11/19/2019
“Help! My gelding is acting like a stallion!”
Some clients have found themselves in this situation after purchasing/acquiring a horse that was believed to be a gelding. There are a couple of reasons why this could occur. Stallions who have been gelded later in life may still show stallion-like behavior because some of these behaviors are learned. Although, they have low levels of testosterone, these behaviors have been engrained in them from a young age and they may still display them after the removal of their te**es (source of testosterone). The second reason for this behavior may be retained te**es (cryptorchidism). Cryptorchidism occurs due to an abnormality in testicular descent from the abdomen into the sc***um, which occurs in utero. One or both te**es may be retained anywhere from the inguinal canal (groin area) to the abdomen; these horses are referred to as cryptorchids. This condition can be present in any breed, but is more commonly seen in Saddlebreds, Quarter Horses, Draft breeds, and ponies. Cryptorchidism is believed to be heritable, but no comprehensive studies have shown exactly what genes are responsible for this condition.
How do we diagnose cryptorchidism?
Obtaining a thorough history from an owner is important. Any history of stallion-like behavior in a gelding or previous surgery where 1 te**is was removed may lead us to believe that there may be a retained te**is present. Palpation of the sc***um and inguinal region is the first step to determining if a te**is is retained. Ultrasonographic examination of the inguinal region may be helpful in determining the presence of a te**is within the inguinal canal. If the te**is is retained within the abdomen, palpation and ultrasound per re**um as well as percutaneous transabdominal ultrasound examination may aid in diagnosis. Hormonal assays such as testosterone, anti-mullerian hormone, and human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation test can also be performed to help veterinarians diagnose cryptorchidism.
How to treat cryptorchidism?
There are several surgical techniques that can be utilized to remove the retained te**es. If the te**es are retained within the inguinal canal, an inguinal approach with the horse under general anesthesia can be performed. If the te**es are retained within the abdomen, an inguinal approach or laparoscopic removal of the te**es with the horse under general anesthesia can be performed. In addition, laparoscopic removal of the te**es can be performed in standing horses, bypassing the need for general anesthesia. It is important to note that not all horses are candidates for all of these surgical procedures.
If you have any questions regarding your horse, please contact our Rood and Riddle veterinarians at 859-233-0731.
