Importance of the veterinarian in the diagnosis of Cryptorchidism in horses: Literature review

Abstract

Regardless of leisure or work, the population of horses has increased, due to the influence on the relationship between humans and these animals, thus increasing the relevance of these animals in people's daily lives. In the reproductive process of horses, different types of problems can occur, such as genetic failures, which can happen during the process of fertilization and embryological development, or even due to some genetic mutation suffered, with cryptorchidism being a failure that occurs during development. Cryptorchidism is defined as a disease that affects the progression of the descent of the testicles, being interrupted, so that one or two testicles are retained in the abdominal cavity or in the inguinal canal. This path taken by the testicles to the scrotum is a highly complex and multifactorial process, and may present failures. The objective of this study was to verify the importance of the veterinarian in the diagnosis of cryptorchidism in horses, using a literature review. The classification of this disease is based on the inguinal canal and is named as: complete abdominal cryptorchid, incomplete abdominal cryptorchid or abdomino-inguinal and inguinal tumors. It should be noted that genetic factors are the main cause of cryptorchidism, with high chances of mutations occurring in more than one gene and the tendency to be an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. The diagnosis and the next conduct must be carried out by the veterinarian, due to factors such as possible heredity, where the professional in charge must be able to distinguish the necessary measures to avoid the transfer, and the unknown history of the animal, which may have previous castration, making hormonal dosage necessary. Considering the importance of genetic transmission and the potential of this animal for future generations, it is considered essential for the veterinarian to obtain early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, allowing quality control of future progenies.