Very Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Cryptorchidism, Retained Testicle
Synonyms: High Flanker, Rig
Summary
In normal horses, the testicles have descended into the scrotum at birth. Cryptorchidism is the failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum. Cryptorchidism is a common congenital (hereditary) disorder in horses.
The incidence of testicular retention is approximately equal for left and right testicles. However, there may be differences in the specific location of the testicle in left versus right cryptorchids. A horse that is actually born with only one testicle is extremely rare. One large study suggests that retention of both testicles is rare, 13.2% of cases.
In normal foals, the testicles are present and can be felt in the scrotum at birth. If you cannot feel both testes in the scrotum by 1-2 years of age, the likelihood of descent is very low. In some cases, your vet can feel all or part of a testicle higher up in the inguinal canal. Routine castrations on colts with both testicles are generally performed in the field. If your vet can feel the tip of the testicle, they may choose to remove the partially retained testicle in the field. However, since cryptorchid castration is a more complicated procedure, the standard of care is for it to be performed at a surgical facility.
Diagnosis is by exam by your vet via physical examination and often rectal exam.
Treatment is cryptorchid castration, a more complicated procedure usually performed at a surgical hospital.
The incidence of testicular retention is approximately equal for left and right testicles. However, there may be differences in the specific location of the testicle in left versus right cryptorchids. A horse that is actually born with only one testicle is extremely rare. One large study suggests that retention of both testicles is rare, 13.2% of cases.
In normal foals, the testicles are present and can be felt in the scrotum at birth. If you cannot feel both testes in the scrotum by 1-2 years of age, the likelihood of descent is very low. In some cases, your vet can feel all or part of a testicle higher up in the inguinal canal. Routine castrations on colts with both testicles are generally performed in the field. If your vet can feel the tip of the testicle, they may choose to remove the partially retained testicle in the field. However, since cryptorchid castration is a more complicated procedure, the standard of care is for it to be performed at a surgical facility.
Diagnosis is by exam by your vet via physical examination and often rectal exam.
Treatment is cryptorchid castration, a more complicated procedure usually performed at a surgical hospital.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
The prognosis is usually good following cryptorchid castration.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Is there a genetic basis for this?
- What are the options for castration?
- Do you feel confident in castrating my horse in the field, or should it be performed at a surgical facility?
Prevention
Do not breed cryptorchid stallions. The condition has a genetic component and is likely to be passed on to progeny.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
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Related References:
Hartman R,Hawkins JF, Adams SB, Moore GE, Fessler JF. Cryptorchidectomy in Equids: 604 Cases (1977-2010) JAVMA, Vol 246, No. 7, April 1, 2015