Viability of an inguinal testis after laparoscopic cauterization and transection of its blood supply

A 25-month-old castrated horse was admitted for evaluation of stallion-like behavior. Twelve months earlier, bilateral cryptorchidism had been diagnosed, and the horse underwent a laparoscopic castration. At that time, the left testis was removed from the abdominal cavity, but the right testis, which was located in the inguinal ring, was left in place to undergo avascular necrosis after laparoscopic cauterization and transection of the testicular vasculature. On physical examination, an apparently clinically normal right testis was palpated within the scrotum. Administration of human chorionic gonadotropin resulted in an increase in testosterone concentration, which was consistent with the presence of viable testicular tissue. Surgery was performed to remove the testis.