Gelding/Castration
This procedure is normally carried out for behavioural or management purposes but also to control unwanted breeding.
This is preferably done when the horse is between 6-18months. Animals over 4yrs old or those that have bred before are at most risk of surgical complications.
Geldings are best carried out during early spring or autumn, when it is less muddy and there are fewer flies around.
Prior to surgery, ideally your horse should have a tetanus vaccination.
Horses should be examined to ensure that they have two fully descended testicles.
Ideally your horse should be handled regularly making the procedure safer for vets and handlers.
Following surgery, your horse will need regular checks throughout the day for any complications - please make sure you or someone else is available to do this.
Geldings are performed under injectable general anaesthetic. We require a clean, dry flattish area to do this, ideally undercover but we appreciate that this isn't always possible. Good light is important. A small clean paddock is ideal for turn out following the procedure.
As with all anaesthetics, general anaesthesia in horses carries a risk of mortality. You will be asked to sign a consent form to show you understand these risks. If you want to discuss the potential risks with a vet please contact the surgery on 01250 872061
Following an initial sedative, your horse will be given an injectable anaesthetic so that he lies down. An intravenous catheter will be placed in the neck vein so that medication can be administered throughout the procedure to maintain anaesthesia. After the procedure it may take a while for your horse to get to their feet and he may be a bit wobbly. We would recommend that your horse is kept quiet for 1-2 hours then he can be turned out to a small clean paddock. Please continue to check on them regularly throughout the day.
Please give the prescribed anti-inflammatory medication which will allow your horse to move around and reduce the risk of complications.
Possible post op complications:
This is preferably done when the horse is between 6-18months. Animals over 4yrs old or those that have bred before are at most risk of surgical complications.
Geldings are best carried out during early spring or autumn, when it is less muddy and there are fewer flies around.
Prior to surgery, ideally your horse should have a tetanus vaccination.
Horses should be examined to ensure that they have two fully descended testicles.
Ideally your horse should be handled regularly making the procedure safer for vets and handlers.
Following surgery, your horse will need regular checks throughout the day for any complications - please make sure you or someone else is available to do this.
Geldings are performed under injectable general anaesthetic. We require a clean, dry flattish area to do this, ideally undercover but we appreciate that this isn't always possible. Good light is important. A small clean paddock is ideal for turn out following the procedure.
As with all anaesthetics, general anaesthesia in horses carries a risk of mortality. You will be asked to sign a consent form to show you understand these risks. If you want to discuss the potential risks with a vet please contact the surgery on 01250 872061
Following an initial sedative, your horse will be given an injectable anaesthetic so that he lies down. An intravenous catheter will be placed in the neck vein so that medication can be administered throughout the procedure to maintain anaesthesia. After the procedure it may take a while for your horse to get to their feet and he may be a bit wobbly. We would recommend that your horse is kept quiet for 1-2 hours then he can be turned out to a small clean paddock. Please continue to check on them regularly throughout the day.
Please give the prescribed anti-inflammatory medication which will allow your horse to move around and reduce the risk of complications.
Possible post op complications:
- Bleeding - Some bleeding is normal and may continue for 2-3 days post surgery; contact the surgery for further advice
- Tissue showing through incision - Less than 1inch of tissue is likely to cause a problem but any more than that is an emergency - call 01250 872061 for assistance.
- Swelling - some swelling is inevitable but if you feel the swelling is excessive or your horse appears to be in some discomfort then please call the practice for advice.
- Discharge/lethargy, anorexia - signs of a possible infection and you must contact us.
- Please note - Horses can remain fertile for 55 days post castration