COLT CASTRATIONS

We perform many castrations, mainly at client's premises.
We try to avoid using a general anaesthetic wherever possible by using a standing technique under deep sedation and local anaesthetic, as we believe that this method is safer for our patients.
Some cases require a general anaesthetic. These include older animals, horses with retained testicles and smaller ponies. We prefer to perform these operations at the equine surgery at Lanark to minimize any risk from the anaesthetic but can undertake it when suitable facilities are available do this at your premises.
We carry out many rig operations on ponies and horses with retained (undescended testicles) each year, please contact us for advice or to arrange an operation if your colt has this problem.

Instructions for post operative care of routine horse castrations:

Your horse has undergone a surgical operation and he will need careful attention to ensure that he recovers quickly without any complications.

• You will notice that he has two slits, which are intentionally left open to allow for the natural drainage of blood and serum - if any other fluid or tissue is present contact us for advice. These slits will gradually close up after 7 - 10 days. Unless they are kept clean he may develop secondary infection.
• The wounds may still be dripping blood, this is quite normal, and if the drip rate is less than 1 drop a second it should not cause any problem. There may be an intermittent discharge for up to 3 days.
• We advise keeping the horse stabled for 24 hours following the castration operation. Please note that he may be sleepy following the anaesthetic or sedation and should be stabled on clean dust free bedding for the first night.
• Usually the gelding will be turned out the day following castration unless the vet states otherwise
• The day after castration he should resume normal demeanour and appetite. It usually requires 3-4 weeks for testosterone levels to fall so a general quietening of a robust colt cannot be expected prior to this. He should not be turned out with mares until at least 12 weeks after his operation.

From the day after Castration:

• Bathe off any discharge from the scrotum this also helps to massage the area.  Do not infuse anything into the incisions.  If possible the day after castration gently ‘milk’ the scrotum towards the slits (like squeezing a tube of toothpaste) to remove any retained blood clots; it may not be possible due to the horses temperament.   If the gelding will allow then hose the castration site (not directly into the wounds).
• The scrotum may swell, this should be reduced by exercise, (walking out 3 - 4 times daily for 20 minutes if the gelding is stabled) Although turnout usually is sufficient.  The general rule is swelling of the prepuce to the size of an orange is acceptable; if to the size of a grapefruit increase the exercise. Vigorous exercise is often necessary to control the swelling in horses older than 3 years old
• Take care that the wounds do not get muddy or troubled by flies..
• The maximum swelling is usually reached by day 5 - 7 and can continue for up to three weeks. Excessive swelling or pussy discharge can indicate a complication such as an infection or scirrhous cord so please contact us if in doubt about this especially if the scrotum becomes more swollen on one side than the other.

If you require any further guidance please contact the clinic on 01555 660000

Contact us if any of the following occur:-

• Loss of appetite
• Blood loss from wound after the second day, (there may be some red tinged discharge)
• Any sign of tissue that may look like bowel
• Excessive swelling of prepuce, which does not reduce with vigorous exercise
• Excessive discharge, particularly if thick and/or yellow in colour, this may indicate a secondary infection