search.noResults

search.searching

dataCollection.invalidEmail
note.createNoteMessage

search.noResults

search.searching

orderForm.title

orderForm.productCode
orderForm.description
orderForm.quantity
orderForm.itemPrice
orderForm.price
orderForm.totalPrice
orderForm.deliveryDetails.billingAddress
orderForm.deliveryDetails.deliveryAddress
orderForm.noItems
administered preoperatively. The tail is bandaged, and thorough cleaning of the scrotum is performed before local anaesthetic is injected through the skin of the scrotum into both testicles. Aſter further cleaning, the scrotal skin over each testicle is then incised and the testicle pulled down through the incision and the cord from which it hangs is then clamped for several minutes with a piece of equipment known as an emasculator. These carry out crushing of the blood vessels within the spermatic cord to aid blood clotting as well as severing the attachment below this point. In some cases, a ligature may be applied to tie off the blood vessels, although where possible this is avoided as the suture can act as a focus for infection to settle out on. The scrotal skin is then leſt open so that drainage of fluid can take place over the following days. This technique of castration is known as ‘open’ castration. Ideally the colt should be stabled for 24 hours to promote clotting, and then turnout or some amount of exercise is essential in order to minimise post-operative swelling.


For some very small or difficult to handle horses, it may be preferable and safer to perform this same open castration procedure under a short general anaesthetic, either at your yard or at the veterinary clinic.


In horses over the age of three years, the risks of standing castration are potentially greater, and you may be advised that ‘closed’ castration under general anaesthetic in a sterile clinic environment is the safest option. For all ‘rig’ horses who have an undescended or only partly descended testicle, castration in a clinic setting is essential.


Post-Operative Complications


Although castration is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in equine veterinary practice, it should not be considered minor surgery. Due to the large blood vessels supplying the testicles and the non-sterile nature of the field castration setting and subsequent turnout, there are significant risks of post-operative haemorrhage and infection.


Immediate post-operative haemorrhage following standing surgery is usually controlled by keeping the horse quiet in a stable for 24 hours post-surgery. The horse should be monitored fairly closely and if a steady stream of bleeding resumes aſter the veterinary surgeon has leſt, they should be called. Very rarely, the horse may need to be re-sedated and action taken to stop the bleeding such as clamping the vessels or packing the scrotum with sterile swabs. It is normal for there to be some swelling at the surgical site and the sheath for several days aſter castration, and for there to be a small amount of serous discharge. This can be minimised by ensuring turnout and encouraging walking with in-hand exercise in addition if necessary, and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as phenylbutazone (bute) if advised by your vet. More severe swelling post-castration may be an indication that serum has become trapped due to premature healing of the skin incisions, or that there is infection within the castration site. In these cases, re-examination by your veterinary surgeon is required in order to determine whether drainage and antibiotic treatment are required. If infection is allowed to track up the remnant of the spermatic cord tissue, a so called ‘scirrhous cord’ can form which requires surgical removal for its resolution. Cleaning or hosing around the area if the horse will allow and judicious use of fly repellent around but not on the scrotal wounds may help in preventing infection.


The most serious and thankfully rare complication of castration is herniation of abdominal contents such as abdominal fat or intestines though the inguinal canal and out of the scrotal wound. This is a greater risk when castrating older stallions which have large testicles


Emasculators as shown are used to clamp, crush and cut the spermatic cord and associated vessels.


and a large opening via the inguinal canal into the abdominal cavity, and can be mitigated by performing a ‘closed’ castration where the opening is tied off, under general anaesthesia in an operating theatre. If there is any evidence of any tissue through protruding through a castration incision following an open castration, this is an emergency which, if intestine has herniated, could be fatal or may require surgery to replace or resect the affected length of intestine.


The length of time it takes for any coltish or stallion-like behaviour to settle down post-castration is individually variable and will also depend upon the age of the horse. We would usually recommend not turning out the castrate with mares for at least a month post- surgery in order to give the testosterone levels some time to settle down. For older stallions, the long-term change in behavior may be limited.


In summary, ensuring that castration of your colt or stallion is as low stress and low risk as possible for all involved requires a number of factors to be taken into consideration. Understanding the procedure and potential complications and discussing your individual circumstances with your equine vet should ensure you come up with the most suitable approach.


About the author:


Naomi de Pennington MA VetMB CertEM(IntMed) MRCVS RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Equine Internal Medicine


Avonvale Equine Practice, Ratley Lodge,


Ratley, Banbury OX15 6DT Tel: 01295 670501


www.avonvaleequine.co.uk


Naomi de Pennington is a director of the Avonvale Equine Practice, based in Ratley near Banbury which provides equine veterinary services throughout Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire and Worcestershire. She holds the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Certificate in Equine Internal Medicine and is recognised as an Advanced Practitioner in Equine Internal Medicine. Her particular interests include stud and foal medicine, gastroenterology including colic surgery, cardiology, poor performance and ophthalmology.


Please mention Central Horse News What’s On when responding to advertisements THE AUTUMN SPECIAL 2020 09


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48