Cryptorchidism in Horses

the scrotum and internal palpation through the rectum. Your horse may also need an ultrasound to locate a testis within the abdomen or inguinal canal 1 Occasionally a ridgling with two undescended testes may be mistaken for an alreadycastrated horse especially if the testes cannot be located by palpitation. If this is the case Your vet will do blood work to evaluate testosterone levels. The horse may have to be tranquilized for this very invasive internal examination. Often cryptorchidism goes unnoticed until its time to geld a colt.
Treatment Prevention
Castration is considered to be the best option for treating cryptorchidism in horses. Castrating a rig can prevent medical complications related to undescended testes as well as eliminate aggressive stallionlike behavior 2 This can either be done in a standard surgical fashion or laparoscopically.
While the surgery is not invasive a horses testicular anatomy is very complex and requires highly specialized equipment and training. The higher the testes are in the abdomen the more complicated the surgery will be. Veterinary clinics offering these surgeries may not be readily available to all horse owners.
There is little that can be done to prevent cryptorchidism. Because it is hereditary in most cases cryptorchids that are capable of reproduction should be castrated and not be bred.
Prognosis for Horses With Cryptorchidism
As with any castration postoperative complications may arise. Hemorrhaging and inflammation can occur in which case contact your vet. Rarely more severe complications can occur such as intestinal prolapse or infection of the spermatic cord 3 Typically treatment is successful and the prognosis is good. After surgery your horse will rest in its stall and be walked by hand with a gradual increase in exercise after 10 days to two weeks 1