Castration by Naomi de Pennington MA VetMB CertEM(IntMed) MRCVS C


astration, also known as gelding or cutting, refers to the surgical removal of both testicles and their associated


structures from a colt or stallion. It is usually performed in order to reduce unwanted stallion-like behaviour in males not intended to be used for breeding.


When to Castrate


Castration can be performed at any age, and the ideal timing may depend on a combination of management factors. Traditionally, castration of colts not intended for future breeding is carried out in the spring of their yearling year. The weather and availability of dry paddock turnout is significant in determining when to castrate. In general, Spring or Autumn are chosen as there are fewer flies yet the ground is relatively dry, but here we are at the mercy of the great British weather!


In general, castration before two years of age is associated with fewer complications as the testicles are smaller and there is a lower risk of bleeding or herniation post operatively. There is no evidence that early castration leads to a difference in long term development and indeed we regularly castrate colts from four months of age before weaning, and find this can be an excellent option, with the foal having the reassuring presence of their mare during the post- operative period. Weaning itself can be a stressful time for a foal, so if planning to castrate a weanling, we advise waiting for a period of at least a few weeks post weaning in order to avoid combining potential stressors.


Handling is also an absolutely key factor in being able to perform a castration with minimal stress to the colt. It is really important that all foals get used to regular handling from an early age, and if you acquire a young colt which has not been well handled, spending a lot of time getting them used to being stood still and groomed all over will make the process of castration, and any other procedures that need to be carried out, very much easier for all concerned.


The colt should be in good body condition, up to date with worming, have no signs of respiratory or other disease and ideally have already been vaccinated against tetanus. If the primary course of tetanus has not already been carried out, then a dose of tetanus antitoxin (pre-formed tetanus antibodies) can be given at the time of surgery.


During a colt foal’s development in the womb, testicles are formed inside the abdominal cavity in a location close to the kidneys, and then each descends down a short tunnel known as the inguinal canal in the groin region into the scrotum. Both testicles must be present in the scrotum in order to perform a straightforward castration. The testicles are usually already present in the scrotum of a colt foal by birth. However, in some colts this testicular descent is delayed and one testicle may be slow in arriving in the scrotum, or in some cases fail to leave the abdomen at all or get trapped at some point


08 THE AUTUMN SPECIAL 2020


along the journey. If they have not both descended into the scrotum by around one year of age it is unlikely that they will do so. A veterinary examination prior to castration will confirm the presence of both testicles and also that no other tissue is present in the scrotum such as is the case with an inguinal hernia.


Two testicles must be fully descended into the scrotum in order for standing open castration to be performed.


Types of Castration


Whether castration is performed standing under sedation and local anaesthesia or under general anaesthetic either at an owner’s yard or in the clinic will depend on the age and size of the horse as well as the preferences of the owner and veterinary surgeon.


Many castrations can be safely carried out standing at the owner’s premises using a combination of sedative and local anaesthetic techniques. A clean, dry area is required, along with a competent handler; preferably one who won’t faint at the sight of blood! One of our nursing team would accompany the veterinary surgeon to a castration if the owner had any concerns about holding their horse for the procedure.


Prior to a standing castration, a general veterinary examination including listening to the heart and lungs, and visual examination and palpation of the scrotum is carried out. The horse is then sedated in a quiet, dry, clean area. Painkillers and antibiotics are also


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