A Retrospective Study of Cryptorchidectomy in Horses: Diagnosis, Treatment, Outcome and Complications in 70 Cases.
Authors: Straticò Paola, Varasano Vincenzo, Guerri Giulia, Celani Gianluca, Palozzo Adriana, Petrizzi Lucio
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Cryptorchidectomy Management in 70 Horses Cryptorchidism presents a significant surgical challenge in equine practice, yet evidence-based guidance on diagnosis and treatment outcomes remains limited. This retrospective review examined 70 horses undergoing cryptorchidectomy, documenting breed predisposition (Quarter Horses and Appaloosas predominating at 48.5% and 12.8% respectively), retained testis localisation patterns, and surgical complication rates across two procedural approaches. Standing laparoscopy proved superior for abdominal cryptorchids, achieving successful removal in 44 cases with minor, self-limiting complications (emphysema in 34%, spermatic cord bleeding in 22.7%), whilst open inguinal orchiectomy was reserved for the 26 inguinal cases but resulted in more frequent post-operative morbidity (65.4% moderate swelling, 30.8% intra-operative identification difficulties). Transabdominal ultrasound emerged as the most reliable diagnostic tool (61.2% localisation accuracy), though per rectum palpation and inguinal palpation provided useful complementary information in this population. For practitioners, these findings support selective use of standing laparoscopy as first-line treatment for abdominal cryptorchids, whilst recognising that open inguinal approaches carry greater post-operative complications and should be reserved for cases where laparoscopy is contraindicated.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Consider breed predisposition when screening Quarter Horses and Appaloosas; cryptorchidism is 4–5 times more common in these Western riding breeds than others
- •Standing laparoscopy is the preferred technique for abdominal cryptorchidectomy with fewer significant complications; expect emphysema and minor spermatic cord bleeding but not serious morbidity
- •Transabdominal ultrasound is the most reliable diagnostic method (61.2% success rate); combine with per rectum palpation if ultrasound findings are inconclusive
Key Findings
- •Quarter Horses and Appaloosas showed highest breed predisposition, accounting for 61.3% of cases (48.5% and 12.8% respectively)
- •Left abdominal location was most common site for retained testis in unilateral cryptorchids (43%)
- •Standing laparoscopy was successful in 62.8% of cases with complications including emphysema (34%), bleeding from spermatic cord (22.7%), and spleen puncture (2.2%)
- •Open inguinal orchiectomy in general anesthesia resulted in higher postoperative swelling (65.4%) and difficulty identifying inguinal testis (30.8%)