SCOTTISH RIDER Gelding a – why, when and where should it happen? By Matt Hanks, BVSc MRCVS of Central Equine Vets

Why castrate your colt? the colt is between 6-18 months undescended may be For older colts or , a old. This is because we feel that present in the closed is preferable. (groin) or within the . Castrating a colt is usually the younger the colt is when This technique involves using Rigs are generally best castrated performed for ease of castrated, the fewer problems sutures in order to seal off the in the hospital environment management. Left entire, colts there are. blood vessels supplying the because the surgery takes longer can become difficult to manage testicles and it also seals off and can be more demanding, as it can be difficult for them to Generally, younger colt the vaginal tunic covering the especially if the is located safely fit into a herd of or recover faster from the operation testicle. This should minimise the within the abdomen. geldings as they may fight with and have fewer post-operative risk of post-operative herniation, other male in the herd complications - most likely which can be a significant risk Colts with a history of scrotal in an attempt to establish herd because their testicles and in larger, older horses. However, are best treated in the dominance. associated blood vessels are this procedure takes longer and much smaller when the hospital environment, because ideally needs to be performed in they need to have the castration With mares, there is the risk is younger which means less a sterile operating theatre which and repaired at the of the colt mating with them, bleeding during surgery and makes it more expensive. same time. leading to unexpected and therefore less post-operative unwanted pregnancies. swelling and a reduced chance of post-operative . How long does the What possible As colts get older and approach procedure take? complications sexual maturity, they often Where should it become increasingly difficult happen? Once anaesthetised, the surgery can occur? for owners to handle, with some is relatively quick, generally Generally, castrated horses becoming very dangerous. Generally, it is best to have taking around 15 minutes. After the colt castrated at home if surgery, the foal is allowed to suffer few post-operative complications. However, At what age should your premises allow as it is less recover naturally. Recovery stressful for them. Most practices if complications are castration happen? times vary: generally, too quick a castrate colts under a general recovery is undesirable because experienced, they tend to anaesthetic, although some the gelding may try to get be one of the following: Colts can be castrated at any prefer to perform up before it has had time to age. It is our preference to with the colt heavily sedated, completely regain its senses and  Post-operative perform the castration when and local anaesthetic injected balance. Fortunately, the modern haemorrhage into each testicle. anaesthetic drugs used these  Scrotal and sheath days usually allow for a smooth swelling through At Central Equine Vets, we recovery in the field. infection or bruising perform our castrations under a  Intestinal herniation full general anaesthetic because The surgical procedure through the scrotal we feel it affords more surgical incisions control, hopefully helping Field castrations for colts up to minimise postoperative to around 24 months old are  Injury as a result of a problems. Consequently, generally performed using poor recovery Gelding with post operative swelling castrations are best performed a technique called an ‘open’ post-anaesthetic after being castrated in a clean, flat, dry field or in an castration. Two incisions are outdoor or indoor school, as long made in the scrotum (one Prior to surgery, we will as the surface is not too dusty. for each testicle), allowing discuss the likelihood Performing castrations in stables the testicle to be completely of these risks occurring is generally to be avoided as, exteriorised. The blood with you, how you should upon recovery from the general vessels and spermatic cord monitor your and anaesthetic, there is a risk that are then crushed using a what you should do should the horse may injure itself on surgical instrument called an they occur. If in any doubt walls etc. emasculator. With an open about a post-operative castration, no sutures (stitches) complication, get in touch Colts with undescended testicles are used, with the wound being with your vet. Open castration of a horse performed in the field under general are referred to as ‘rigs.’ These allowed to drain naturally.

Central Equine Veterinary Services Ltd

Edinburgh: 0131 664 5606 Kinross: 01577 863333 [email protected] - www.centralequinevets.co.uk