TIMING & PREPARATION
Castration is surgical removal of the testicles. It is performed on colts to modify behavior and to prevent stallion-like body development. Castration is usually performed before the age of 24 months. Any colt older than 9 months of age should not be put on pasture with fillies and mares because they may mount and potentially impregnate them. In our area, we like to castrate colts during the cooler months when there are fewer flies.
In normal colts, the testicles have descended into the scrotum by the time of birth. In some colts, called “high flankers” or “ridgelings” by horsemen, one testicle does not completely descend into the scrotum but remains in the inguinal canal. With time, and in some cases, this high testicle may descend into the scrotum and be more accessible for removal. Colts that retain a testicle in the abdomen are known as “cryptorchid,” meaning hidden testicle. Removal of retained testicles, called a “cryptorchid castration,” is more complicated and should be performed in a surgical center by a veterinarian experience with performing this procedure.
Before castration, the colt should be accustomed to handling and be halter trained, so it can be easily managed during and after surgery. Tetanus immunization is necessary before or at the time of surgery. Postoperative care is usually needed for at least 2 weeks after castration, so schedule the surgery for a time when you will have the time to monitor the horse after the procedure. Ideally, you should be comfortable handling the young stallion before having him castrated. In some cases, it can take weeks to months for stallion-like behavior to decrease after castration. Monitoring at home and caring for the colt according to instructions is essential for a smooth, uncomplicated recovery. The period after castration is also a good time to begin daily training of your young gelding.
THE PROCEDURE
In our practice, we usually perform what is known as a recumbent (down) castration under short acting general anesthesia. The colt lies on his left side with a hind leg tied up for positioning and access to the scrotum. We perform the procedure in the field or at the clinic, and usually outside. Some veterinarians prefer to perform the procedure standing but I prefer doing the majority down for a variety of reasons. We use sterile surgical instruments for this procedure.
I start by examining the colt to be sure that both testicles are down and that he is well enough for the procedure. At that point, I give an injection of anti-inflammatories and antibiotics. I feel that this increases comfort after castration and reduces the incidence of infection.
I then give a sedative and loop a large, soft cotton rope around the colt’s neck. Five minutes later I give a general anesthetic and the colt is laid down onto his left side. The rope is brought around the hind leg and hock and the leg is lifted out of the way. The scrotum is surgically prepared. A large incision is made over one testicle, the testicle is exposed and sterile emasculators are used to crush the large vessels of the spermatic cord, preventing hemorrhage. The other testicle is similarly removed. A surprise to some horse owners is that the incisions are left wide open. Not only do I make very large incisions, I stretch the incisions even wider to improve drainage and reduce the chance for infection. For the same reason, I remove extra skin, fat and connective tissue. It usually only takes me 5-7 minutes to perform the actual routine castration procedure.
We monitor the colt as he recovers from the anesthetic, which usually takes about 15 minutes. At that point, he rolls to his chest and usually gets up easily with little assistance. He will be unsteady on his feet for another 5-20 minutes, but after that he can be trailered or moved to a stall. I also remove wolf teeth at no charge as part of our castration. I feel that this is a great time to get this procedure done easily and without pain.
POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
Castration is a routine surgical procedure, but complications happen, and so those involved must take it seriously. It is nearly impossible to predict if postoperative complications will occur. The most common complications include:
AFTER-CARE
It is vital that you monitor your recently castrated gelding.
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