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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2025; 15(19); 2923; doi: 10.3390/ani15192923

Cryptorchidism in Equid: A Retrospective Study on Diagnostic Approach, Anaesthesia Management, Surgical Treatment and Outcomes.

Abstract: Over the years, various diagnostic and surgical techniques have been developed to recognise and treat cryptorchidism in equid. This study retrospectively analysed cases of cryptorchidism referred to two centres between 2012 and 2025. Clinical data collected included species, breed, age, gender, location of retained testis, diagnostic approach, anaesthesia plan and surgical treatment, perioperative medical treatment, intra-operative complications and outcomes. A total of 37 clinical cases were included, 1/37 was a donkey and 1/37 was an intersex female. Most of the horses were three years old and belonged to western riding horse breeds. Ultrasound examination correctly identified the location of the retained testis in 87% of cases. The anaesthesia plan includes a local anaesthesia block, mainly a local injection for the infiltration of the retained testis. The laparoscopic standing flank technique was the main approach, performed in 82% of cases. Complications were encountered in 9% of cases, and the median discharge time was 2 days. In our study, Quarter Horse-type horses were overrepresented, and three horses were sons of the same Quarter Horse stallion, suggesting a genetic component in aetiology. The use of ultrasound might confirm cryptorchidism in both abdominal and inguinal locations. Standing flank laparoscopy was the most frequently chosen procedure, over recumbent laparoscopy and inguinal open orchiectomy. The outcome reported a low rate of intra-operative complications.
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Publication Date: 2025-10-09 PubMed ID: 41096518PubMed Central: PMC12523330DOI: 10.3390/ani15192923Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This study analyzed past cases of cryptorchidism in horses and related equids to evaluate diagnostic methods, anesthesia management, surgical treatments, and outcomes.
  • It aimed to identify effective diagnostic techniques, preferred surgical approaches, complication rates, and possible genetic links in affected animals.

Study Background and Objectives

  • Cryptorchidism is a condition where one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum, commonly seen in equids (horses, donkeys, etc.).
  • The study retrospectively reviewed cases to understand current practices in diagnosis, anesthesia, surgery, and post-operative outcomes for cryptorchidism in equids.
  • It also explored demographic factors and potential genetic influences associated with cryptorchidism.

Data Collection and Patient Demographics

  • Data was collected from two veterinary centers covering the period from 2012 to 2025.
  • A total of 37 clinical cases were reviewed, including primarily horses, with one donkey and one intersex female represented.
  • Most horses affected were around three years old and predominantly belonged to western riding horse breeds, especially Quarter Horse-type horses.
  • A notable finding was that three affected horses were direct offspring of the same Quarter Horse stallion, indicating a possible genetic component.

Diagnostic Approaches

  • Ultrasound examination was the primary diagnostic tool used to locate the retained testis.
  • The ultrasound successfully identified the testis location in 87% of cases, proving to be highly effective for both abdominal and inguinal cryptorchidism.
  • Diagnostic confirmation included clinical data on species, breed, gender, and testis location.

Anaesthesia Management

  • The anesthesia plan generally incorporated a local anesthesia block, focused on local infiltration at the site of the retained testis.
  • Local injection was commonly used, minimizing the need for extensive systemic anesthesia.
  • This approach likely contributed to better perioperative safety and quicker recovery.

Surgical Treatment Techniques

  • The laparoscopic standing flank technique was the primary surgical method, performed in 82% of the cases.
  • This approach involves performing surgery with the horse standing and allows minimally invasive access to the retained testis.
  • Other methods such as recumbent laparoscopy and open inguinal orchiectomy were used less frequently.

Outcomes and Complications

  • Complications during surgery were relatively low, occurring in about 9% of cases.
  • The median discharge time for treated animals was approximately 2 days, indicating a quick recovery period post-surgery.
  • The low complication rate and short hospital stay support the safety and efficacy of the chosen diagnostic and surgical protocols.

Conclusions and Implications

  • Quarter Horse-type horses were disproportionately represented, suggesting potential breed predispositions.
  • The genetic link is supported by the clustering of affected offspring from the same stallion.
  • Ultrasound is an effective, non-invasive diagnostic tool for locating retained testes in cryptorchid horses.
  • Standing flank laparoscopy emerged as the preferred surgical method due to its minimally invasive nature and low complication rates.
  • Overall, the study recommends ultrasound for diagnosis and standing flank laparoscopy for treatment to optimize outcomes in cryptorchid equids.

Cite This Article

APA
Nocera I, Moroni R, Fanelli D, Rota A, Di Franco C, Ungari C, Puccinelli C, Gandini M, Giusto G, Vannozzi I. (2025). Cryptorchidism in Equid: A Retrospective Study on Diagnostic Approach, Anaesthesia Management, Surgical Treatment and Outcomes. Animals (Basel), 15(19), 2923. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192923

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 19
PII: 2923

Researcher Affiliations

Nocera, Irene
  • Institute of Health Sciences, School of Advanced Study Sant'Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
Moroni, Rebecca
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
Fanelli, Diana
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
Rota, Alessandra
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
Di Franco, Chiara
  • Institute of Clinical Physiology, Italian National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
Ungari, Camilla
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
Puccinelli, Caterina
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
Gandini, Marco
  • Equine Health Center, 10046 Torino, Italy.
Giusto, Gessica
  • Equine Health Center, 10046 Torino, Italy.
Vannozzi, Iacopo
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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