If the horse is healthy with two scrotal testicles, then the veterinarian may opt to to sedate the horse and operate using local anesthesia. This may be done in the field or at the clinic. If the horse has a problem, then the operation must be done under full anesthesia and in a clinical setting. For example, if the horse has an undescended testicle, then the surgeon may need to perform abdominal surgery to find the missing testicle. The veterinarian will also need to decide if it will be better to perform the surgery with horse standing up or lying down. A horse must be at least 14. 2 hand high to qualify for a standing surgery.
The surgeon then has the choice whether to apply emasculators. The emasculator is an instrument that crushes and severs the spermatic cord. If the surgeon applies emasculators, then they will either apply them across the whole structure or make an incision through the tough fibrous tunic that covers the testicle.
For mature stallions, the surgeon may close each layer of tissue with sutures. This can help to reduce the risk of postoperative bleeding in an active animal or to allow a rapid return to work.
To clean your horse’s scrotal area, use a hose set on a low stream to remove any debris (hay, dirt, etc. ) from the horse’s scrotal region. Allow the water to run over the scrotal region until it looks clean. Watch for signs of infection. Check your horse’s scrotal region a couple times per day until the wound has healed. When you check, look for any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, and/or pus.
Horses that are castrated in the first year of life tend to be taller when they are fully grown because testosterone is what stops their growth. Another advantage of castration at a young age is that the testicles are smaller and the blood supply to them is not as heavy as in a mature animal. This means that there is a lower risk of complications such as heavy bleeding after surgery. [10] X Research source
An uncastrated horse may also cause trouble by challenging other male horses or pestering the mares.
In addition to legal charges, a lay person could cause unnecessary pain and suffering to the horse. A lay person will also not be equipped to deal with any postoperative complications that may arise.
