What is Cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism, also known as undescended testicles or retained testicles, is a medical condition that affects male cats (and other animals as well, including humans). In cryptorchidism, one or both of the testicles fail to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum, where they normally reside. This condition can be congenital, meaning the cat is born with it, or it can develop due to other factors.

Transmission:

Cryptorchidism is not directly transmitted from one cat to another. It is primarily a genetic condition. The inheritance pattern of cryptorchidism in cats is not fully understood, but there appears to be a hereditary component. Cats with a family history of cryptorchidism are more likely to develop the condition.

Symptoms: 

The main symptom of cryptorchidism is the absence of one or both testicles in the scrotum. The scrotum may be smaller or underdeveloped on the side where the testicle is missing. In some cases, the undescended testicle(s) can be palpated in the abdomen or inguinal canal (the pathway between the abdomen and scrotum).

Issues: 

Cryptorchidism can lead to several potential issues:

1. Increased Risk of Testicular Cancer: Undescended testicles have a higher risk of developing tumors, particularly testicular cancer. The risk of cancer is greater in retained testicles compared to normally descended ones.

2. Torsion and Strangulation: An undescended testicle can twist upon itself, leading to a condition called testicular torsion. This can cause severe pain and potentially compromise blood flow to the testicle. If the blood supply is cut off completely (testicular strangulation), it can result in tissue death and the need for immediate surgical intervention.

3. Inguinal Hernia: An undescended testicle can also increase the risk of inguinal hernias, where abdominal contents can push through the inguinal canal, potentially leading to discomfort and other complications.

4. Infertility: Cryptorchid cats are often sterile due to the higher internal body temperature in the abdomen, which can affect sperm development and function. This infertility is a significant concern for breeders.

5. Behavioral Changes: Cats with cryptorchidism might exhibit behavioral changes due to the hormonal imbalances caused by the condition. These changes can include aggression, territorial marking, and other unwanted behaviors.

6. Palpation Difficulties: The presence of an undescended testicle in the abdomen or inguinal canal can make it challenging for veterinarians to perform routine physical examinations and for cat owners to detect any potential issues early.

7. Delayed Diagnosis: Because the undescended testicle(s) are not visible externally, the condition might go undiagnosed for a long time. This delays the necessary medical intervention and increases the risk of complications.

8. Surgical Complications: Surgical removal of undescended testicles can be more challenging than neutering a cat with normally descended testicles. The surgery might require more extensive exploration of the abdomen or inguinal canal, increasing the risk of surgical complications.

9. Long-Term Health Impact: Even if the testicles are surgically removed, the cat might have already experienced some hormonal and developmental effects during its growth, potentially impacting its long-term health and behavior.

Overall, cryptorchidism in felines poses multiple health and reproductive concerns. It's crucial for cat owners and breeders to be aware of these issues and to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis, management, and treatment if their cat is suspected to have undescended testicles.

Treatments: 

The recommended treatment for cryptorchidism is surgical removal of the undescended testicle(s). This is both for the health of the cat and to prevent the potential transmission of the genetic predisposition for cryptorchidism.

Breeding and Genetic Considerations: 

Breeding cats with cryptorchidism is generally discouraged due to the hereditary nature of the condition. If a cat is known to have cryptorchidism, it's not advisable to breed it, as this can perpetuate the genetic predisposition for the condition in the bloodline.

Pros of Breeding this issue:

• Healthier Offspring: Breeding out the cryptorchidism gene can result in healthier offspring without the associated risks and complications of the condition. Not bottle-necking the genetic genepool or causing a large influx of inbreeding leading to more issues for pet owners to deal with. 

• Ethical Responsibility: Responsible breeding practices involve minimizing the transmission of genetic disorders to future generations. Meaning surgically removing the ability for the felines from this bloodline to not reproduce outside of your own personal practice. 

Cons of Breeding this issue:

• Reduced Genetic Diversity: Focusing on eliminating a specific gene from a bloodline can lead to reduced genetic diversity within the breed, potentially making the population more susceptible to other health issues.

• Challenges of Selective Breeding: Eliminating a particular gene can be challenging, as it may require removing carriers from the breeding pool, which could limit breeding options and slow down the breeding program.

Cryptorchidism in felines is a congenital condition where one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotum. It can lead to health issues and is often managed through surgical removal of the undescended testicle(s). Breeding cats with cryptorchidism is generally discouraged due to the hereditary nature of the condition and the associated health risks. Breeding out the gene has potential benefits but needs to be balanced with considerations of genetic diversity and breeding challenges.