Читать книгу Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff - Группа авторов - Страница 148

The testicles in dogs typically descend into the scrotal sac before six months of age (Gier and Marion 1970), prior to closure of the inguinal ring (Kustritz 2009). Some males will have one (unilateral or mono cryptorchid) or both testicles (bilateral cryptorchid) that have not descended into the scrotal sac. The retained testicle still produces testosterone, but because it is located internally, the sperm are commonly non‐viable. Some may mistake these males for being neutered (Reif et al. 1979). However, because they are still under the influence of testosterone, their behaviors are similar to those of any other intact male dog. There is a significantly higher risk of testicular tumors in dogs with retained testicles that have not been neutered (Hayes et al. 1985; Hayes and Pendergrass 1976).