Castration & Urogenital Surgery
All of our veterinary surgeons routinely perform castrations and we will be more than happy to speak to you about castrating your horse or pony.
Castration can be carried out after 6 months of age, and is usually performed at around 1 year old. If however your horse or pony has reached 4 years old and has not been castrated or they have been used as a stallion, these cases require more in depth discussion with your veterinary surgeon. Prior to the procedure the veterinary surgeon must first check that two testicles are present and that there is not retention of one testicle, known as cryptorchidism. In these cases an ultrasound scan may be required by means of a diagnosis.
Advantages of castrated horses include a generally more docile manner and easier handling. There are also have decreased risks of certain tumours. We recommend that the procedure be carried out in the spring or autumn to avoid fly irritation in summer and mud in winter.
We usually carry out castrations under standing sedation and local anaesthetic. The procedure is quick (usually taking between 20-30 minutes) and can be carried out either at home or at the clinic. We would require a clean, dry area and a competent handler to assist the veterinary surgeon if you would like castration to be performed at home. If you are unsure about whether you can provide the correct environment then please give us a call and we can advise you.
Your veterinary surgeon will administer antibiotics and pain relief as well as tetanus protection if necessary. Most horses tolerate this procedure fairly well, although there can be occasions where we need to convert to a short general anaesthetic for safety reasons. After the operation we recommend that your horse remains stabled for 24 hours on a straw bed to allow him to recover and for the surgical site to settle down. If castration is carried out at the clinic we usually like the patient to stay with us overnight.
It is important that he is regularly monitored during this time for any complications. After the first 24 hours it is advisable to start in-hand walking for 14 days to reduce any swelling and help the healing process. Your horse may also be turned out to grass after the first 24 hours. No stitches are placed and the wound is left open to allow drainage. It can take up to 3 weeks to heal fully and you can expect a small amount of discharge for the first 10-14 days. If you notice any abnormal swelling, bleeding or discharge you should ring your veterinary surgeon immediately.
As with any operation there are risks. To help minimise the risks we will only castrate your horse if he is fit and well and not suffering from any ill health. If your horse is to be castrated under general anaesthesia then there are further risks that we will be happy to discuss with you. It is important to note that although deaths from general anaesthesia are rare they can occasionally occur in healthy individuals for no apparent reason.
Other risks associated with castrations are haemorrhage from the surgical site, herniation of intestines through the wound, excessive swelling of the surgical site, infection and peritonitis. These are uncommon and some degree of swelling is normal for the first 3-5 days. If the swelling lasts longer or gets worse or there is any discharge from the wound please call us for advice. Herniation of intestines is an uncommon risk but if it occurs then it is a veterinary emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.
Urogenital Surgery
More procedures which we routinely perform in male horses include removal of a retained testicle (cryptorchid surgery under), amputation of the penis, removal of bladder stones. In female horses procedures include ovariectomy, caslick’s operation and removal of bladder stones.
These more complex procedures may require a General anesthetic.