Testicular Deformities
by Gabriella Nanci
The most common testicular deformities are testicular hypoplasia and cyptorchidism. These conditions can be in one or both testicles. Testicular hypoplasia is a condition where the bull has an underdeveloped testicle. Cryptorchidism is an undescended testicle that has not come down into the scrotal sack.  Both conditions are typically inherited and in some cases the same defective gene will cause deformities in the internal reproductive organs of female relatives.  In order to limit the occurrence of reproductive deformities in the breed, bulls with testicular deformities should be castrated. Special consideration must be made in the case of cryptorchid males.  Removing the descended (normal) testicle will make them infertile but will not prevent them from behaving like a bull, since the undescended testicle is still producing male hormones. These animals may not be suitable for pets or oxen without more extensive surgery.
Dexter Bull With Testicular Hypoplasia of the Left Testicle.
back to main Dexter Articles
copyright 2008, by BelleFourche Farm, Inc.
Site creation and design by Richard W. Waggoner@TheMetronome.com