Castration

Castration is a surgical procedure which involves removing the testicles of a colt or stallion. Following the surgery the animal is called a "gelding". There are a number of reasons why horses are castrated including behaviour and sterilisation.

Following standing surgery, where the animal is sedated and operated on standing, there will usually be 2 open incisions in the scrotum. These are not usually stitched and are left open to allow drainage, preventing swelling and infection. Regularly inspection of the surgical site should be made checking for the following:

1. Some swelling is normal following castration however excessive swelling can develop if the incisions close prematurely or are small causing further complications.
2. A small amount of bleeding is inevitable following castration but should be limited to drips.
3. Your gelding should be back to normal once the sedative or anaesthetic has worn off.

Ensuring that your horses environment is clean for at least a week following castration is important. Clean bedding if stabled or at least a clean, grassy paddock with no mud or dust for a horse at pasture is required.

You will be given precise post surgical recommendations but if anything appears other than described above then contact your veterinary surgeon for further advice.