Recent surgeries

Laparoscopic rig castration

Cryptorchid horses, or rigs, are male equines in which one of both testicles fail to descent to their normal position in the scrotum. This makes castrating rigs more difficult as it cannot be done in the traditional way. However, it is important both from a management perspective, and to prevent breeding since rigs strongly pass on the tendency to retain testicles. In other words: rigs are much more likely to sire more rigs.

The missing testicle is normally found either in the canal from the abdomen towards the scrotum, called the inguinal canal, or inside the abdomen. Because they have not developed normally they are always much smaller and floppy compared to the normal testicle, as is shown here with the retained testicle on the right.

We routinely ultrasound scan colts sent in for rig castration to find out where the testicle(s) is/are hidden. Inguinal testicles are removed under general anaesthesia, as is shown here in a recent case.

Abdominally retained testicles are removed by standing laparoscopy. The pictures here show the view through the endoscope as an abdominally retained testicle is grasped (left) and removed (right).

The normally descended testicle is usually removed using a standard standing method, but can also be removed under general anaesthesia with a technique that leaves no open wound. Whichever technique is necessary, rigs are not normally hospitalised for more than 24 hours and most are discharged the same day.

If you think you may have a rig a blood test can help identify retained testicle tissue. If you are interested in arranging for rig castration at Cotts please contact Richard Coomer for further information on timings, costs etc.