GENERALLY, geldings are much easier than stallions to handle, particularly around mares. Unless the plan is to breed from a proven stallion with a good performance record, it is best to consider castration. There are enough unwanted horses already and having a colt can result in surprise foals surplus to requirements.
Equine castration, or gelding, is one of the most frequent routine operations any equine vet performs. It is usually straightforward, although a recent review from Liverpool Vet School reported intraoperative and postoperative complication rates in 10–60% of cases, with 14.5% of castrations having one or more complications.
Such complications can occur at any time, from minutes or hours after castration to days, months or years later.
The degree of severity of these complications ranges widely. Some cause no distress to the horse but are a concern for the owner (such as swelling or continued undesirable behaviour), or they may be mild complications that resolve with minimal intervention, such as oedema (fluid buildup) or localised infection.
Severe and life-threatening complications (bleeding, prolapsed gut or abdominal infection or inflammation) can also occur. Despite castration being a routine surgical procedure, mortality rates of up to 1% are reported.
There are many factors to consider; it is best to discuss the various options with your vet in advance. These include timing, the best method for that individual horse and the appropriate aftercare. The two big questions are:
- Whether to do a standing castration using sedation and local anaesthetics, or castration under general anaesthesia.
- Whether to have the operation done in the home yard or at an equine hospital.
The answer is, it depends.
WHAT TO CHECK
This story is from the March 28, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 28, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Gemirande provides 24-carat magic
Venetia Williams sparkles again in the December Gold Cup and jockey brothers dead-heat
‘Happy hunting, everyone'
“The season for talks, dinners and parties has finally arrived for Tessa Waugh, whose distress about the snags of middle age fades away with some rousing festive spirits
'Monaco deserved this victory
Seemingly destined always to play the bridesmaid’s role, Harrie Smolders’ great partner Monaco finally tops an incidentpacked Rolex grand prix
'It had to end sometime'
The closure of beloved Hampshire saddlery Calcutt Sons is a loss to the hunting and wider equestrian worlds, as Octavia Pollock reports
'You couldn't want for more
The Ludlow's peaceful country makes for a day in \"hunting paradise\"
The greatest gift of all
Christmas is fast approaching and while we all like a bit of tinsel, the festive season is also a perfect time for giving to a horse charity. Niki Hinman finds out some of the options
Winter him well
A horse's winter routine can differ dramatically from his summer structure but what’s the knock-on effect? Ellie Hughes asks vets how to optimise routine management for the season
Neat feet
Excellent hoof care is a year-round concern but the winter months present their own problems. Richard Stephenson MRCVS explains the seasonal challenges afoot and how to stay one step ahead
In bygone days
Modern vets have much scientific knowledge behind them, but what about their forebears? Kieran O’Brien MRCVS opens up the world of Victorian vets in London
'When I joined the Pony Club it was just two boys and 48 girls'
Pepsi Kohler on being delightfully outnumbered by girls in the Pony Club, a leg-up from a royal and the H&H advert that changed his life