neuter, especially one involving an abdominal testicle, is more complex than a routine neuter, costs are higher. If the condition isn’t pre-existing, a Lemonade Pet policy can help with those costs.
What is cryptorchidism?
In a male puppy, the testicles start out inside the abdomen and gradually travel down into the scrotum during development. In most dogs, that process completes by around 2 months of age. Six months is the cutoff point: if a testicle hasn’t descended by then, it’s considered retained and isn’t coming down on its own. In a cryptorchid dog, one or both testicles get stuck somewhere along the way and never make it to where they’re supposed to be.
It can show up in a few different ways, and the specifics matter because they affect what surgery looks like:
- One testicle retained, one descended normally (Unilateral cryptorchidism): The most common scenario. Your dog will look like an intact male from the outside, but only one testicle will be visible in the scrotum.
- Both testicles retained (Bilateral cryptorchidism): Less common, and it typically means the dog is infertile, since retained testicles don’t produce sperm normally due to the warmer internal temperature.
- Testicle stuck in the groin area (Inguinal cryptorchidism): The testicle made it partway down but stopped just under the skin near the groin. A vet can usually feel it during an exam.
- Testicle still in the abdomen (Abdominal cryptorchidism): This one stayed all the way up inside the belly. It can’t be seen or easily felt from the outside, and removing it requires more involved surgery than a routine neuter.
Cryptorchidism is hereditary, meaning it runs in family lines and is passed down genetically. This is one of the main reasons affected dogs are generally advised not to be bred, since the trait can be passed to future litters. Toy and small breeds tend to see it more often (Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas are among the most commonly affected) but it can show up in any male dog, including mixed breeds.
Why is a retained testicle a real health risk?
A retained testicle isn’t just a quirk of anatomy. It sits in a warmer environment than the scrotum is designed to provide, which interferes with its normal function and makes it far more vulnerable to serious problems.
- Testicular cancer: Retained testicles have a significantly higher risk of developing cancer compared to normally descended ones. The two types most commonly seen are Sertoli cell tumors (which can disrupt hormone balance and cause feminizing symptoms in male dogs) and seminomas (a form of germ cell cancer). The earlier the testicle is removed, the lower the risk.
- Testicular torsion: This is when the retained testicle twists on itself, cutting off its blood supply. It’s painful and requires emergency surgery. An abdominal testicle is at higher risk for this than one sitting in the scrotum.
A unilateral cryptorchid dog (one normal testicle, one retained) can still produce testosterone and may even be fertile, though breeding is strongly discouraged given the hereditary nature of the condition.
How is cryptorchidism diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with your vet carefully feeling around the groin and abdomen to try to locate the testicle by hand. If it’s near the groin or just under the skin, this often works. If the testicle is higher up in the abdomen, an ultrasound will likely be recommended to pinpoint its exact location before planning surgery.
Can you make a dog’s testicle drop naturally? (The honest answer)
This is a common question on this topic, so here’s the direct answer: no, not reliably, and not safely.
In most dogs, testicular descent completes by around 2 months of age. Six months is the diagnostic cutoff: if a testicle hasn’t descended by then, it’s considered retained and won’t come down on its own. Hormone injections, like human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), have been explored, but the evidence is limited to largely uncontrolled studies, and they’re not a standard veterinary recommendation. More importantly, even if a hormone treatment did move a retained testicle into position, it wouldn’t erase the cancer risk that comes with a testicle that was ever retained. Home remedies like massage or supplements have no evidence behind them at all.
Surgical removal is recommended not just to move the testicle, but to eliminate a structurally compromised piece of tissue that carries real long-term health risks.
Treatment and surgery costs
The standard treatment is surgical removal of both testicles, the retained one and the normally descended one. The complexity depends on where the retained testicle is located. If it’s near the groin, the procedure is closer to a routine neuter. If it’s still in the abdomen, the surgeon needs to go inside the belly to find and remove it, which means a longer procedure, more anesthesia time, and a longer recovery.
Most vets recommend neutering around six months, though timing can vary. The important thing is not to put it off indefinitely, since the cancer risk increases the longer a retained testicle stays in place.
Cost-wise, a cryptorchid neuter typically runs anywhere from $400 to $2,000 or more, depending on your location, your vet, and how complex the surgery turns out to be. An abdominal cryptorchid neuter sits at the higher end of that range. If an ultrasound is needed beforehand, that adds to the total.
Does pet insurance cover cryptorchidism in dogs?
Yes, cryptorchidism is eligible for coverage under a Lemonade Pet accident and illness policy, as long as the condition isn’t pre-existing. That means your dog shouldn’t be showing any signs or have any record of the condition before your policy starts or during your waiting period. Enrolling your puppy early, before anything shows up in their records, gives coverage the best chance of being there when you need it.
Before we go
A cryptorchid diagnosis is manageable with a clear treatment path. The retained testicle isn’t usually causing your dog pain right now, but it’s not something to leave alone either. Talk to your vet about timing, ask questions about the type of surgery involved, and don’t put it off. The earlier it’s addressed, the lower the risk. And if your dog isn’t already covered, now is a good time to look into it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cryptorchid dog reproduce?
A unilateral cryptorchid dog (one normal testicle) may still produce sperm and could potentially reproduce. A bilateral cryptorchid dog (both testicles retained) is usually infertile. Either way, breeding a cryptorchid dog isn’t recommended because cryptorchidism is hereditary and can be passed to offspring.
When should you neuter a cryptorchid dog?
Most vets recommend neutering around six months of age, once it’s clear the testicle won’t descend on its own. Your vet will advise on the exact timing based on your dog’s size, breed, and overall health.
Is a cryptorchid dog in pain?
Usually not, unless a complication like testicular torsion develops. Day-to-day, most cryptorchid dogs show no signs of discomfort from the retained testicle itself. That said, it still carries significant health risks over time.
Does a cryptorchid dog behave differently?
A cryptorchid dog that still has testosterone-producing tissue (which retained testicles often do) may show the same behaviors as an intact male dog, including roaming, marking, and interest in females in heat. After neutering, those behaviors typically reduce over time.
Will pet insurance cover a cryptorchid neuter?
It depends on when you enrolled and whether the condition was noted before your policy started. With Lemonade, if you enroll your puppy before cryptorchidism appears in their medical records, a related surgery may be covered under an accident and illness policy. Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded, so enrolling early is key.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.