There are two basic methods of castrating colts, both have pros and cons.

Standing castration :- this is possibly the commonest method. The surgery is performed under heavy sedation and local analgesia thus removing the risk of general anaesthesia. There is a relatively high complication rate with standing castrations – although the majority of these are minor usually relating to swelling or post operative infection. Standing castrations can be undertaken in the horse’s own stable or at the clinic. Generally older stallions are not suitable for standing castration. The standing method is relatively cheap.

Closed castration under general anaesthesia. This is the most suitable method for stallions (over 4 years of age) although it obviously carries the risk associated with general anaesthesia in the horse (approximately 0.5%). There are far fewer post operative complications with closed castrations as they are conducted under controlled sterile hospital conditions. Closed castrations under general anaesthesia are about 50% - 100% more expensive than standing castrations depending on the size of the horse.

Advice to owners having a colt castrated at their own stables.

Before the operation.

1. Prepare a clean freshly bedded stable (must be STRAW NOT SHAVINGS). The bed should be put down the day before to avoid creating dust.
2. One bucket of hand hot CLEAN waters.
3. One helper to hold the horses head.
4. The owner or their agent (over 18 years of age) must be present to identify the horse.
5. Make sure the colt has been fully vaccinated against TETANUS.

Post – operative care.

1. We try to castrate most colts in the morning – they should be turned out in the afternoon following the operation in a clean (mud free) paddock. A minimum of 1 ½ hours should be allowed for the tranquilizer to wear off.
2. The colt may sweat profusely as the tranquilizer wears off – this is normal.
3. It is normal for there to be a slow drip of blood from the wounds in the scrotum (which will be left open). Occasionally a larger clot of blood will drip out. This may continue for up to 24 hours.
4. There may be some swelling of the scrotum (up to twice its normal size) for 3 – 4 days post op however this should start to decrease by the end of the first week.

Contact the surgery for advice if:-

1. Constant bleeding from the wound occurs – drips of blood coming out faster than you can count them.
2. If a large amount of tissue is seen dangling out of the wound (other than a blood clot).
3. If the colt stops eating or drinking or runs a temperature.
4. If the swelling does not subside after one week.
5. Any sign of colic.

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