Monorchidism
     Monorchidism is a rare developmental condition in which a male dog only develops one testicle. This condition is often confused with unilateral cryptorchidism. In the case of unilateral cryptorchidism, the dog has two testicles, however, only one testicle descends into the scrotum, while the other is permanently retained in the abdomen.
     Monorchidism is usually confirmed by plasma testosterone analysis. The plasma testosterone level is significantly lower in a dog which lacks a testicle than it would be in a dog with a retained testicle.
     Monorchidism is a genetic fault. Dogs exhibiting this condition should never be used for breeding and should be neutered.


Return to Medical Index
Return to Bark Bytes Home

copyright © 1998-1999 Bark Bytes, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission from Bark Bytes, Inc.