RIG TEST 1 - OESTRONE SULPHATE DETERMINATION

This test is recommended for horses greater than 3 years old. Approximately 2% of tests performed will produce equivocal results. This test is not suitable for donkeys.

PROTOCOL

1. Take 5ml of clotted or heparinised blood.
1. If possible, separate the serum or plasma before dispatch to the laboratory.

RIG TEST 2- HUMAN CHORIONIC GONADOTROPHIN (hCG) DYNAMIC TEST

This test is recommended for horses less than 3 years old. Approximately 11% of tests performed will produce equivocal results.

PROTOCOL

1. Take 5ml of clotted or heparinised blood (basal sample).
1. Inject 6000 I.U. hCG i/v (Chorulon; Intervet, LH1500; Paines and Byrne).
1. Take a second 5ml of clotted or heparinised blood between 30 minutes and 2 hours after hCG injection.
1. If possible, separate the serum or plasma before dispatch to the laboratory, being careful to label the tubes "basal sample" and "post hCG".

Basal and post hCG levels of testosterone are measured.
 

Testosterone
	Basal sample (nmol/l)	Post hCG (nmol/l)
Stallion	5.0 - 30.0
False rig (castrate)	< 0.15	< 0.19
True rig (cryptorchid)	0.3 - 4.3	1.0 - 12.9

Test Code	Test Name and Description	Sample
Rig2	Equine Cryptorchidism (Rig Test)	2 x serum/heparin plasma

REFERENCES

Cox, J.E. (1975) Experiences with a diagnostic test for equine cryptorchidism. Equine Veterinary Journal 7 p 179-183.

Mair, T.S., Freestone, J., Hillyer, M.M., Love, S. and Watson, E.D. (1995) The Endocrine System. In: The Equine Manual. Eds. Higgins, A.J. and Wright, I.M. W.B. Saunders Co. Ltd. London. p 541-565.
Test Protocol Index