Normal colts are routinely castrated (gelded), meaning that their two testes (that have descended into the scrotum) are removed during a routine castration.

However, when one or both testicles have not descended normally into the scrotum, the colt is termed cryptorchid (flanker, ridgeling) and a different "cryptorchid castration" aka "cryptorchidectomy" surgical procedure must be performed to remove the internal testicle.

This procedure is more complicated and costly than a routine castration, as it is usually performed at a surgical facility. The horse is placed under general anesthesia and placed on its back on a surgical table, the inguinal (groin) area over the scrotum is surgically prepared, the skin and deeper tissues incised and bluntly separated and carefully explored, in an attempt to locate the small ligament that leads to the testicle. Once found, this is pulled up out of the incision, and the sac (tunic) housing the testicle is incised and the testicle is drawn up out of the inguinal canal or abdomen. Once the testicle is pulled up, the testicular vessels and spermatic cord are then crushed with an emasculator to prevent hemorrhage. Some clinicians may also tie off the vessels for more security.

Once the cryptorchid testicle is removed, we emasculate and remove the normal testicle.

In many cases, the skin of one or both incisions will be left open, but in most cases the internal inguinal ring will be sutured with heavy absorbable suture to prevent evisceration of intestine and other contents from the abdomen.

This is usually a fairly straightforward surgery, but it can be tricky in some cases.

It is considered unethical for vets to remove only the external testicle in a cryptorchid horse, because the horse will continue to behave like a stallion and yet will appear externally to be a gelding.

An alternative approach to cryptorchidectomy is laparoscopic removal of the internal testicle. This procedure is done in the standing, sedated horse through several small incisions in the body wall and under the visualization of a camera. It is minimally invasive but requires specialized equipment and expertise.

YOUR VET'S ROLE

This procedure takes practice and can be difficult. Only vets with experience performing it should undertake it on client horses.

YOUR ROLE

Following surgery, your vet will provide specific aftercare instructions. In most cases, there will be a period of controlled exercise prior to turnout or return to training or riding.

Whenever surgery is performed, it is very important that you communicate with the veterinarian immediately if you have any questions about the horse following surgery