cryptorchid horse

Question
I recently purchased a yearling and have had him castrated, however, i have been told that only one testicle was removed as he is a cryptorchid horse. My question is, will this affect the horses behaviour in any way as a few people think that they tend to go a little mad, is this correct? as i am looking to have him trained as a pacer and he is already showing a lot of promise.

Answer
Hi John!

This is a question to put to your vet.  I do know what you are describing...your horse had an undescended testicle and instead of surgery to find it and completely remove both, only the descended one was removed.  Was the castration performed by a reputable vet?  If so, they should have told you beforehand and asked what you wanted before just removing only one testes.  Surgery is the only correct way to solve this particular situation and you should have been given the choice.

This has left your horse unlikely to impregnate a mare but, still producing testosterone.  Therefore, he may still act like a stud, especially around mares.

You need to discuss this situation with your vet and ask specific questions about whether the intact testicle should be removed or if it is left, it is a health hazard?

As for the possibility of him "going a little mad"....I think he will simply act like a stallion in certain situations.  Are you prepared for that at the racetrack?

Talk to your vet and with a some good advice you should be able to allow him to continue on in his training.

Good luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange