Background
This is a condition whereby either one (Uni-lateral Cryptorchid) or both (bi-lateral cryptorchid) testicles do not drop into the scrotum and are instead retained in the abdomen. Though the correct term is Cryptorchid, most dogs displaying this fault are known as monorchids. This was the first, and at that time we hoped it would be the only, health condition made known to us at TUS, sadly this was not to be.
Though this condition is mainly known as a cosmetic fault and not therefore considered a serious health issue, if not noticed or treated correctly it can have health implications, hence why we have included it in our health report. Also it is a genetic fault that is passed on to resultant progeny and therefore if not closely monitored could become rife within our breed.
Causes
It is caused by a defective recessive gene (not yet identified though DNA research is ongoing) and these genes can be passed onto any pups produced, some will be affected, some will be carriers and others may be clear.
A brief and basic description is that the ligaments which hold the testicles are deformed in some way (usually too short) to allow the testicles to descend into the scrotum as normal. Instead they are retained either in the abdomen or on route to the scrotum.
Diagnoses
It is very important that all male pups testicles are checked by their vet initially before leaving their Breeder and then subsequently at their 6 monthly check ups and booster jab appointments. Though in a few cases dogs can be slow developers and testicles can drop as late as 18 months of age, it is invariably the case that if the testicles have not dropped by 6 or at latest 12 months, they will most likely not drop.
Sadly there is no test currently available in the UK to determine whether a dog or bitch carries this gene. Until such time that a test becomes available we have been advised by a DNA specialist in this area that we can only insist that all potential stud dogs are first confirmed not to be monorchids, (by a vets certificate or Committee member/other breeder check) and then do as most KC breed clubs do, test mate all our stock and when monorchids are produced ensure that particular dog/bitch mating does not occur again.
We recommend that any owner who is considering breeding from their bitch, (whether they’re a TUS member or not!!), that they first ensure that both of the stud dogs testicles are present in the scrotum.
Treatment
Again this condition is not a serious health concern and if castrated monorchids can live long normal and happy lives.
HOWEVER if the affected dog is not castrated there is a high risk of the dog developing testicular cancer in the retained testicle.
This is a condition whereby either one (Uni-lateral Cryptorchid) or both (bi-lateral cryptorchid) testicles do not drop into the scrotum and are instead retained in the abdomen. Though the correct term is Cryptorchid, most dogs displaying this fault are known as monorchids. This was the first, and at that time we hoped it would be the only, health condition made known to us at TUS, sadly this was not to be.
Though this condition is mainly known as a cosmetic fault and not therefore considered a serious health issue, if not noticed or treated correctly it can have health implications, hence why we have included it in our health report. Also it is a genetic fault that is passed on to resultant progeny and therefore if not closely monitored could become rife within our breed.
Causes
It is caused by a defective recessive gene (not yet identified though DNA research is ongoing) and these genes can be passed onto any pups produced, some will be affected, some will be carriers and others may be clear.
A brief and basic description is that the ligaments which hold the testicles are deformed in some way (usually too short) to allow the testicles to descend into the scrotum as normal. Instead they are retained either in the abdomen or on route to the scrotum.
Diagnoses
It is very important that all male pups testicles are checked by their vet initially before leaving their Breeder and then subsequently at their 6 monthly check ups and booster jab appointments. Though in a few cases dogs can be slow developers and testicles can drop as late as 18 months of age, it is invariably the case that if the testicles have not dropped by 6 or at latest 12 months, they will most likely not drop.
Sadly there is no test currently available in the UK to determine whether a dog or bitch carries this gene. Until such time that a test becomes available we have been advised by a DNA specialist in this area that we can only insist that all potential stud dogs are first confirmed not to be monorchids, (by a vets certificate or Committee member/other breeder check) and then do as most KC breed clubs do, test mate all our stock and when monorchids are produced ensure that particular dog/bitch mating does not occur again.
We recommend that any owner who is considering breeding from their bitch, (whether they’re a TUS member or not!!), that they first ensure that both of the stud dogs testicles are present in the scrotum.
Treatment
Again this condition is not a serious health concern and if castrated monorchids can live long normal and happy lives.
HOWEVER if the affected dog is not castrated there is a high risk of the dog developing testicular cancer in the retained testicle.
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