May
27
Written by:
Surgi-Care Center for Horses
5/27/2011 3:25 PM
Cryptorchidism refers to the failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum. It is a fairly common developmental problem affecting horses. It can occur in any breed, but has been reported to be most common in the Percheron, American Saddlebred, and the Quarter horse. Although it is possible to have both testes retained, it is more common to have one testicle retained.
During fetal development, the testes are near the kidneys in the abdominal cavity. At the end of gestation in a normal fetus, the testes descend from the abdominal cavity, through the inguinal canals, into the scrotum. Abnormal descent can result in retention of the testicle in the abdominal cavity or in the inguinal canal. There is an equal chance of having the right or left testicle retained. However, if the right testicle is retained, there is a higher probability that the testicle is retained within the inguinal canal, where as the left testicle is more commonly retained in the abdominal cavity.
The cause of crytorchidism is unknown; however, it is thought to have a genetic basis. The genetic factors are thought to influence hormone secretion and/or the improper development of structures that are important for the normal descent of the testes. It is therefore discouraged to use cryptorchid stallions for breeding. If the stallion only has one testicle retained, he is fertile. However, if both testicles are retained, he is sterile and unable to reproduce.
The diagnosis of cryptorchidism is frequently established by the horse’s behavior, inspecting the scrotum, and knowing the history of the colt (whether the horse has been castrated or not). To differentiate between bilateral cryptorchidism (both testes retained) and a gelded horse, hormonal stimulation tests can be performed.
Treatment for cryptorchidism is surgical removal of the retained testicle(s). There are several approaches for removal of cryptorchid testicles. It can be performed under general anesthesia or standing under sedation. It can be performed by the standard approach of making an incision and retrieving the testicle manually. The other option is by laparoscopy, in which a small incision is made into the abdominal cavity and the testicle is visualized with a small scope and retrieved with small instruments.
Absence of a palpable testis in the scrotal sac by one month of age is presumptive evidence of cryptorchidism. After 12 months, inguinal-retained testes rarely enter the scrotum, but there have been reports of the testes descending into the scrotum in horses as old as 2-3 years of age. It is best to monitor the testicles every few weeks to determine if the testicles are descending properly. You can have your veterinarian sedate the stallion for a thorough palpation. If both testicles are not palpable, it is best to send the horse to a surgical facility for cryptorchid surgery. Do not have your regular veterinarian remove the descended testicle without removal of the retained testicle. This could give a false indication that the horse is a gelding. It is therefore critical that both testes are removed at the same time.
Contact
Surgi-Care Center for Horses at 813-643-7177 or
email lkuebelbeck@surgi-carecenter.com with
any questions regarding this topic.
4 comment(s) so far...
Can a horse with a retained testicle have it surgically dropped to the normal place and remain a stallion or does it have to be gelded? Also if the testicle is given a chance to drop naturally until the colt is three years old are there any health dangers to the horse? Thank You.
By Rosie Davies on
7/6/2011 4:01 PM
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No, a horse with a retained testicle can not have it surgically dropped into the scrotum. The problem is that the testicular cord is very short in these horses likely due to natural atrophy as it hasn't been stretched into the scrotum. We often have to put significant traction on the testicle just to exteriorize it from an inguinal incision for surgical excision, let alone get it all the way into the scrotum. Many people wish this could be done, but it is not feasible. The only health concern for your horse in leaving the testicle inside until he is 3 years old would be the outside chance of testicular neoplasia. There may be behavioral issues for you to deal with, but health issue risk would be minimal. Remember that testicular neoplasia (cancer) is uncommon, especially in a horse less than 3 years old, so the odds of any health issues would be very low.
By Dr. Kuebelbeck on
7/6/2011 4:08 PM
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I have a horse that was just gelded and they said it was a possibility that he had a hernia on his testicles that if he was gelded his guts could fall out. We went ahead and had him gelded anyways. Everything was normal but he said the cord was short and that is why it did not drop into the scrotum fully. Is there any lasting effects from this happening?
By carrie on
5/11/2012 8:12 AM
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Carrie,
Typically, we think a horse may have had a hernia if the superficial inguinal ring feels especially large on palpation. Standardbred or American Saddlebred horses seem to be predisposed to this condition. I am not sure why your veterinarian thought your horse may have had a hernia. If the cord is short and the testicle isn't all the way in the scrotum, we call that a cryptorchid. I assume that if your horse was a cryptorchid it was inguinal, and not abdominal, as abdominal cryptorchids are best dealt with in a surgical suite. Please feel free to call me to discuss further if you would like. 813-643-7177
By Dr. Kuebelbeck on
5/17/2012 10:16 AM
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