Castrations

Our experienced vets come to your home stable to perform a castration procedure, removing the time & stress and any need to transport. Colts are generally castrated for 2 reasons; to prevent unwanted pregnancy, or to make them easier to handle and safer to run with other horses. We recommend spring or autumn as the best time for castrating, although exceptions can be made if necessary. In spring and autumn, flies are less of an issue than the summer, and by comparison it is less cold, wet & muddy than the winter – and both these scenarios increase the risk of infection.

As a practice we most commonly perform the castration with the colt standing. Castrations are usually performed under standing sedation but occasionally a general anaesthetic may be required for the procedure to be performed safely. Reasons for doing it down would be either size of the pony (i.e. Shetland), size of the testicles (too small), temperament of the horse (too risky for the vet) or if you have a Donkey.

There are two main ways to perform the castrate, either OPEN or CLOSED. This refers to whether or not we incise (cut) into the sack which goes around the testicle. In our practice we always perform the castration OPEN. This means your colt will be left with two incisions (holes) through which any blood etc can drain.

How to Prepare Your Horse Before the Operation

  • We normally recommend that you starve your colt overnight and withhold water an hour before the operation.
  • The operation will always be carried out in the morning and you should make sure you have the rest of the day free for regular checks on your horse.
  • Make sure your horse is up to date with TETANUS vaccinations, if not we can start them the same day. The 2nd vaccination is given 4-6 weeks later.
  • Put a fresh straw bed down in the morning of the operation.

The Procedure

The vet will always talk through the castration procedure with you at the time of the operation but the list below covers the main points.

The vet will:

  • Listen to the heart
  • Check there are two testicles present
  • Sedate the colt
  • Apply tail bandage
  • Administer antibiotics, painkillers and tentanus antitoxin
  • Clear the scrotum
  • Inject local anaesthetic into each testicle and cord
  • Clean the scrotum again
  • Using sterile gloves and instruments, cut the skin and expose the testicle
  • The cord will be emasculated (special instrument to prevent bleeding and remove the testicle)
  • The same will be performed for both testicles
  • The wound is deliberately left open to allow for drainage

After the operation your horse will remain sedated for approximately an hour, and he will be able to eat something when properly awake. The tail bandage can be removed within 2 hours of the procedure. We usually recommend in-hand walking for the same day and turnout can start from the following day in order to move around and to help reduce swelling. The newly gelded horse should remain separate from mares for 6 weeks. We don’t recommend worming your horse 1 week either side of your colt being gelded. A first tetanus vaccination can be given at the same time as your colt is castrated, and the second vaccination will be due in 4-6 weeks time. A tetanus antitoxin injection is always given to give immediate protection against this potentially fatal disease.

Risks

Castration is generally regarded as being a routine procedure, and in the vast majority of cases it is both straightforward and uncomplicated. However, it should not be forgotten that it is an invasive surgery and occasionally complications will occur. If you have any concerns after the procedure we will always come out to you, and these follow up appointments are part of your castration price with us.

Risks may include:

Bleeding from the incisions: Dripping from the incisions can be normal for 24-48 hours as long as you can count the drips of blood. If it is a steady stream of blood then contact the vet.

Swelling: Again this can be normal for the first few days but it should reduce with turnout. If not contact the vet.

Something hanging down from the incisions: This can be a remnant of the cord or fat from the inside of the horse’s belly or very rarely intestine from the horse’s belly. In any situation, contact the vet.

Infection: This would normally be seen about a week after the operation. The horse may be lame or off colour or just have a very swollen scrotum. Always contact the vet if you are concerned.

Colic: Contact us immediately if your horse is off colour or has signs of colic after a colt castrate.

If you are concerned about any of these complications in your gelding ALWAYS RING THE VET FOR ADVICE.

If you have booked for your colt to be castrated – download the Colt Castration Preparation and Aftercare guides.

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We always come to you! We have hospital-grade veterinary and diagnostic tools which are entirely mobile, which means you have the convenience of keeping your horse right where they are.
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We are proud to be a local, family-run practice, and if your horse needs specialist treatment, we are free to refer them to the top experts in the country for their specific needs, not where a corporate dictates.
Experience
Over 20 years as a practice we have built an outstanding reputation for trustworthy care, treatment and professionalism - and our team of vets have devoted their careers exclusively to equine medicine.
Emergencies
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Our Services

Castrations

Castrations

Routine castration of colts can be performed at your home stables, ideally during the spring or autumn.
Dental Care

Dental Care

We provide expert routine dental care and examinations - as the condition of your horse’s mouth plays such an important role in their overall health and welfare.
Emergencies

Emergencies

We know that emergencies can happen any time of the day or night - and we offer the assurance that you always have the veterinary support you need standing by. We offer our own in-house emergency cover, meaning you will always see one of our vets in your time of need.
Equipment and Diagnostics

Equipment and Diagnostics

We are proud to be a fully ambulatory practice and welcome the fact that modern mobile technology allows us to effectively deliver treatment and diagnoses at the convenience of your stable.
Euthanasia and Equine Bereavement

Euthanasia and Equine Bereavement

We are privileged in veterinary medicine to have the ability to end suffering, and have a responsibility to work with you to do so in a way that is painless and minimises stress for all involved.
Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy continues to be the only reliable method for the diagnosis of gastric ulcers in horses. At Agnew, we offer this service using our mobile equipment at your home stables to avoid any additional stress caused by transporting your horse or pony.
Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine

We examine horses for a wide range of medical problems including weight loss, diarrhoea, respiratory disease, urinary disorders and skin disease right at your stables.
Laboratory Services

Laboratory Services

We have close links with a number of outstanding veterinary clinical laboratories in Newmarket and around the country - and we are able to choose the most appropriate and experienced lab depending on what we are testing for.
Lameness Investigations

Lameness Investigations

Our vets have a great reputation for their lameness investigations at the convenience of your own stables. Stuart is one of only 21 vets in the country who is an Advanced Practitioner in Equine Orthopaedics.
Pre-Purchase Exams (Vettings)

Pre-Purchase Exams (Vettings)

Vettings are very important and are one of the most consequential things you’ll ask your vet to do – because purchasing a horse is a big decision! On that basis, Robin, Arnie & Stuart carry out the majority of our vettings as we feel experience is key to delivering the best outcome for you and the horse.
Reproductive Services

Reproductive Services

We offer a variety of reproductive services for your mare including artificial insemination, ultrasound scanning and pregnancy diagnosis, twin pregnancy management, foal management and vaccinations to prevent abortion.
Routine Health Care

Routine Health Care

At Agnew Equine, we believe that keeping your horse happy and healthy starts with Routine Preventative Care; vaccinations, regular dentistry, parasite control are fundamental to the well-being of your horse and doing all you can to ensure they live long and healthy lives.
Surgery/Referral

Surgery/Referral

As an independent practice, our vets at Agnew Equine are able to review each case and, where necessary, recommend referral to the most appropriate hospital in the circumstances to help with the specialised care of your horse or pony.
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“By far the most attentive and polite practice I’ve come across”
Agnew EquineHot Lane Farm, Hot LaneBiddulph MoorStoke-on-TrentStaffordshireST8 7HP01782 510502find us
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