Crytorchidism

Question 1

monorchidism

Answer 1

complete absence of one testicle

Question 2

Complete abdominal cryptorchid

Answer 2

testis and epididymis are both abdominally retained

Question 3

partial (incomplete) abdominal cryptorchid

Answer 3

epididymis but not testis has descended through the vaginal ring

Question 4

inguinal cryptorchid a.k.a “a high flanker”

Answer 4

testi retained higher in the inguinal canal

Question 5

what are the problems associated with crytorchidism?

Answer 5

• sterility
• androgen cells of leydig of cryptorchid still produces testosterone (all undesired effects of a stallion without fertility)
• prone to maligancy
  inherited: do not want to breed from these

Question 6

proportion and typed of cryptorchidism most common in left vs right testicle.

Answer 6

75% of left sided are found in the abdomen

60% of right sided are found in inguinal canal

Question 7

causes of failure of descent

Answer 7

• inherited!
• improper function of gubernaculum
• impaired production of androgens

Question 8

What would you do upon suspicion of crytorchidism?

Answer 8

-take a full history (often only noticed when presented for castration)

-clinical exam:
scrotal and inguinal regions should be palpated carefully
sedation can relax cremaster muscle and make it easier to find testicle

rectal exam: weigh up the risks an benefits of this…

diagnostic imaging:
transabdominal US (testis located against the ventral abdomen or uninary bladder)
transrectal US

hormonal assay:
stallions and geldings have higher serum [androgens and oestrogens] than geldings
BUT 5% of geldings have stallion behaviour when castrated

Question 9

what is a positive cryptorchid assay?

Answer 9

[testosterone and oestrogen] both before and after hCG administration is >100pg/mL

gelding if concentration in both samples is <40pg/mL

Question 10

What is the treatment for cryptorchidism?

Answer 10

REFERRAL! must be removed surgically.