CASTRATION

Castration is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by equine vets and is performed mainly as a management strategy for horses that have no breeding future. Most colts are castrated as either yearlings or two year olds, but they can be castrated at any age as long as both testicles are present. For the majority of horses the surgery is performed standing, using sedation and local anaesthetic, but for stallions that are 4 years old or older, or stallions that have covered mares, we prefer to have them into the practice as the procedure may need be performed under a general anaesthetic. When you are thinking about having your colt castrated, there are a few things to consider; • Weather and time of yearWe don’t like to castrate colts when the weather is very cold and icy as he will need lots of exercise during the days following the operation. Neither do we like castrating colts during very warm weather as the flies can be a problem. • Age and conditionThe older your colt is, the longer it may take for him to lose his stallion-like behaviour. If he is very coltish, it may take several weeks before this behaviour settles down. He also needs to be in good health. • VaccinationsWe would recommend that he is fully vaccinated. If your colt isn’t vaccinated against tetanus, we can give him an injection which will protect him against tetanus whilst he is recovering from the operation.