Hello!
So when should a colts testicles descend?
And if one comes before the other, is that normal?
THANK YOU!
My only colt dropped around month 5 or so and one came a little before the other. We were able to geld him at 8 months old. When I worked at Colorado State Repo lab it was any where from birth to about a year old was about average.
My colt that was born on Tuesday was born with his!
Any time they want to up to about 2 years is the local vets comment. Mine usually are down as weanlings with some born with them down. Never had one take two years but understand it can/does happen.
The testicles need to be through the inguinal ring before the inguinal ring closes, and that is any time from shortly before birth to a few days after under normal circumstances.
In other words, the testicles have “dropped” at birth or very shortly thereafter.
Another frequently heard gem is that they “can go back up”. No they can’t - not unless there is an issue with the inguinal ring being left open!
Now, having said that and got several people yelling “but, but, but…” at their computer screens, be aware that the testicles may still reside within the inguinal canal, or be withdrawn closer to the abdomen if cold or in times of stress (such as someone groping around) and may not be easily discerned in the foal until puberty is reached - and indeed even then in some cases still not if they are being closely protected!
In some instances, with colts that are thought to be cryptorchid as the owner has not been able to palpate a second testicle, it may be necessary to tranquilize the horse, or even lay him down under anaesthetic, and then - Lo! Two testicles!!
Sneaky things, colts…
We have an article on our website about the various forms of cryptochidism if anyone would care to follow that link.
Hope this helps.
