Usefulness of computed tomography for cryptorchidism in bulls

Abstract

Cryptorchidism is defined as the failure of the testis to descend into the scrotal position. Bulls with cryptorchidism have problems in both meat quality and husbandry management; thus, it is greatly important to accurately identify the retained testis and remove it during the early stage. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) was performed under general anesthesia in 34 bulls aged 3-9 months with cryptorchidism. All bulls underwent laparoscopic or incision approach for cryptorchidectomy, and 40 testes wer e dissected. The detection rates of retained testes were 64.5% in the abdominal cavity and 100% in the subcutaneous inguinal region, and the total detection rate was 72.5%. Furthermore, all cases in this study were suspected to have intra-abdominal cryptorchidism in primary care, but CT revealed that 22.5% of cases had cryptorchidism in the subcutaneous inguinal region. The CT value (mean ± standard deviation) of the retained testes was 20.96 ± 7.41 Hounsfield Unit, and the CT value and size of th e retained testes showed a positive weak correlation with bovine age. Therefore, there is the demerit that general anesthesia and a huge device are necessary; nevertheless, CT is suggested to be useful in identifying the location of retained testes and selecting an appropriate surgical approach in bulls with cryptorchidism. Moreover, CT findings suggested that the maturation of the retained testes might depend not on the descendin g process but on age.

Caveolin 1 Regulates the Tight Junctions between Sertoli Cells and Promotes the Integrity of Blood–Testis Barrier in Yak via the FAK/ERK Signaling Pathway

“…Yaks are a unique bovine species endemic to high-altitude regions. Cryptorchidism is a common disease of the reproductive system and one of the main causes of infertility in male yaks [1]. Cryptorchidism, a familiar disease of the male reproductive system, is one of the main causes of male yak sterility.…”