🐴 Cryptorchid Stallions: Understanding and Safely Managing Castration in 2025 ✂️🧬

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Castration is the most common equine surgery—and when both testicles are descended, it’s usually a straightforward field procedure. But for cryptorchid stallions—those with one or both testicles undescended—castration becomes much more complex. In 2025, proper surgical facilities, anesthesia, and post-op monitoring are essential to a successful outcome. 🧠🐎

🧠 What Is Cryptorchidism?

Cryptorchidism refers to the condition where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. Instead, they remain:

• 📍 In the abdomen (abdominal cryptorchid)
• 📍 In the inguinal canal (inguinal cryptorchid)

This condition prevents standard field castration and often requires surgical exploration to locate and remove the retained testicle. 🧪

⚠️ Why It's a Big Deal

While a normal gelding no longer produces testosterone, a cryptorchid horse with one testicle still intact will continue to:

• 🧬 Exhibit stallion behavior (mounting, aggression)
• 💥 Cause injury or stress to other horses and handlers
• 🧪 Remain fertile (if both testicles are functional)

Failing to fully castrate a cryptorchid horse leaves both behavioral and reproductive issues unresolved. ❌

🔍 Diagnosing a Cryptorchid Stallion

• 📋 Physical exam: One or no testicles visible in scrotum
• 📊 Hormonal testing: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), testosterone, or hCG stimulation tests
• 🩻 Ultrasound: Inguinal or abdominal scan to locate retained tissue

AMH blood testing is the gold standard to confirm retained testicular tissue. 🧬

🏥 Why Cryptorchid Castration Requires Surgery

In cases of cryptorchidism, a surgical approach is needed. Castration may involve:

• 🔪 Laparoscopy (minimally invasive abdominal surgery)
• 🔧 Inguinal incision for low retained testicles
• 🛌 General anesthesia and full sterility

This is not a procedure for the field. Attempting it without surgical facilities can lead to incomplete castration or life-threatening complications. ⚠️

🚫 Castration by Non-Veterinarians: A Dangerous Practice

Unfortunately, some horses are still castrated by non-veterinarians—often without anesthesia or sterile conditions. This is outdated, dangerous, and inhumane. 🛑

Why it's unsafe:

• 💥 Increased risk of bleeding, herniation, and infection
• 💉 No pain management or sedation
• 📉 No ability to manage complications

If you can afford to own a horse, you can afford to have it castrated safely—by a licensed veterinarian with proper equipment. 🧠

🩸 Complications After Castration

Even routine castration carries risks:

🔴 Bleeding

Most horses drip a little blood post-op, but serious hemorrhage can occur, especially in donkeys or cryptorchid procedures.

🪜 Herniation

Intestinal herniation through the incision is rare but life-threatening—often requiring emergency surgery.

🦠 Infection

Scrotal incisions left open can be exposed to dirt and flies. Swelling followed by infection is the most common complication. ❌

📋 Post-Castration Care Tips

• 🚶 Hand-walk the horse daily after 24 hours to reduce swelling
• 🧴 Keep the wound clean and apply fly spray
• 📈 Monitor for excessive swelling or discharge
• 📞 Call your vet if bleeding persists beyond 2 days or intestines are visible

Colder months are ideal to reduce flies and infection risk. ❄️

📲 Ask A Vet for Cryptorchid Consults

If you suspect your horse may be a cryptorchid, or if he’s acting like a stallion after castration, visit AskAVet.com or use the Ask A Vet App for a hormone testing plan and surgical referral. 📱🐎

Dr Duncan Houston and the team can help confirm diagnosis, prepare for surgery, and walk you through safe post-op care. 🧠💬

🏁 Final Thoughts

Castration is routine—but not always simple. For cryptorchid stallions, it becomes a true surgical procedure requiring anesthesia, sterility, and expertise. In 2025, the safest path is clear: trust your veterinarian and treat the procedure with the seriousness it deserves. ❤️🐴

Suspect a cryptorchid stallion? Visit AskAVet.com for diagnosis and surgical planning 🐎✂️