My horse update - Help needed!
 

Well,

Yesterday my horse (Ojo de Agua) ran for the second time. He got 7th place, out of 8 horses in the field.

As I have already said in another thread, he has a problem in his testicles. One of the testicles is located near his abdomen. This cause a lot of pain during the final stretch (when the horse has to use his final reserves).

Accordingly to the trainer, he is one of the best horses on his barn. And he has potential to win even some group races. But only if we proceed into a surgery, removing his testicles.

The replay of his race (5th race - páreo 005, horse number 7) is below:

http://www.jockeysp.com.br/resultado...=JC03724092006

As you can see in the replay, he lead the race until the final stretch, when he almost stopped running.

My doubts are:

- Is there a possibility that this problem only reflects during the race and not during his workouts? I mean, may he be all that good on his workouts and act that poorly during the race?

- Removing his testicles can really eliminate the problem?

- Can you see if he really has potential watching this race??

I dont know if anybody will be able to answer my questions anyway, but thank you very much in advance!

See you!
Felipe

You can see the replay of his first race, if it helps, on this previous thread:

http://derbytrail.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4147

from what i read, having the operation is a "good" thing from a racing perspective. many horses have emerged from the destallionization manuver to go on and become much better.

i am sure many that spend thier entire lives glued to the internet could give examples. usually, from what i read, they improve quite a bit.

the reason your horse was for sale probably involved the prior owner not wanting to spend the money, or probably not having the money to do the operation.

best of luck with that.


oh ya,


OUCH!!!!!:eek:

LOL...that was kinda cool watching and listening to that race. I was hoping near the finish line I was gonna hear

"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL........GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL": D :D


Unless you plan on using him as a stallion, I see no harm in gelding him.

Looks as if he was tired.

Actually I have already talked with a vet....and he told me that it is not possible to tell that his testicles are the problem....

What you have to do is to examinate all other parts of his body and see if there is no problem....If there is no apparent problem, the only way to know if the testicles are really the problem is removing them and then, see if the horse goes well after that.

Unless you plan on using him for breeding, gelding is an option worth your consideration.

Cut His Nuts Off

cryptorchid horses generally are less fertile (due to the fact that the undescended testicle is sterile)...they also have a higher incidence of testicular cancer, and they experience pain as a result of the undescended testicle. Surgical removal is usually the best option.
I believe you said in an earlier thread that this horse is a claimer anyway so I would guess he doesn't present any value as a stud, he will be a happier horse if you cut him.

As for the race he just appeared to tire...is this a new distance for him?

EASY, just because Pittsburgh got smoked doesn't mean you need to take it out on a horse

I have no idea what to do, if this horse is that talented, I would just hope that they eventually drop

fmc,
I think others have given you some solid advice. Testicles can interfere with running.
From my own experience, two of mine have been gelded. one because he got too "coltish" as a 2yo and nobody could handle him. He became too dangerous.
The other one, that I had hoped to bring to the shed after his career hasn't shown enough desirable qualities on the track to make that option worthwhile.
The trainer said that his testicles were an issue with his running...so off they went.
It was a decision that was for the best. So, take that for what it's worth.
At least now, he whinnies in a higher octave and might have a future career in the "Vienna Horse (not boys') Choir", (JK).
Good luck!
DTS

Thank you all for the advices!

I've just talked with the vet and he told me the horse was not tired after the race. At least nothing unusual.

That was the first time he was experiencing 10 furlongs....but his previous start was at 9f and he didn's stop that way.

Today he was examined for problems within his body structure, including foot, knees, shins, etc....and nothing was found too.

So, since his workouts are extremely good, he concluded his testicle is the problem.

He told me he is planning to cut off only one testicle (the one that is located on his abdomen) and not both. I dont know if this is an usual practice. Is there a risk that the other testicle goes up when he come back??

Thanks!!

I cannot see my dog down the stretch like my horse...

And actually, i already have a dog :)

its a lot more exciting having a horse in my opinion...lol...

also keep in mind that the surgery here in the US wil run you more than 1K I have no idea what it might cost in brazil.

1.000 reais, which means nearly $500 dollars

most vets that I have been around would not consider this unless the horse had extreme value as a potential stud (think AP Indy). Not only is the surgery more complicated but the trait is considered by most to be inherited so gelding them eliminates the potential for them to pass this trait on to their male offspring. Plus as I said before a rig is less fertile anyway so less desirable as a stud prospect.
I don't really understand why your trainer would want to just remove the one that is undescended, makes more sense to get the whole job done.

What do yoou mean with this: "the trait is considered by most to be inherited so gelding them eliminates the potential for them to pass this trait on to their male offspring."...??

thank you!

if you breed a horse with undescended testicles he may pass the trait on to his off spring...by gelding him it ensures that he will not be bred and can't pass the trait on.

sorry if I was unclear.:)

Thank you!!

You were not unclear...My english that is not very good! :)