Cryptorchidism (Undescended Testicle / Rig)
Congenital failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum; the retained testicle lies in the inguinal canal or abdominal cavity. Affected stallions (rigs) often show stallion-like behaviour despite an apparently incomplete castration.
Veterinary care required
This condition belongs in veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Compounds are at most supportive.
Priority · vet & management
Diagnosis (palpation, ultrasound, possibly hormone test) and the surgical removal of the retained testicle are veterinary measures. Because of the discussed heritability, breeding use is advised against.
Possible causes
- · genetically/developmentally disturbed testicular descent
- · a hereditary component is discussed
Supportive compounds · supplementary feed, not medication
Prevention
Careful veterinary examination of the testicles in foals/young stallions and withholding affected lines from breeding are the only sensible measures.
Equiterna's take
Equiterna classifies cryptorchidism purely surgically — there is no feeding-based measure, and compound recommendations would be misleading here and are deliberately omitted.
Usage note
This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.
Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.