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Use of transabdominal ultrasonography to determine the location of cryptorchid testes in the horse
Author(s) -
Schambourg M. A.,
Farley J. A.,
Marcoux M.,
Laverty S.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.2746/042516406776866354
Subject(s) - ultrasonography , medicine , horse , abdomen , abdominal ultrasonography , inguinal canal , radiology , inguinal hernia , biology , paleontology , hernia
Summary Reasons for performing study : Transrectal ultrasonography is a reliable technique to identify intra‐abdominal testes, but can be hazardous or impractical in fractious, juvenile or small equids. The transabdominal approach therefore requires validation. Objectives : To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of transabdominal ultrasonography to localise cryptorchid testes. Methods : Thirty‐eight horses admitted for cryptorchidism underwent transabdominal ultrasonography to locate errant testes. Location of the testes was confirmed during surgery (n = 37) or necropsy (n = 1). Results : Horses weighed 175–760 kg. Twenty‐two testes were located within the abdomen, 19 in the inguinal space and 3 in a subcutaneous location. In 2 horses, a thick winter coat prevented adequate contact between the probe and the skin, and visualisation of their inguinal testis and one abdominal testis was missed during transabdominal ultrasonography. Excluding the 2 horses with excessive hair, the sensitivity of transabdominal ultrasonography to locate errant testes was 97.6% (93.2% when all horses were included), and its specificity 100%. Conclusions : Transabdominal ultrasonography is a reliable, safe and immediate technique to diagnose cryptorchidism precisely in horses of all ages, sizes and temperaments. Potential relevance : Transabdominal ultrasonography provides an immediate definitive diagnosis of adominal cryptorchidism and sh ould enhance selection of an appropriate surgical approach for their removal.