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

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund miniature | Male | neutered | 2 years and 1 month old | 8 lbs

I am interested in adopting a 2 year old dachshund from a breeder. he is neutered. The breeder said they are not able to use him as a sire because one of his testes did not drop. What does this mean? Will he have any health issues because of this? Are there any other questions I should ask the breeder? Thank you

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 2nd, 2018

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rebecca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 2nd, 2018
Hi, and thanks for using PetCoach. As long as both testicles were completely removed there should be no long-term adverse affects for a pet quality dog. Cryptorchidism is when one or both testicles does not to send out of the abdomen. If not removed it can become cancerous, but wants neutered there are no long-term concerns. Here’s a little bit more information on cryptorchidism. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/retained-testicle-cryptorchidism-in-dogs
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on March 25th, 2019
If he is cryptorchid (has an undescended testicle), then he should have surgery to locate and remove it. A dog with an undescended testicle is at greater risk of developing testicular cancer later in life.
A physical exam by your veterinarian is recommended to address the breathing issues as well as the digestion issues. Blood work and x-rays may be indicated after the exam. The causes for for both symptoms are many and may be narrowed down with diagnostics.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Health & Wellness

My large breed puppy has one undescended testicle. When to neuter?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Cryptorchism is the term used to describe if one or both testicles are not descended in the scrotum. It is a genetic condition. The breeder shouldn't continue to breed this line. It will be fine to wait to neuter Dexter until he is 1 to 1 1/2 years old. I wouldn't wait much longer. The undescended testicle can become cancerous over time. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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

Best age to neuter my mini dachshund with undescended testicle?

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think it is find to wait until Nigel is 1 year old to neuter him. The descended testicle (cryptorchid) should be ok for another 6 months. Overtime (years) there is a risk that the retained testicle can become cancerous. Good luck!

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

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 2-year-old dog's testicles are not visible. What should I do?

If you have had Czar since he was a puppy and know that he was not neutered, then he is considered cryptorchid. This is a concern because testicles that are in the abdomen (not in the scrotum like they are supposed to be) are prone to becoming cancerous. I would recommend scheduling an appointment with your vet to discuss neutering him before he develops any problems. I have included more information on cryptorchidism below. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2743 I hope that was helpful! Thanks for using PetCoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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