We offer castration/gelding services both in the clinic and on farm (terms and conditions apply)
Standing Castration (Open Castration)
• Standing castration is when the horse is sedated, the nerve to the testicle is blocked with local anaesthetic and then removed with an emasculator while the horse is standing. The incisions are left open to drain.
• Standing castration services are available both on farm and in the clinic. Farm facilities must have a level and grassy large yard or a small paddock for the safe recovery of the horse.
•. Not all horses are eligible for a standing castration procedure. The horse’s behaviour will be assessed by the attending vet to determine whether they are a good candidate. A standing procedure may be attempted however if the horse’s behaviour is unsafe for our vets, we will recommend castration under field anesthesia if property facilities are appropriate.
Castration under Field Anaesthesia (Open Castration)
• Castration under field anaesthesia is when the horse is anaesthetised in a grassy area (naturally cushioning when anaesthesia is induced) and the procedure is performed with the horse on their back. The testicles are removed with the cords clamped with an emasculator and then sutured. The incisions are left open.
•. This procedure can occur in the clinic or on farm. Farm facilities must have a level and grassy large yard or a small paddock for the safe recovery of the horse.
Pre-Scrotal Castration (Closed Castration)
• Pre-scrotal castration occurs under a general anaesthetic at the clinic and requires the horse to be placed on the surgery table for the procedure. The cords are clamped, sutured closed and the testicles are removed but the vaginal tunic isn’t incised; this is the key difference with the other style of castration procedures. As the tunic is not entered, this procedure has a lower rate of complications (see below). The incisions are also and the horse recovers from anaesthesia in a purpose-built padded room.
•. This procedure can only occur in the clinic.
Cryptorchid Castration (Rig Surgery)
• Cryptorchid surgery (rig surgery) is necessary when the testicle(s) is/are retained in the abdomen. A horse may require this procedure if one or both of the testicles do not descend into the scrotum.
• Using a special camera inserted into the abdomen (laparoscope), the surgeon will look for the missing testicle(s) and once found, will be removed. If only one testicle is dropped normally, during this procedure this one is removed as it would in a normal castration without laparoscopic involvement. The final incisions are closed as for a pre-scrotal castration. This procedure can be performed under general anaesthesia or in the standing, sedated patient. If you suspect your horse is a cryptorchid (“rig”), please call us to discuss investigation. This will include a physical examination, ultrasonography and hormonal blood testing.
• Pre and Post castration fasting protocols are involved requiring the horse to stay in the hospital 2-3 days before the surgery so fasting can begin, as well as 2-3 days afterwards to slowly re-introduce them to a normal feed.
• A cryptorchid procedure can only take place in the clinic.
Inclusions
•. In clinic castration procedures include one night of hospitalization after the procedure so the patient can be monitored for and issues.
• Tetanus booster
• A dose of pain relief
• Not included: take-home antibiotics or pain relief.
Complications
• Complications are a common occurrence in the first 24 hours following castration due to the nature of the procedure. Complications include excessive haemorrhage, swelling, infection and, in rare cases, eventration (intestine protruding through the incision) or peritonitis.
• Observation in hospital post-procedure is usually always recommended to monitor for complications.
• An additional overnight stay may be required if there is any unforeseen complication during or after surgery. If complications occur, any further treatment required will be additional to the provided estimate.
Castration Aftercare
• Aftercare instructions are tailored to each horse and depend on the how procedure went, the outcome and if complications occur.
•. Aftercare for a routine castration (no complications) include stabling for the first 24 hours in a stable or small yard.
• After the first 24 hours, daily exercise is encouraged to help reduce swelling. Lunging or treadmill work is ideal.
• Recovery time can be 4-6 weeks, depending on which procedure you elect. All horses will likely have 2-4 weeks of light work before resuming normal exercise management.