cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism:  Cryptorchidism Christa Hermes Danielle Johnson AnSc 3221 Cryptochidism: What is it?:  Cryptochidism: What is it? A sex-linked condition in which the testes fail to descend into the scrotum There are two types::  There are two types: Unilateral is when only one testis descends into the scrotum Bilateral is when both testes fail to descend into the scrotum Slide4:  Occurs in most mammals Most prevalent in dogs Both males and females can be carriers of the trait More Info:  More Info Heterozygous males are not affected Homozygous males will be cryptorchid Detection:  Detection Early detection is easy in most mammals except dogs and humans The Testes:  The Testes The testes of most males develop in the abdominal cavity As the male grows in the womb the testes descend Some are fully descended at birth Others complete their descend after birth Slide8:  In some cases the spermatic cord does not completely develop and the testis cannot descend There are also cases in which the testis does not develop at all Slide9:  Bull’s Reproductive Tract Effects on Different Species:  Effects on Different Species The effects on different species range from only having slight problems to the possibility of cancer Humans:  Humans The child can have surgery to have the testis brought out of the body This is usually done at no later than two years of age If surgery is not performed this can cause fertility problems later in life Dogs:  Dogs Dogs: the most common way to deal with this is by neutering the dog Dogs are then not allowed to compete in conformation Horses:  Horses It can be difficult to geld a horse If the retained testicle is not removed the horse my exhibit aggressive behavior Livestock:  Livestock Livestock will exhibit many of the same characteristics of horses Conclusions:  Conclusions Cryptorchidism can cause many problems with breeding, production and sales of animals. It is not recommended that cryptorchid animals be bred because the possibility of the defect being passed on to offspring. Sources:  Sources http://www.awfa.org/cryptart.phtml http://www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/beef/g536.htm http://www.labbies.com/reproduction5.htm http://www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/beef/g536.htm