CONTRARY TO WHAT OTHERS MAY TELL YOU WE HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE A LIFE THREATENING TRAIT

The most common cause of the testicles not 'dropping' is Cryptorchidism. This is when the testicles are formed normally but don't drop into the correct position.

The testicles develop when the puppy is in the womb. They start out near the kidneys and as the foetus develops they are pulled, by membranes, through the abdomen, then through a canal into the groin area and finally, into the scrotum (the sack that the testicles eventually sit in).

In a cryptorchid dog the cord does not pull the testicles back normally and the testicles end up being left behind in the abdomen or groin area.

In a Monorchid dog the cord does pull ONE of the testicles back to the scrotum normally and ONE testicle ends up being left behind in the abdomen or groin area.

Usually the testicles finish dropping a few weeks after birth. As your dogs' testicles have not dropped at 10 months it is extremely unlikely to happen now.

Testicles that are in an abnormal position or 'retained testicles' are at risk of developing cancers and having torsion’s so it is really important to get them removed surgically. You need to take your dogs to see your vet to discuss the procedure.

Cryptorchidism & Monorchidism are a genetically inherited condition.

More commonly dogs appear to have only one retained testicle, in these cases it is always recommended that both testicles are removed to prevent breeding, as this could allow the gene for Cryptorchidism or Monorchidism to be passed on.

If your vet confirms this diagnosis it would be a good idea to inform the breeder of your dog’s condition AS WELL AS THE BREED HEALTH CO-ORDINATOR so that BOTH parents can and should be removed from any and all breeding programs IMMEDIATELY.

There are other extremely rare causes of the testicles not appearing in the scrotum, your vet will be able to confirm the diagnosis after surgery.

The best thing to do now is to go and see your vet and discuss all of this with them.

Please be a responsible steward for our canine companions, once positively identified, please communicate with others to keep track of disease and share information.