Disorder - Cryptorchidism

Organ Systems Involved
Urogenital

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Inguinal hernia; Umbilical hernia

Alternative Names
Retained testes

Presenting Signs

The testes of the cat are normally located in the scrotum at birth or soon after. Cryptorchidism is failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum by seven to eight months of age. It most often affects one testicle. Most commonly, the undescended testicle is underdeveloped and is located in the groin or the abdomen. Generally, cats with testicles retained in the abdomen are infertile because the development of sperm is suppressed by the higher temperature inside the body. Retained testicles are also at risk for cancer or torsion (twisting), although this is rare. There is evidence that the condition is genetic, therefore it is not recommended to breed from affected male cats as their offspring may carry the same problem. If a cat with no obvious testes sprays urine and has spines on the penis, it is likely that he is entire but cryptorchid.

Cats at Risk

Cryptorchidism is a sex-limited trait expressed and carried by male cats.

Breeds Affected
Persian


Treatment

Surgical. Breeding from affected males is not recommended.

PubMed References
Cryptorchidism

Contributor
Colt Ma