Background

This is a condition whereby either one (Uni-lateral Cryptorchid) or both (bi-lateral cryptorchid) testicles do not drop into the scrotum and are instead retained in the abdomen. Though the correct term is Cryptorchid, most dogs displaying this fault are known as monorchids. This was the first, and at that time we hoped it would be the only, health condition made known to us at TUS, sadly this was not to be.
Though this condition is mainly known as a cosmetic fault and not therefore considered a serious health issue, if not noticed or treated correctly it can have health implications, hence why we have included it in our health report. Also it is a genetic fault that is passed on to resultant progeny and therefore if not closely monitored could become rife within our breed.

Causes

It is caused by a defective recessive gene (not yet identified though DNA research is ongoing) and these genes can be passed onto any pups produced, some will be affected, some will be carriers and others may be clear.

A brief and basic description is that the ligaments which hold the testicles are deformed in some way (usually too short) to allow the testicles to descend into the scrotum as normal. Instead they are retained either in the abdomen or on route to the scrotum.

Diagnoses

It is very important that all male pups testicles are checked by their vet initially before leaving their Breeder and then subsequently at their 6 monthly check ups and booster jab appointments. Though in a few cases dogs can be slow developers and testicles can drop as late as 18 months of age, it is invariably the case that if the testicles have not dropped by 6 or at latest 12 months, they will most likely not drop.

Sadly there is no test currently available in the UK to determine whether a dog or bitch carries this gene. Until such time that a test becomes available we have been advised by a DNA specialist in this area that we can only insist that all potential stud dogs are first confirmed not to be monorchids, (by a vets certificate or Committee member/other breeder check) and then do as most KC breed clubs do, test mate all our stock and when monorchids are produced ensure that particular dog/bitch mating does not occur again.
We recommend that any owner who is considering breeding from their bitch, (whether they’re a TUS member or not!!), that they first ensure that both of the stud dogs testicles are present in the scrotum.

Treatment

Again this condition is not a serious health concern and if castrated monorchids can live long normal and happy lives.
HOWEVER if the affected dog is not castrated there is a high risk of the dog developing testicular cancer in the retained testicle.

Breeding Advice

We recommend all Cryptorchids whether uni-lateral or bi-lateral should be castrated before or shortly after age 2. Under no circumstances should a Cryptorchid ever be used at stud as has been known to have happened in the past. Because of our limited gene pool, and the fact that all lines could be affected and no tests are available, we are having to follow KC example of test mating to try to eliminate those dogs affected from our breeding programme. If we removed every dog that could be affected, there would be no Utonagan gene pool at all!!

Lines known to have been mostly affected

Redkite, Blustag, Engrish, Mahkahtala, Twatha, Nerol

Please note — These are only the lines, for which we have received feedback from. We suspect that every Utonagan line is affected with this condition, whether TUS registered or not.

We know that the extent of the dogs and lines affected is due purely to the lack of breeding rules prior to 2005 and in certain cases presently, with those Breeders not registered with TUS who are continuing to inbreed!! Hence the vital decision we made to impose the Breeders Code of Ethics upon our Breeders, us the Committee Members included.

Following recent genetic advice from an expert in this field (see this advice attached) we also know that what we have been doing so far is both the most practiced and the only effective method of establishing what dogs are affected, until such time that a DNA test for this condition, is both developed and becomes available in the UK.

We have been advised to continue test mating all stock, in order to eventually be able to establish and record data on the dogs we establish to be clear of this condition. Only then can we weed out those dogs we suspect to be carriers passing on the gene.

Links

http://www.oaktreevet.co.uk/Pages/leaflets/castrating%20your%20dog.htm

Though there are currently no tests available for this condition, see the following link whereby a vet (I’m unsure where Cornell University is but I feel it will be the USA) is trying to produce a genetic test. I e-mailed this vet to find out more and she gave the advice I’ve also attached.
Though we in the UK don’t seem to be anywhere near this stage, I’m optimistic that one day we’ll be able to test to fully check which dogs carry this gene.
http://www.bakalo.com/cryptorchidism.htm