Gelding (Castration) Information and Postop Care

Castration is a surgical procedure to remove the testicles, rendering the animal incapable of procreation later in life. During the first days to weeks after castration, any semen remaining in the patient could result in a successful mating. Stallion behavior is partially controlled by hormones and partially learned behavior and is not always eliminated by castration.

The castration procedure involves making a surgical incision at the scrotum and removing the testicles. The site is left open to drain and allowed to close naturally (it is not sutured closed).

Castrations performed by Dr. Devaney include:

• Pre-operative tetanus vaccine (if necessary) [$15 value]
• Pre-operative physical examination [$55 value]
• General anesthesia, castration and pain control during surgery [$280 value]
• Post-operative pain control for several days [$25 value]
• Post-operative recheck examination [$35 value] 

Total value of $410 for $250 (plus call charge)

For the first postoperative day, the horse should be rested quietly in a stall and monitored closely for complications or problems. In the subsequent two weeks after the surgery, it is important to keep the surgery site draining, reasonably clean, and to moderate the swelling. This can be achieved by encouraging exercise twice daily or as needed. You may wash the surgery site with water (spraying gently with a water hose is acceptable) as needed to keep it clean. In addition, anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. Bute or Banamine) may be administered as directed by a veterinarian to help reduce discomfort and swelling.

For fly control, you may use regular fly spray on all intact skin. Catron IV spray works well around, but not in, the wound. For the wound itself, nitrofurazone spray (yellow) or alumimum spray (commonly called "silver spray" or brands like AluSpray or AluShield) can be applied on the wound.

After surgery, your horse may be incoordinated for several hours. Please do not ride or exercise the horse for 24 hours unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian. Please use caution in handling the horse as he may stumble or be incoordinated. If the horse drops his penis and fails to retract it for more than a couple hours, or it swells or becomes traumatized, seek veterinary care right away.

While the risks of serious complications are low, risks of castration include but are not limited to: swelling at the surgical site, excessive bleeding from the surgery site, infection at the surgical site, scarring or hydrocoele formation at the surgical site, damage to the limbs or body during anesthesia or postoperative recovery, evisceration through the inguinal rings, and anesthetic death.

If you feel your horse is exhibiting any signs which may suggest a complication is occurring, or if you have questions or concerns, seek veterinary advice immediately.