Prevalencia de criptorquidia en perros domésticos mayores de diez meses, diagnosticados mediante palpación y ecografía en dos Clínicas Veterinarias en Guayaquil.

Abstract

Cryptorchidism is a congenital abnormality of the male reproductive system characterized by the absence of one or both testicles in the scrotal sac. It has a genetic predisposition and the potential to cause complications such as testicular torsion, atrophy, infertility, or neoplasms. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cryptorchidism in domestic dogs over ten months of age, diagnosed through palpation and ultrasound. An observational, cross-sectional, and non-experimental study with a quantitative approach was conducted on 100 canines treated at Clínica Veterinaria Dr Pet and Consultorio Veterinario Dr. Aníbal Andrade Ortiz in Guayaquil. Each canine underwent anamnesis, clinical examination by palpation, and ultrasound to confirm the presence, location, size, and shape of retained testicles. The results showed a prevalence of 3%, with unilateral cryptorchidism being more frequent (2 %) than bilateral cryptorchidism (1 %). Four retained testicles were found in three canines, located mainly in the right inguinal region (50 %), followed by the right, and left abdominal regions (25 % each). Seventy-five percent of the undescended testicles were small, while 25% were of normal size, all with preserved anatomical morphology. Positive cases were observed in small breeds (Chihuahua and French Poodle) and in one medium breed (Border Collie), with no significant relationship to body condition or origin. It is concluded that, despite its low prevalence, early detection through palpation and ultrasound is important to prevent complications and to restrict the reproduction of affected canines, thereby avoiding the genetic transmission of this condition.