Equine castration or gelding is a routine procedure most commonly performed in young colts to prevent unwanted breeding and aid management. At Massie Veterinary Services, we use the closed-castration method. The closed-castration method is a surgical procedure which requires general anesthesia. This method greatly reduces the risk of post-operative complications. 

 

Aftercare:

 

1. Exercise: Gentle exercise should be encouraged to promote drainage and prevent swelling of the scrotum. The best method is to hand walk for about 30 minutes twice a day for the first couple of days, then turn the horse/pony out into a small dry paddock where he can move around quietly for at least a week. If your horse/pony is stabled, then he should be walked out at least 3-4 times daily for 20-30 minutes to decrease swelling and improve drainage.
    

2. Wound Care: The incision site will be left open to allow drainage. Small amount of blood dripping from the wound is normal, and may continue for several hours after surgery. The incision site should be directly sprayed with moderate pressure twice daily for 10 minutes and the legs should be washed as necessary. If blood streams from the wound or there is bleeding for more than 24 hours, put direct pressure on the bleeding and please contact us at 541-636-1191. The scrotum may remain swollen for up to a week, which is normal, but the swelling should start to decrease over time.
    

3. Medication: Pain medications will need to be given for several days postoperatively to aid in the recovery/healing process. We recommend starting them the evening following the procedure. 

 

Please contact us if you have any concerns, especially:

 

• If any tissue is seen hanging out of the incision

• If the horse is exhibiting signs of colic

• If the horse refuses to eat or becomes depressed

• If blood is leaking quickly or for longer than 24 hours

• If any other discharge (such as pus) or odor occurs at any stage

• If swelling fails to resolve within 1-2 weeks

 

Note: Please let us know if your horse has not been vaccinated for tetanus prior to the operation. It may need to be given an updated booster. It is also helpful if you bring your horse’s papers to the appointment, so that they can be modified to confirm that he has been gelded. 

 

To schedule a castration appointment, please text or call us at 541-636-1191.