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Cryptorchidism in Dog

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Ciência Animal 2000, 10(1):61-70

CRYPTORCHIDISM IN DOG

(Criptorquidismo no cão)

Marcos Renato Franzosi MATTOS*, Lucilene SIMÕES-MATTOS & Sheyla Farhayldes

Souza DOMINGUES

College of Veterinary Science, University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil

ABSTRACT

The present review aims to discuss cryptorchidism in dogs, accentuating the importance, incidence,
pathogenesis, pathology, macroscopic and microscopic appearance of cryptorchid testicles,
complications and disturbances, diagnosis, treatments and control. The zootechnical and ethical aspects
related to this disturbance are also discussed.

KEY WORDS: cryptorchidism, dog, pathology, diagnosis, control, treatment

RESUMO

A presente revisão têm por objetivo dissertar sobre o criptorquidismo em cães, dando ênfase a
importância, incidência, patogenia, patologia, aparência macroscópica e microscópica de testículos
criptorquídicos, complicações e distúrbios, diagnóstico, tratamentos e controle. Os aspectos zootécnicos
e éticos relacionados a este distúrbio, são discutidos.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: criptorquidismo, cão, patologia, diagnóstico, controle, tratamento

INTRODUCTION (from greek mónos = only, alone) and

anorchidism (from greek anorchos = without
Cryptorchidism is of major importance testis) are more correctly applied for the
among the pathologies that affect reproduction congenital absence of one (monorchidism) or both
in dogs, as well as other animal species. It is (anorchidism) testis in the body. These are
characterized by the failure in the descent of one extremely rare anomalies among domestic
(unilateral) or both (bilateral) testis from the mammals (NASCIMENTO & SANTOS, 1997).
abdominal cavity to the scrotum (BURKE, 1986; Unfortunately, the term “monorchidism” is often
MICKELSEN & MEMON, 1995). Besides the used erroneously, with reference to the unilateral
failure in the descent of the testis, BURKE cryptorchidism (BURKE, 1986, COX, 1986,
(1986) suggests that cryptorchidism may also be MIALOT, 1988, DAELS et al., 1991; NELSON
the failure to maintain the normal position of the & COUTO, 1994; HAFEZ, 1995; SORRIBAS,
testis in the scrotum. For PINTO (1962) and 1995; NASCIMENTO & SANTOS, 1997).
FERREIRA (1986), the term “cryptorchidism” ALLEN (1995) reported a single case of
is a combination of three Greek words, “kriptós” anorchidism in dogs.
(hidden, occult), “orchis” (testicle) and “idion” In several species, when the testicle is
(small, diminutive). The terms monorchidism not in its normal position in the scrotum, it can

* Autor para correspondência

e-mail: mattos@latinmail.com

61
be present in different locations, including the also report that cryptorchidism may either happen
abdominal cavity, inguinal canal and in normal males or intersex animals (male
subcutaneous tissue. When the testis is located pseudohermaphrodites). BROWN et al. (1976)
in the subcutaneous position, it can be found in describe the occurrence of male
the perineal and inguinal regions, in the medial pseudohermaphrodites associated with the
part of the posterior members, around or inserted unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism and testicular
in the prepuce. Many authors differentiate neoplasia (Sertoli cells) in three miniature
between abdominal and inguinal positions of Schnauzers. These animals presented clinical
subcutaneous location, considering as signs of hyperestrogenism, and a cystic
cryptorchidism only the former two and naming endometrial hyperplasia. In cats, the Persian
the subcutaneous localization as testicular ectopy breed is mentioned with a larger prevalence of
(MIALOT, 1988; NIEMAND & SUTER, 1992; cryptorchidism (NELSON & COUTO, 1994).
NASCIMENTO & SANTOS, 1997). As the According to NASCIMENTO &
etiology, pathogenesis, symptoms, pathology and SANTOS (1997), unilateral cryptorchidism is
treatment are similar for all locations, this review more frequent than bilateral. According to
will not enter that description and will consider MIALOT (1988), the right testicle seems to be
testicular ectopy and cryptorchidism as more frequently affected. He supposes that is
synonymous. because embryologically, there is a longer
migration (since they are originally located at the
Incidence caudal region of the kidneys, and the right kidney
According to HAFEZ (1995), is more cranial than the left one). Similarly,
cryptorchidism incidence is greater in swine and CHRISTIANSEN (1986) suggests that the lack
equines than in other domestic animals. However, of descent, in dogs, is found twice as often on
according NASCIMENTO & SANTOS (1997), the right side as on the left (with a relationship of
while the most affected species are the equine 2.3:1, for testis retained in the inguinal region,
and canine, it may occur less frequently in other and 2:1 for abdominal retention). HAFEZ (1995)
species. MIALOT (1988) reports that the canine reports that, in several other animal species, the
species has the highest frequency of this left unilateral cryptorchidism is more frequent.
pathology (10% of adult animals) and that the According to NELSON & COUTO (1994) there
tendency is increasing. MICKELSEN & is no difference between the prevalence of left
MEMON (1995) and ACLAND (1998) suggest or right cryptorchids in dogs and cats.
that cryptorchidism is the most common disorder
of the sexual development in dogs, occurring in Embryology and fetal development
13% of the males. NELSON & COUTO (1994) In most mammals, the testis originate
describe a smaller prevalence in dogs and cats from the caudal portion of the kidneys, in the
that is about 1% to 2%. COX (1986) reports abdominal cavity, pass across the inguinal canal,
frequencies from 0.8% to 10.9%. There is breed and descend to the scrotum during the fetal period
predisposition in clinical practice as in the (SETCHELL, 1978, apud KAWAKAMI, et al.
literature. COX (1986) mentions those breeds 1993). The descent of the testis is induced by
that are most predisposed to cryptorchidism are the contraction of a gelatinous cord, the
the Yorkshire terrier, Poodle, the smaller variants gubernaculum testis (Fig. 1), which extends from
being most affected (toy > miniature > standard). the caudal pole of the testis to the genital tubercle
The author also mentions that the Boxer and the (COX, 1986). The exact function of the
Beagle breeds are of relative risk. NELSON & gubernaculum in testicular descent is not clearly
COUTO (1994) include the breeds Chihuahua, elucidated. With the degeneration of the
German Spitz, miniature Schnauzer, Pekinese, mesonephros (transitory kidney), the
Maltese, Shetland Shepherd and Cairn terrier gubernaculum is attached in the caudal portion
among the most affected dogs. These authors the testis, extends through the inguinal canal and

62
 The normal period for the descent of the
testis to the scrotum is not strictly established in
dogs or in cats. According to NASCIMENTO
& SANTOS (1997), the testicles are usually
present in the scrotum at birth in dogs. NELSON
& COUTO (1994), NELIS (1995) and
MICKELSEN & MEMON (1995) propose that
in this species, the descent usually occurs at about
10 days of age. SORRIBAS (1995) mentions one
month after birth, while ALLEN (1995) and
MIALOT (1988) observed it within 10-12 weeks
of age, and NIEMAND & SUTER (1992), at
nine weeks. There is a breed variation (NELSON
& COUTO, 1994; NASCIMENTO & SANTOS,
1997). In dogs, the testis are palpable in most of
the cases from 4 to 5 weeks and usually within 6
to 8 weeks after birth (CHRISTIANSEN, 1986;
MICKELSEN & MEMON, 1995;
NASCIMENTO & SANTOS, 1997). However,
Figure 1. Macroscopic appearance of testis (1), the diagnosis of cryptorchidism in dogs is not really
gubernaculum (2) and gubernacular bulb (3) in certain before 6 months of age
dog fetus (45 days). (CHRISTIANSEN, 1986).

Pathogenesis
The causes of cryptorchidism may be
genetic, anatomical or endocrine. However, these
down to the scrotum (MOORE & PERSAUD,
causes are still controversial and may be
1994). The distal portion of the gubernaculum is
intrinsically related. The genetic origin has been
called the gubernacular bulb. It is sometimes
incriminated countless times, since the condition
thought that the expansion of the gubernacular
has been frequently observed in inbred dogs
bulb out of the abdominal cavity (Fig. 2) may
(MIALOT, 1988). The most often accepted
contribute to the traction that moves the testis
hypothesis attributes it to an autosomal sex-linked
caudally (COX, 1986).
gene (ROMAGNOLI, 1991; MICKELSEN &
MEMON, 1995), recessive in all examined
Descent of the testis
species (BURKE, 1986, MIALOT, 1988,

Figure 2. Scheme of testicular descent showing the testis (1), gubernaculum (2), gubernacular
bulb (3) and scrotum (4) (reproduced with permission from BAUMANS et al. 1981)

63
ROMAGNOLI, 1991; NELSON & COUTO, ACLAND, (1998) mentions testicular hypoplasia
1994, ALLEN, 1995, HAFEZ, 1995; as a predisposing factor of cryptorchidism. The
MICKELSEN & MEMON, 1995), except in same author also reported parturition with the
equine, in which it is due to a dominant autosomal male fetus in posterior presentation as
gene (HAFEZ, 1995). Males and females carry compromising the blood supply to the testis and
the gene and can transmit the pathology to their delay in the closing of the navel, causing
offspring (NELSON & COUTO, 1994; retardation in the capacity for increasing the
MICKELSEN & MEMON, 1995; abdominal pressure.
NASCIMENTO & SANTOS, 1997). So it is The endocrine origin of cryptorchidism
important to realize that normal animals can is not well-known (MIALOT, 1988) but seems
transmit the pathology due to its recessive to be related to a testosterone deficiency
character (MICKELSEN & MEMON, 1995). (NASCIMENTO & SANTOS, 1997) either due
The monogenic theory does not explain to a malfunction by the testis or abnormal testis.
the existence of right, left or bilateral Normal descent is dependent on a normal testis
cryptorchidism in dogs, and neither does it explain during fetal life and removal of fetal testis results
the disagreement between theoretical and clinical in no gubernaculum development. The testis
frequencies of the anomaly. To remedy these removal 0-3 days post partum results in failure
contradictions, a theory was proposed supposing of the gubernaculum to regress (NIEMAND et
the intervention of two genes, one for each testicle. al., 1972). It may be a pituitary hormone
The dominant allele would allow the migration, deficiency. The Müllerian inhibiting substance
while the recessive allele would lead to the (MIS) hormone, a non-androgenic factor,
retention of the testis. Some studies emphasize secreted by the Sertoli cells of the testis and a
the existence of a simple autosomal factor, but growing abdominal pressure at the time of the
do not discard the polygenic hypothesis of double development of the organs, could play an
entrance. This hypothesis considers that, even if important part in testicular descent
the cryptorchidism is determined by larger genes, (KAWAKAMI et al., 1993). The follicle
its severity appears to be related to environmental stimulating hormone (FSH) and the luteinizing
factors, as well as to the action of modifier genes. hormone (LH) probably have an important
Following this hypothesis, the genetic function in the descent of the testis, because they
determinism is not necessarily constant in many are important in the differentiation process and
cases (MIALOT, 1988). For NASCIMENTO & function of the Leydig and Sertoli cells
SANTOS (1997), three mechanisms can be (NASCIMENTO & SANTOS, 1997). However,
responsible for the abnormal descent of the testis: it is believed that androgens secreted by the fetal
1) lack of development of the gubernaculum; 2) testis are the most decisive factors to testicular
abnormal development of the gubernaculum, descent (KAWAKAMI et al., 1993).
which results in an alteration of its normal position;
3) excessive growth of the testicle and absence Macroscopic and microscopic appearance
or retardation in the regression of the The macroscopic aspect of the
gubernaculum. MIALOT (1988) reports an cryptorchid testis is normal before puberty; after
anatomical etiology, which can be linked to the sexual maturation, the testis becomes
reduction of the gubernaculum (due to as progressively smaller and fibrotic (ACLAND,
abnormal insertion) and combined with the 1998). According to COX (1986), cryptorchid
narrowing or closing of the inguinal canal. testicles are always small and soft, especially
Furthermore, NIEMAND & SUTER (1992) when they are in abdominal position. However,
propose other factors such as the occurrence of the normal size testis in abdominal bilateral
adherences of the spermatic cord, hormonal cryptorchid is reported in animals at six years of
alterations from the frontal lobe of the pituitary age (MATTOS et al., 2000). Histologically,
and large testicular size. On the other hand, ACLAND (1998) reported interstitial deposition

64
of collagen, hyaline thickening of the basal position of the testis, outside the abdominal cavity
membranes and atrophy of the germinative and inside the scrotum, allows maintenance at a
epithelium and only some spermatogonia temperature lower than body temperature
remained together with the Sertoli cells (Figure (JUNQUEIRA & CARNEIRO, 1990).
3). COX (1986) described only one single layer NELSON & COUTO (1994) explained that the
of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes and spermatogenesis of a cryptorchid testis, especially
Sertoli cells. The same author mentioned that the when abdominal, is totally absent, because the
Sertoli cells are characterized by increased temperature is too high for this function, but, if
Golgi’s complex and smooth endoplasmic the testicle is inside the scrotum, the
reticulum (site of steroidal synthesis) and spermatogenesis is generally normal, in line with
decreased number of lysosomes. ACLAND other authors (BURKE, 1986;
(1998) reported that the interstitial cells seem CHRISTIANSEN, 1986; COX, 1986; MIALOT
relatively more numerous than in the descended 1988; JUNQUEIRA & CARNEIRO, 1990;
testis, and that the differentiation of the ROMAGNOLI, 1991; NELSON & COUTO,
epididymides were coordinated by the testicular 1994; NIEMAND & SUTER, 1992; ALLEN,
descent. An epididymidal differentiation could be, 1995; HAFEZ, 1995; SORRIBAS, 1995;
consequently, late in some cases of ACLAND, 1998). PINART et al. (1997) report
cryptorchidism. that unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism in male
goats can cause disturbances at the end of
Complications spermatazoa maturation during spermiogenesis
According to MIALOT (1988), of the normal testis, but not in the epididymal
cryptorchidism can cause various complications maturation process. In experimental unilateral
in relation to the individual’s age and the type of cryptorchidism, no spermatogenesis was
testicular ectopy, such as: sterility, behaviour observed in the cryptorchid testis and the number
disturbances, neoplasia, local pain and skin of germ cells in the contralateral testis had
diseases. He also mentions that abnormalities decreased 52 weeks later (KAWAKAMI et al.,
have been seen in the eutopic testis, as well as 1999). They suggest that a large quantity of
gland atrophy and hyposexualism (reduction of estradiol-17-beta secreted by the cryptorchid
size of the prepuce and penis). The normal testis inhibits the endocrine and spermatogenic

Figure 03. Histological appearance of normal (left side) and cryptorchid (right side) testis in
dog. Observe the germinative epithelium atrophy in cryptorchid testis (arrow).

65
functions of the contralateral testis in the dog. Neoplasia in the ectopic testis are more
BADINAND et al. (1972) observe that less than frequent than in the eutopic, being Sertoli cell
50% of unilaterally cryptorchid dogs were able tumors and seminomas mainly, and they generally
to ejaculate, and that 69% of these animals which appear in animals of six to ten years of age
can ejaculate, do not have spermatozoa in their (ROMAGNOLI, 1991; NIEMAND & SUTER,
semen. The same authors mention that the 1992). NASCIMENTO & SANTOS (1997)
fructose and citric acid concentrations of the mentioned a risk ten times greater for a retained
seminal plasma are increased, while the lactic testicle to develop neoplasia compared to a normal
acid concentration is reduced. The acid one. This is similar to 9.2 to 13.6 reported by
phosphatase level is higher than in the normal COX (1986). ACLAND (1998) added that there
animals. is a tendency for an increase in tumor incidence
Despite the finding of azoospermia and with the severity of the retention. The same
decrease in the ejaculate volume in the unilateral author reports that in dogs, Sertoli cell tumors
cryptorchid dogs, we feel that on the contrary, occur with a greater probability in testis retained
the unilateral cryptorchid animal is generally able in the abdomen, while inguinal testis tend to
to mate and produce offspring, despite their lower develop seminomas. REIF et al. (1979) reported
sperm concentration. Regarding the reduction of the double incidence of testicular neoplasia in
the secundary sexual characteristics and libido, inguinal retention compared to the abdominal
a high number of animals it is commonly observed situation. According to HAYES &
that, although being unilaterally or bilaterally PENDERGRASS (1976), seminomas and Sertoli
cryptorchid, normal sexual behaviour and libido cell tumors occur at the same frequency in
are mentioned. According to JUNQUEIRA & cryptorchid as normal dogs, but for REIF &
CARNEIRO (1990), NELSON & COUTO BRODEY (1969), the apparition of these
(1994), NIEMAND & SUTER (1992) and neoplasias is more precocious in the retained
ALLEN (1994), the interstitial cells continue to testis. The Sertoli cells tumors are more common
produce testosterone, thus inducing the secondary in Poodles, German Spitz, Yorkshire Terriers,
sexual characteristics and normal libido, which Pekineses, English Bulldogs, miniature
can even be increased, according to NELSON Schnauzers, and Old English Sheepdogs
& COUTO (1994), due to a disarray in the (MICKELSEN & MEMON, 1995). Some of the
negative feedback. MATTOS et al. (2000) report testicular neoplasias are hormonally active,
a natural case of a bilaterally cryptorchid dog causing alopecia and feminization syndrome in
that presented high libido. They observed the the males. This occurs in 40 % of the cases of
absence of libido after six months of Sertoli cells tumors in dogs (COX, 1986).
cryptorchiectomy. According to the author, this fact may be
In humans where the testicle is surgically associated with an increased smooth
moved and placed in the scrotum at a young age, endoplasmatic reticulum of the Sertoli cells in the
the spermatogenesis returns to normal, because retained testis, which are the site of steroidal
the spermatogonia are still normal (JUNQUEIRA synthesis, and more precisely for oestradiol
& CARNEIRO, 1990). However, in animals, this production. The skin disorders, according to
procedure is not recommended. MIALOT (1988), are caused by hormonal
When cryptorchidism is bilateral, the imbalance due to the degeneration of the testicle.
animal is sterile (BURKE, 1986; MIALOT, 1988; KAWAKAMI et al. (1999) report low levels of
DAELS et al., 1991; ROMAGNOLI, 1991; testosterone and high levels of estradiol-17-beta
NELSON & COUTO, 1994; ALLEN, 1995; in experimentally unilaterally cryptorchid testis.
HAFEZ, 1995; MICKELSEN & MEMON, MATTOS et al. (2000) report high levels of
1995; NASCIMENTO & SANTOS, 1997). estradiol in the serum of a natural case of a
There is a certain tendency to obesity, sudden bilaterally cryptorchid dog. This hormonal
and transitory aggressiveness, nervousness or imbalance may be the reason of skin and prostatic
apathy in these animals (MIALOT, 1988). disorders verified in old cryptorchid dogs.
66
Table 1. Protocol treatments of cryptorchidism in dogs.

Hormone Protocol
HCG 35 IU/Kg in six applications, with a two days interval*
GnRH 50 to 100mg/animal for four days and after continue with a series of six
applications of 25 to 50mg/animal with a two days interval*
ECG 30IU/Kg once a week for two months**

hCG - human chorionic gonadotropin.eCG - equine chorionic gonadotrophin. GnRH -

gonadotrophin releasing hormone. *MIALOT, 1988. ** NIEMAND & SUTER, 1992

According to MIALOT (1988), local pain the non-palpable testis represents 20% of cases
symptoms are rare, but can occur, taking the form of cryptorchidism. He mentioned that several
of urination difficulties or limping due to a torsion methods are used for diagnosis of the cryptorchid
of the spermatic cord, generally associated with testicle including ultrasonography, hormonal
a testicular neoplasia. NIEMAND & SUTER evaluation, pneumoperitoneography,
(1992) and ROMAGNOLI (1991) reported that herniography, venography, arteriography,
is relatively frequent when there is a torsion of computerized tomography, magnetic resonance
the cord and strangulation of the intestinal loop. imaging, laparotomy and laparoscopy, indicating
COX (1986) also mentioned a blood dyscrasia that the ideal method of diagnosis and localization
as a complication of the cryptorchid condition. does not really exist.
MADRAZO, et al. (1979) cited by
Diagnosis MALONE & GUINEY (1985) mentioned that
Clinical diagnosis is generally easy, by in humans, the ultrasound is a difficult method of
inspection and palpation. By inspection, the diagnosis for abdominal testis because of the great
absence of one or two testis in the scrotum is amount of gas in the intestines associated to the
diagnostic. By palpation, the testicle can be felt small size of the retained testicle. MALONE &
between the scrotum and the inguinal canal, in GUINEY (1985) recommended diagnosis by
the subcutaneous tissue or can be non-palpable. ultrasound for non-palpable testis, only when they
By this procedure, the small size of the ectopic are in the inguinal canal, thus avoiding invasive
testicle may be assessed (MIALOT, 1988). procedures such as laparoscopy. WEISS &
However, especially in the first months, the testis SEASHORE (1987) cite that in man, a careful
can have a normal size. According to MIALOT physical exam has been more efficient than
(1988), palpation is sometimes difficult; a ultrasonography. Laparoscopy in humans has
pressure exercised on the abdomen may allow been recommended as a simple and more
the testicle to appear, if it is in the inguinal canal. efficient technique for localizing non-palpable
He also cites as characteristic of a retained testis, testis (MALONE & GUINEY, 1985; WEISS &
the mobility, the presence of the epididymides, SEASHORE, 1987).
the smooth surface and firm consistency. In obese
animals, palpation and even the ultrasound Treatment
examination are difficult and do not allow the There are two forms of treatment for
localization of the retained testicle. The diagnosis cryptorchidism in dogs: hormonal and surgical.
can only be accomplished after ten weeks of age
(MIALOT, 1988) or even six months (COX, Hormonal
1986). The hormonal treatment of
CASTILHO (1990) reported that in man cryptorchidism in dogs (table 01) is based on

67
human treatment presenting various results. Surgical
These treatments are recommended in the two Surgical treatment should not be
or three first months of life of the animal. Their undertaken in dogs under six months old because
goal is to aid the descent of the testis, especially of the possibility of a late descent (COX, 1986).
when they are in the inguinal or inguinal-scrotal In the surgical treatment, the traction on the
position. testicle through the scrotum and its fixation
Testicular hypertrophy may be observed (orchiopexy) is not recommended for
with the use of GnRH, followed by a definitive zootechnical reasons (NIEMAND & SUTER,
migration. According to NIEMAND & SUTER 1992). BURKE (1986) commented that
(1992), some authors still mention the use of orchiopexy is a contravention of veterinary ethics.
testosterone, however they do not recommend In addition this procedure may harm the blood
androgen due to an excessive response of the supply to the tissues by stretching of vessels
negative feedback for gonadotrophin liberation, (MIALOT, 1988). The recommended surgical
and due to the premature closing of the growth treatment consists of cryptorchiectomy (COX,
cartilage in young animals. The same authors also 1986; MIALOT, 1988; NELSON & COUTO,
reported a good prognosis for this therapy in the 1992; ALLEN, 1995; SORRIBAS, 1995). Two
case of inguinal cryptorchidism, but a more reports were found on the use of laparoscopic
uncertain prognosis in abdominal cases. for cryptorchiectomy in dogs (GIMBO et al., 1993
The indication for hormonal treatment is and PENA et al., 1998). These authors affirmed
controversial, and some authors reported an that laparoscopy allows the orchiectomy in a less
efficacy, which tends to be small or nil (BURKE, traumatic manner for the animal than a classic
1986; ROMAGNOLI, 1991). It is maybe because laparotomy. The retreat of the testicle in a normal
the hormonal treatment only speeds up the position (eutopic) is recommended to prevent the
descent of the testis, which was already crossing and dissemination of the undesirable
descending to the scrotum any way, and, thus character (ALLEN, 1995). It is realized by
only accelerates a late descent. Moreover, many ablation of the normal testicle or by the section
authors do not recommend the hormonal of the vas deferens canal (vasectomy).
treatment because of the risk of hereditary Vasectomy is reserved for young animals, and
transmission (COX, 1986; MIALOT, 1988; the intervention can be made by inguinal or
ROMAGNOLI, 1991; NELSON & COUTO, abdominal ways, adapted to the position of the
1994; ALLEN, 1995 and MICKELSEN & ectopic testicle (MIALOT, 1988). The
MEMON, 1995). The use of hormonal treatment vasectomy of the normal testicle associated with
for the descent of inguinal, inguinal-scrotal or the orchiectomy of the ectopic testis, is valuable
abdominal cryptorchid testicles can be or choice alternative for preventing the
recommended with great restrictions and only if dissemination of the characteristic without
necessary. This procedure can facilitate a displeasing the animal owners, since there is great
posterior orchiectomy, to avoid much more opposition by owners to a radical orchiectomy.
complex surgical procedures, such as laparotomy Complete castration presents some benefits to
mainly in animals, in which surgery presents a the animal’s health that the vasectomy does not,
risk. such as prevention of prostatic and skin disorders,
It should be clear that this hormonal anal dysplasia and carcinomas, because the
treatment may be carried out only by veterinarians source of the sex steroid hormone was removed.
who understand the seriousness of the case, and It is important to notice that the testis,
the customers’ honesty, avoiding the dissemination which suffered orchiopexy and/or hormonal
of this anomaly. treatment, may present a greater risk for

68
developing a neoplasia. CHRISTIANSEN, I. B. J. 1986. Reprodução no Cão e
no Gato. Manole. São Paulo. 362p.
Control COX, V. S.1986. Cryptorchidism in the dog. In: Morrow,
In agreement with what has been D.A. Current therapy in Theriogenology. ed2. WB
Saunders. Philadelphia. p. 541-544.
previously discussed, it becomes clear that the
DAELS, P. F., HUGHES, J. P. & STABENFELDT, G. H.
best control of cryptorchidism is surgical. The 1991. Reproduction in horses. In: CUPPS, P.T.
complete castration of these animals is the best Reproduction in domestic animals, ed4, Academic
choice because of the health benefits quoted Press. San Diego. 670p.
previously. The veterinarians have to know about FERREIRA, A. B. H. 1986. Novo Dicionário Aurélio da
the importance of this anomaly, motivating the língua portuguesa. Ed2. Nova Fronteira S/A. Rio
retreat of the reproduction of unilateral and de Janeiro. 1294p.
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ROMAGNOLI (1991) affirmed that the control HAYES, H. M. & PENDERGRASS, T. W. 1976. Canine
of animals used in reproduction is highly efficient testicular tumours: epidemiologic features of 410
to decrease the incidence and to control this dogs. Int J. Cancer., 18:482-487.
pathology. JUNQUEIRA, L. C. & CARNEIRO, J. 1990. Aparelho
reprodutor masculino In: Histologia básica. ed7.
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