The occurrence of larvae of Strongylus edentatus in the testicles of stallions
Smith, J.A.
Veterinary Record 93(23): 604-606
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 4150630 Document Number: 59389
During a study of cryptorchidism in the horse, 11 of 120 cases were found to have haemorrhagic tracks and live Strongylus edentatus larvae in at least one testis. The animals were ponies aged 2 to 7 years. 10 of the ponies had only one affected testis, 7 were abdominal, 2 inguinal and one was hypoplastic. The remaining pony had bilateral abdominal testes both containing larvae. Larvae and their tracks were found in the spermatic cord beneath the visceral layer of the peritoneum and smooth muscle. There was no evidence of interference with the vascular supply of the testis. The scrotal testes of 20 normal stallions were unaffected. The migration of the larvae and the descent of the testes are discussed and it is concluded that S. edentatus larvae cannot be considered as a cause of cryptorchidism in horses.