A Retrospective Study of Cryptorchidectomy in Horses: Diagnosis, Treatment, Outcome and Complications in 70 Cases

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the breed predisposition and the diagnostic and surgical management of horses referred for cryptorchidism. The breed, localization of retained testis, diagnosis, type of surgical treatment and complications were analyzed. Seventy horses were included in the study; the Western Riding horse breeds were the most affected (Quarter Horse 34/70, 48.5%; Appaloosa 9/70, 12.8%). In unilateral cryptorchids (65/70, 92.8%) the most common location for a retained testis was the left abdomen (28/65, 43%), while in bilateral cryptorchids (5/70, 7.1%), bilateral abdominal retention was the most frequent (3/5, 6%). Information about testis localization was achieved through transabdominal ultrasound (30/49 cases, 61.2%), through per rectum palpation (21/49 cases, 42.9%) and through inguinal palpation (14/49 cases, 28.9%). Cryptorchidectomy was achieved with standing laparoscopy (44/70 cases, 62.8%), or with open inguinal orchiectomy in general anesthesia (26/70 cases, 37.2%). Complications during laparoscopy were spleen puncture (1/44, 2.2%), a self-limiting bleeding from the spermatic cord (10/44 cases, 22.7%), hyperthermia (3/44 cases, 6.8%), and emphysema (15/44, 34%). During inguinal open cryptorchidectomy difficulties with identifying the inguinal testis during surgery (8/26 cases, 30.8%) and a moderate and self-limiting swelling of the inguinal region after surgery (17/26, 65.4%) were observed. For orchiectomy, a standing laparoscopy was confirmed as the preferred procedure for an abdominally retained testis with almost no complications.

Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy using a resorbable self‐locking loop device in dorsally recumbent horses

“…Our median surgical time was similar, [25][26][27] or longer, 4,20,28 than previously reported laparoscopic cryptorchidectomies. However, comparisons with other reports are difficult as some reports performed the procedures standing versus under GA, defined surgical time differently or came from different practice settings (i.e., private practice vs. academia).…”

“…Hemoabdomen in that horse was mild and it was only detected because PCV/TP was closely monitored. In fact, that 5% hemoabdomen rate is similar 20 or higher 4,21,27,28 than previously reported although none of those studies performed routine postoperative PCV/TP and mild hemoabdomen may have been missed. No other previously reported major complications such as intestinal puncture, hemorrhage due to spleen or abdominal vessel puncture or incisional infection were found in this study 2,19,20,29 …”

A Single-Port, Multiple-Access, Custom-Made Device Used in Laparoscopically Assisted Cryptorchidectomy in Standing Horses—A Preliminary Study

“…In recent decades, there have been many advances related to laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy in horses, the main benefits of which are the absence of general anesthesia and better visualization of the cryptorchid [1,6,7]. Standing horse laparoscopy is the best option to remove ectopic testicles, but complications can occur when the devices are not used during access to the abdominal cavity [8,9].…”

Behavioral Disorders in Mares with Ovarian Disorders, Outcome after Laparoscopic Ovariectomy: A Case Series

“…The surgical treatment of bilateral standing ovariectomy was first described in 1993 [ 25 ]. In recent decades, laparoscopy has become the technique of choice for both ovariectomy and cryptorchidectomy in equids due to the limited complications and avoidance of general anesthesia [ 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Compared to the open ovariectomy, hemorrhage, infection, adhesion, herniation and evisceration associated with surgery are less common [ 30 , 31 ], while postoperative recovery and return to athletic function are faster.…”