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My dog only has one testicle. Is the other one missing or undescended?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Male | unneutered | 10 months and 18 days old | 45 lbs

Why does my dog have 1 testicle?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on March 19th, 2018

Dogs have two testicles. Soon after they are born they descend from the abdomen into the scrotum. If only one has descended then the other testicle is retained in the abdomen. This testicle should be surgically removed since the retained testicle can develop cancer more often than the normal testicle. Usually when he’s neutered they will remove the one in the scrotum and open him up like spaying a female to remove the other one. This can be a genetic problem so I do not recommend breeding him. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Ash.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 1st, 2017
I would be worried in that it likely means that Jerry's other testicle is retained in the inguinal canal or the abdomen. Having this testicle undescended makes him more prone to developing testicular tumors in that testicle and there is a risk of testicular torsion. It's also never recommended to breed dogs who have undescended testicles, as it is hereditary. I would have Jerry seen by a vet in the next few days to discuss having him neutered.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on December 10th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

That isn't normal for both to be there then for one to disappear. The inguinal canal can still be open and one could move in and out. What is more likely the case is that he is cryptorchid, meaning one testicle was always retained with in the abdominal cavity. It is very important to have him neutered and both testicles removed. The retained testicle if likely to become cancerous over time being at body temperature.

I hope this helps and I wish you and George the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

How can I tell if my puppy's undescended testicle has dropped?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You should be able to feel the testicles. If you only feel one then the other testicle is still not descended. They should be both down by birth or by 4 months. It just means the vet will have to search for the retained testicle when he gets neutered. He should be neutered because it is a congenital or genetic disease and the testicle can become cancerous over time. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 7-month-old male puppy has only one testicle. Is this normal?

It means Konan is a cryptorchid. One of his testicles hasn't descended. This can happen, but dogs with this condition should never be bred because it's genetic. I would have him neutered, and the vet can remove both testicles. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has one undescended testicle. Can I remove just it?

Hi there. If you don't want to neuter him, then yes - I would recommend having the abdominal testicle removed, and leaving the other one alone. The abdominal testicle needs to be removed because it will likely develop into a testicular tumor later on in life if it's not taken out.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's testicle didn't drop. Is surgery needed to remove both?

Yes, I recommend neutering and removing both testicles. This can be a genetic problem so you don’t want to breed him. The testicle that is in the abdomen has an increased chance of developing testicular cancer in the future so removing now is best. This surgery is more like spaying a female dog, with only a slightly longer recovery than a typical male dog neuter. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Rex.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has an undescended testicle. Will he have health problems later?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. This condition is known as cryptorchidism and it is not recommended to breed these dogs due to the potential for passing on this condition to the offspring. The undescended testicle should be removed during the neuter procedure. Once neutered there are no concerns. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog's testicle not descended? What should I do about it?

If the testicle is just under the skin on his belly he could have an undescended testicle. In puppies this can sometimes correct with age, but if he is 6 months or older it likely won’t drop anymore. The vet can surgically remove the testicle during a neuter surgery.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has one testicle. Does he need neutering due to cancer risk?

Marshal is likely a cryptorchid which means he still has a testicle retained in his abdomen. He should absolutely be neutered as the retained testicle makes Marshal at high risk for a certain type of cancer called a Sertoli cell tumor. I'd recommend having Marshal neutered right away. The veterinarian will need to remove both the testicle in the scrotum and the one that is retained in the abdomen. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and best wishes to you and Marshal!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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