Use of transabdominal ultrasonography to determine the location of cryptorchid testes in the horse.
Abstract: Transrectal ultrasonography is a reliable technique to identify intra-abdominal testes, but can be hazardous or impractical in fractious, juvenile or small equids. The transabdominal approach therefore requires validation. Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of transabdominal ultrasonography to localise cryptorchid testes. Methods: Thirty-eight horses admitted for cryptorchidism underwent transabdominal ultrasonography to locate errant testes. Location of the testes was confirmed during surgery (n = 37) or necropsy (n = 1). Results: Horses weighed 175-760 kg. Twenty-two testes were located within the abdomen, 19 in the inguinal space and 3 in a subcutaneous location. In 2 horses, a thick winter coat prevented adequate contact between the probe and the skin, and visualisation of their inguinal testis and one abdominal testis was missed during transabdominal ultrasonography. Excluding the 2 horses with excessive hair, the sensitivity of transabdominal ultrasonography to locate errant testes was 97.6% (93.2% when all horses were included), and its specificity 100%. Conclusions: Transabdominal ultrasonography is a reliable, safe and immediate technique to diagnose cryptorchidism precisely in horses of all ages, sizes and temperaments. Conclusions: Transabdominal ultrasonography provides an immediate definitive diagnosis of adominal cryptorchidism and should enhance selection of an appropriate surgical approach for their removal.
Publication Date: 2006-05-19 PubMed ID: 16706279DOI: 10.2746/042516406776866354Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article explores the reliability of transabdominal ultrasonography method in identifying the position of undescended testicles in horses of all ages, sizes, and temperaments as an alternative to the transrectal approach.
Objectives and Methodology
- The aim of the study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of transabdominal ultrasonography for localizing cryptorchid testes in equids.
- To achieve this, the researchers used a sample of 38 horses that were admitted for cryptorchidism, a condition where one or both of the testes fail to descend.
- Through transabdominal ultrasonography, the researchers attempted to locate the undescended testes.
- The exact location of the testes was then confirmed either during surgery (in 37 horses) or via necropsy (in one case).
Results
- The study found that the weight of the horses ranged from 175 to 760 kg.
- A total of 22 undescended testes were identified within the abdomen, 19 were found in the inguinal space, and 3 in a subcutaneous site.
- In two instances, the researchers could not properly visualize the location of a testis due to thick winter coat obstructing adequate contact between the probe and the skin. This resulted in the researchers missing the visualization of their inguinal testis and one abdominal testis during transabdominal ultrasonography.
- Therefore, leaving aside these two instances, the sensitivity of transabdominal ultrasonography in locating undescended testes was revealed to be 97.6%. However, if these two exceptions are included, the sensitivity drops to 93.2%.
- On the other hand, the specificity of the technique remained consistent at 100%.
Conclusions
- Based on the findings of the study, transabdominal ultrasonography proves to be a reliable, safe and definitive technique for diagnosing cryptorchidism accurately in horses of all ages, sizes, and temperaments.
- Moreover, it offers immediate outcomes, and can assist in determining the most suitable surgical approach for the removal of undescended testes. It is suggested that transabdominal ultrasonography should be the preferred method for diagnosing abdominal cryptorchidism.
Cite This Article
APA
Schambourg MA, Farley JA, Marcoux M, Laverty S.
(2006).
Use of transabdominal ultrasonography to determine the location of cryptorchid testes in the horse.
Equine Vet J, 38(3), 242-245.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516406776866354 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Av., Charlottetown, C1A 4P3 Prince Edward Island.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cryptorchidism / diagnosis
- Cryptorchidism / diagnostic imaging
- Cryptorchidism / pathology
- Cryptorchidism / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Male
- Reproducibility of Results
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Ultrasonography / methods
- Ultrasonography / veterinary
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