Symptoms & Solutions for Cryptorchidism in Cats - Quick
When kittens are born, their testicles are nestled in the abdominal area, close to the kidneys. As the kittens grow older, their testicles gradually migrate to their proper place, the scrotum. Contrary to popular belief, this journey typically concludes by the time they are just two months old, not the commonly cited six months. If you can only feel one testicle in the scrotum, this condition is known as "unilateral cryptorchidism." On the other hand, if neither testicle is found in the scrotum, the cat is suffering from "bilateral cryptorchidism." Where have the testicles gone? Cryptorchidism can also be described by its location.
There are two primary locations for cryptorchid testicles:
● The abdomen (abdominal cryptorchidism)
● The area where the abdomen meets the back leg (referred to as inguinal cryptorchidism)
Depending on the location, a veterinarian may be able to identify the cryptorchid testicle during a physical examination.
Detecting Cryptorchidism in Cats
It can be challenging to diagnose cryptorchidism in a newly adopted kitten. How can you tell if the absence of testicles in the scrotum is due to them being lazy and staying in the abdomen, or because the cat has been neutered? A peculiar trait in unneutered cats can reveal the answer: around nine months of age, their penis becomes covered in sharp spikes called spicules. Once a cat is neutered, these spicules disappear.
Therefore, it is usually unnecessary to test a cat's testosterone levels. The diagnosis of bilateral cryptorchidism can be based on the presence or absence of spicules on the penis after nine months.
Two Serious Health Risks of Ignoring Cryptorchidism in Cats
Leaving cryptorchidism untreated in cats can lead to two severe health issues:
● The first is testicular cancer. Although the likelihood of metastasis (spread) is low, it is still a possibility. Therefore, keeping your pet intact may pose an unnecessary risk.
● The second risk is "testicular torsion," which is less common. A testicle that remains in the abdomen is freefloating, rather than fixed in the scrotum, and can twist on its own. This is an extremely painful condition that is difficult to diagnose.
How to Treat and Prevent Cryptorchidism
No matter the age of the cat, if cryptorchidism is diagnosed, whether it's unilateral or bilateral, it is recommended that corrective measures be taken. The only treatment is to have your cat neutered (i.e., removing both testicles). The neutering procedure for cryptorchid cats is more complex than a standard neuter, as the veterinarian will need to locate the missing testicles within the abdomen or inguinal canal.
Since cryptorchidism is a genetic disorder, it is not advisable to keep cats with unilateral cryptorchidism (i.e., only one testicle), as they can pass on the disease. However, most cats with bilateral cryptorchidism are sterile. This may be due to an overly high body temperature, which prevents sperm from forming normally.
