Very Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Colt or Stallion: Cannot Feel Testicles, One or Both
Summary
Male horses are usually born with descended testicles. You should be able to feel 2 testicles in the scrotum of most normal colts, even right at birth. This is true for older male horses too.
Stallions can pull up (retract) their testicles to the point that they can be difficult to feel. If one or both testicles cannot be located, the stallion may also have one or two retained (cryptorchid) testicles. In some cases, testicles are just "high", meaning they never fully descended but can still be detected in the inguinal canal by an experienced person. These are known in the industry as "high flankers", "rigs" or "ridgelings".
Stallions can pull up (retract) their testicles to the point that they can be difficult to feel. If one or both testicles cannot be located, the stallion may also have one or two retained (cryptorchid) testicles. In some cases, testicles are just "high", meaning they never fully descended but can still be detected in the inguinal canal by an experienced person. These are known in the industry as "high flankers", "rigs" or "ridgelings".
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment
your role
What To Do
First, colts and stallions should allow this area to be touched by a handler. Teach the young male horse to accept this without resistance. Compare the two sides. Can you feel 2 testicles? If not, consult your vet.What Not To Do
Do not ever allow one testicle to be castrated.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
your vet's role
Vets understand the pertinent anatomy and can determine whether or not a testicle is palpable. If both testicles cannot be felt by a vet and you plan to geld the stallion, a cryptorchid castration may be required, a special procedure that is usually best performed at a surgical facility.
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Very Common
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
