Cryptochidism definition Refer to a hidden testis or failure of the testis to descent into the scrotum. The testis may be found in the abdominal. Cavity or in the inguinal region and it may be unilateral or bilateral

Cryptorchidism is an anomaly of testicular position and is the most prevalent, non dangerous developmental defect of the horse. Abnormal testicular location occurs when one testis or both testes fail to slide down completely from the fetal position in the sublumbar area through the inguinal canal into the scrotum

Cryptorchidism refers to the nondescended testis (by extension, a horse with this condition is also termed a cryptorchid), and removal of a cryptorchid testis is sometimes referred to as ( cryptorchidectomy ).

1- If a testis and its epididymis are both abdominally retained, the horse is termed a complete abdominal cryptorchid 2- If the epididymis, but not the testis, has descended through the vaginal ring, the horse is termed a partial or incomplete abdominal cryptorchid

Cryptorchidism of stallions is of considerable economic significance the seminiferous tubules of the cryptorchid testis are rudimentarily developed and incapable of producing sperm

The incident of cryptorchidism in horses Temporary inguinal retention Permanent inguinal retention Incomplete abdominal retention Complete abdominal retention

Inguinal retention

Temporary and permanent forms have same anatomy the testis has passed through the inguinal canal but has not descended to scrotum Temporary form very common in ponies.

Incomplete retention

Epididymal tail descended but testis still in abdomen

Complete retention Testis and epididymal tail both in abdomen Note that there is a small vaginal process and the remains of the gubernaculum (inguinal extension…) through the inguinal canal

Complete retention

Abdominal retention Note that complete retention is more common on the left whilst complete and incomplete retention are equally represented on the right side – all to do with timing of descent of left and right testes

Treatment There are three method for treatment cryptochidectomy 1- Flank method. 2- Paramedian method. 3- Inguinal method.

Flank method A- Performed laprotomy in the flank of the side of retain testis B- Introducing the hand into abdomen searching for the testis in the vicinity of the internal ring & having found it C – taking the testis outside the abdominal opening and removing it by the emasculatur D – suture the laprotomy incision

Paramedian incision The same method of flank but the differ of site of incision