MARISSA KAZECK

Cryptorchidism

What is cryptorchidism?

A condition in which one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) testicles are retained either in the inguinal or abdominal region.

Why is this bad?The undescended testicle(s) are typically not fully developed and non-functional, and they have the potential for being cancerous later in life. Cryptorchidism is also considered to be a hereditary condition that could possibly be passed onto further generations.

Who does it affect?Cryptorchidism is usually more common in male horses and

pigs, but can also occur in dogs. It is rare in cats.

Symptoms

Horse: Presence of one (or no) testicles in scrotum, but still exhibits stallion behavior

Dog: Presence of one (or no) testicles in scrotum, may display breeding behaviors once sexual maturity is reached

Clinical Findings

Horse/Dog: Palpation of scrotum and inguinal regions for presence/absence of testicle, abdominal ultrasound, measurement of testosterone level in the blood.

Why They Should be castrated

-Condition may be passed onto offspring-Increased risk of testicular cancer

Procedure

Dogs: Removal of the testicle(s) is done under general anesthesia. The procedure for dogs is similar to that of a neuter, but the area of the incision just depends on the where the undescended testicle is located (inguinal or abdomen) and the normal testicle would be removed in the normal way of how a neuter is performed. The testicle that was undescended is usually smaller than the normal descended testicle

White line: incision made into the abdominal cavityYellow line: incision made into the inguinal regionPink line: normal incision

Procedure

Horses: Unlike a typical castration, cryptorchid castration is done under general anesthesia. The horse is placed in dorsal recumbancy, and the approach of surgery depends on the DVM’s preference, and the location of the testicle(s). The incision is generally made around the scrotum area, and the testicle is manually removed from the inguinal or abdominal region.

CVT

The CVT’s job is to prep the patient for surgery (sedation, ET tube, clip, scrub, ect..). Since a cryptorchid castration is done under general anesthesia, the CVT is responsible for patient monitoring during the procedure and also the patient’s recovery period. The CVT would provide the owner(s) on go home instructions.

After Care: Horse

-Stall rest with light hand walking -After 10 days exercise can gradually be returned to normal -Check the incision site daily for any changes -Any sutures that may have been used can be removed after 7 days -Stallion learned behaviors will take time to change with training

-Possible complications: hemorrhage, post-op swelling, infection, continual stallion behavior, incision breakdown.

After Care: Dog

-Keep indoors for about 2 weeks -Do not let the dog play rough or have excessive exercise activities -Check incision daily for any swelling, discharge, or redness-Keep the dog from chewing or licking at the site (E-collar +/-) -Any sutures can be removed after 10 to 14 days

-Possible complications: hemorrhage, infection, incisionbreakdown.

Could it be avoided?

Prevention of Cryptorchidism isn’t something we as people can control, however, there are testosterone shots that can be given to try to make the undescended testicle(s) drop. The chances of those shots working are slim and if they did work the breeding animal would still be able to pass that defect onto his young so it would still be in the best interest to castrate.

References

Lopez, Mandi (2008). Cyrptorchid (undescended testicles) in the Horse. Retrieved November 18, 2010 from ACVS online: http://www.acvs.org/AnimalOwners/HealthConditions/LargeAnimalEquineTopics/UndescendedTesticlesinHorses/

Diamond, David. Cryptorchidism in Dogs. Retrieved November 18, 2010 from PetPlace: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/cryptorchidism-in-dogs/page1.aspx