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SUMMER 2016 ISSUE
COLT CASTRAT ION
When should it be done?
●
We usually recommend castration in
the spring or autumn when the flies are
not too numerous and hopefully it isn't
too muddy!
What will I need?
●
A clean, dry stable, barn or paddock;
undercover is appreciated given the
unpredictable nature of the British
weather.
●
Somebody over the age of 18 and
capable of handling the colt who is not
worried by the sight of blood.
●
A headcollar and lead rope.
●
Buckets of warm water.
●
A small paddock or clean dry area to
turn horse out in after surgery.
●
The animal’s passport so we can ensure
that you have signed Section IX and we
can complete any appropriate section
to confirm castration.
What does castration involve?
●
After confirming two testicles are present
and that the colt is healthy, drugs are
administered to sedate, or where
appropriate anaesthetise, the horse.
Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories are
also usually administered, as well as
tetanus cover if not already vaccinated.
●
The testicles will then be scrubbed clean
(figure 2)
and local anaesthetic injected
into each one.
●
An incision is made through the skin
and into the sac containing the testicle
(figure 3)
.
●
An instrument called an ‘emasculator’ is
used to remove the testicle. This crushes
the blood supply to the testicle prevent-
ing bleeding whilst at the same time cut-
ting through tissue to remove the testicle
(figure 4)
. In the majority of simple
castrations no suture material is used as
it can increase the risk of infection.
●
The procedure is repeated on the
second testicle.
●
The skin wounds are left open for
drainage in a simple castration.
What can go wrong?
●
Some animals can be challenging to
adequately sedate in order to safely
perform the surgery. Sometimes it is
safer to stop and come back another
day rather than fighting to continue.
●
Some bleeding is normal; usually this is
the result of small blood vessels in the
skin and surrounding tissues. Bleeding
usually starts as fast drips which then
slow and stop altogether within 20-30
minutes of the procedure. Sometimes,
as the colt wakes up, blood clots can
dislodge and bleeding may start again.
Occasionally a bigger vessel bleeds
requiring veterinary attention; if you are
not sure call your vet.
●
Some swelling of the scrotum, sheath
and surrounding tissue is normal. Turn
out in a small, clean paddock or, if this
not available hand walking can help
minimise swelling, as will cold hosing
of the area. Horses usually benefit from
a few days of anti-inflammatories to
minimise swelling and discomfort, and
encourage movement.
●
Some discharge is normal as the skin
wounds are left open and part of the
healing process means there will be
some discharge for the first week or so.
If the colt is quieter than usual, showing
increased pain, swelling or a yellow,
smelly discharge is present, you
should contact your vet for advice as
antibiotics may be needed. A very
small number of castrations can result
in chronic infection which requires
surgical intervention.
Figure 2. Scrubbing the scrotal region prior to surgery
Figure 3. Both testicles exposed ready to be removed
Figure 4. Emasculators are placed on the cord and closed to remove
the testicle and clamp the blood vessels
EQUINE MATTERS
14
The majority of horses and ponies recover surprisingly
quickly and with very few complications. Often
keeping them quiet for the first couple of weeks while
they heal is the most challenging part. We would
usually recommend waiting a minimum of four weeks
before introducing to mares as, although they are no
longer capable of producing sperm, some sperm can
remain in the urethra and there have been cases of
pregnancies resulting from early mixing, despite
proper castration. Behavioural changes may take
several months after castration while testosterone
concentrations reduce.