Cryptorchidism in dogs and cats presented for elective gonadectomy: A descriptive cohort study of 306 animals treated between 2018 and 2023

The objective of this study was to describe the incidence, breed distribution, clinical findings (anatomic location, number of testicles affected, and side), and surgical management of cryptorchidism in dogs and cats presented for elective gonadectomy. Medical record abstracts from a non-profit, high-volume, high-quality, spay-neuter clinic from 2018 to 2023 were reviewed retrospectively for cases of elective surgical gonadectomy of cryptorchid dogs and cats. During the study period, 5,476 dogs and 11,559 cats were presented to the same facility for elective surgical castration, suggesting a cryptorchid incidence of 3.21 % for dogs and 1.12 % for cats. Cryptorchidism affects various breeds and body conformations. Cryptorchid testes were more commonly observed in the inguinal area than in the abdomen, and were more frequently located unilaterally on the right side in both dogs and cats. The mean number of overall incisions required for surgical management was higher for testes located in the abdomen than for those located in the inguinal region in both dogs and cats. Due to differences in anatomy, cryptorchid prevalence, and surgical techniques, cryptorchidism in dogs and cats should be evaluated separately. Careful, preemptive identification and localization of the retained testicle(s) can be beneficial for efficient excision of cryptorchid testes.