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Discussion on Testicular descent....crypt or not
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Member:
Skutyba
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Posted on Friday, Jan 12, 2007 - 11:55 pm:
Dr.O.
Question please.
Have a 12 month old colt. At birth, 2 testicles were apparent and palpable (noted in vet records as well).
Within a week or so birth(perhaps longer), his left testicle became difficult to palpate and has remained that way to date. His right testicle is tucked up high, but easily felt. I monitor it frequently, and sometimes I think I can feel the left one...and times that I can't.
Based on the breeding, confirmation, movement and temperament of this colt he is a "possible" stallion prospect (all of mind are outstanding gelding prospects!). However, if he is a crypt or is retained....that is null and void.
At this point, his behavior is exceptional and gelding isn't a priority...his ground work and manners are instilled in him and he is easier to deal with than any other horse on the property.
My vet was out yesterday for routine and pre-foaling vaccinations so I had her recheck this colt. Stated that the right one was easily felt, and that she could feel the tip of the left testicle....unsure as to if it will correctly descend or not.
Regardless of if he keeps his testicles or not, it's driving me up the wall that they aren't BOTH easily palpable...
I can't seem to pin down any vets thoughts on how to proceed. I've asked about having an ultrasound to determine the status/location of the testicle in relation to the inguinal ring. No real response from local vets. Have inquired regarding the use of HCG...with little input. While I haven't had much feedback on what to do, my vet(s) don't seem to be in any hurry to geld.
My thoughts are, that if there is little hope of the testicle descending normally, I'd rather just geld and get it over with to. However, if there is opportunity for correct developement I'd like to hold off.
Keep in mind, I have no romantic ideas about stallion ownership or reservations of gelding. However, he is a well above average colt at this age. BUT, I have no intentions of him staying intact if there is ANY reason to geld.
Thoughts, ideas, and criticism are appreciated.
Thank you.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Jan 13, 2007 - 9:20 am:
I don't think you need an ultrasound, the testicle is most likely in the inguinal canal. As the colt has grown, the ligament has not kept up pulling the testicle back into the canal. Neither do I think it wise to use hormones to cause the testicle to descend so he can be presented as a normal stallion. This indicates some sort of defect of maturation and you cannot be sure it won't get passed along. At the very least mares bred to the stallion should be informed of this history. I think your vets are hoping it will descend on its own.
DrO
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Member:
Skutyba
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Posted on Saturday, Jan 13, 2007 - 3:25 pm:
Dr. O,
Thank you for your response. My only concern here is making an informed decision.
In the event that his testicle does not descend into the normal position, this colt will not be bred under any circumstance..and will be gelded. Since I tend to geld first and ask questions later...the likelyhood is that he will be gelded even if/when he does descend. That's just the odds  .
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