Evaluation of testicular outcomes following laparoscopic assisted orchidopexy in dogs

Abstract

Cryptorchidism is a common congenital abnormality encountered in dogs. The commonly used treatment for this condition is orchiectomy or orchidectomy. Surgical placement and fixation of the cryptorchid testicle into the scrotum, referred to as orchiopexy, is used in humans. The treatment of cryptorchidism by orchiopexy in dogs is a controversial topic due to the hereditary nature of cryptorchidism in dogs. The present study was focusing for the first time on long-term monitoring of the testicular soundness and function following laparoscopic orchidopexy in young dogs (180 ± 14 days).  Seventeen (n = 17) German shepherd young dogs (180 ± 14 days) were included in the study. All cases enrolled in this study underwent laparoscopic testicular descent and orchidopexy. Ten days postoperatively, the dogs were evaluated by Doppler ultrasound to assess the testicular blood flow. At age of 18 - 20 months, semen parameters were evaluated in all treated dogs. Clinically, the abdominal wounds were healed 3 - 4 days after surgery with complete absence of all signs of infection, pain or discomfort. Testicular volume (TV; cm3) and thickness of the mediastinum line (MT; mm) were within normal values (8.65 ± 0.25 cm³ and 1.11 ± 0.85 mm), with normal testicular blood flow.  The mean values of semen parameters were (82.68% for individual motility and 90.35% for the percentage of live sperm). In conclusion, laparoscopic descent and orchidopexy can be utilized with keeping the normal testicular functions when performed at young aged dogs (180 ± 14 days).