Castration Complications: A Review of Castration Techniques and How to Manage Complications.
Abstract: Castration is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in equine practice. Open, closed, and semiclosed techniques are described for castration of horses, and the procedure may be performed in a standing, sedated animal or in a recumbent animal under general anesthesia. Although a relatively routine procedure, complications can occur, with reported complication rates ranging from 10.2% to 60%. Most complications are mild and resolve rapidly with appropriate treatment, but more serious or life-threatening complications can also occur. A thorough knowledge of male reproductive anatomy combined with good surgical technique is imperative to help reduce the rate of complications.
Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2021-06-09 PubMed ID: 34116922DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2021.04.002Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research focuses on castration in equines and the different methods utilized, highlighting the potential complications and strategies to manage them effectively.
Overview of Castration Techniques
- The paper examines three main techniques used for horse castration: open, closed, and semiclosed. These methods differ based on whether the animal’s tunica vaginalis, a membrane covering the testis, is left opened or sutured shut.
- Moreover, these procedures could be performed either on a standing, sedated animal or a recumbent animal under general anesthesia, varying in approach depending on the animal’s comfort, the veterinarian’s preference, and the complexity of the operation.
Complications of Castration
- Despite being a routine procedure, complications occur quite frequently, with reported rates ranging between 10.2% and 60%. Complications can emerge due to multiple factors including the horse’s age, health condition, technique used, and the sanitation of the operation.
- Most complications are mild and could be rapidly solved with appropriate treatment, but it’s also possible for serious or life-threatening complications to occur.
Managing Complications
- Having comprehensive knowledge about the male reproductive anatomy and employing good surgical techniques can significantly reduce the potential complications. The study suggests vets should have a deep understanding of equine anatomy and master all three surgical techniques for horse castration to be prepared for any unexpected situations.
- The paper emphasizes the importance of post-surgery care and timely treatment in case a complication arises. It suggests that with fast treatment, even severe issues can be effectively managed limiting any potential harm to the animal.
Cite This Article
APA
Kilcoyne I, Spier SJ.
(2021).
Castration Complications: A Review of Castration Techniques and How to Manage Complications.
Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 37(2), 259-273.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2021.04.002 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA. Electronic address: ikilcoyne@ucdavis.edu.
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Castration / adverse effects
- Castration / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / etiology
- Horse Diseases / prevention & control
- Horses
- Postoperative Complications / etiology
- Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
- Postoperative Complications / veterinary
Conflict of Interest Statement
Disclosure The authors have no relationship with a commercial company that has a direct financial interest in subject matter or materials discussed in this article or with a company making a competing product.
Citations
This article has been cited 8 times.- Tyrnenopoulou P, Kalatzis D, Kiouvrekis Y, Flouraki E, Folias L, Loukopoulos E, Starras A, Chalvatzis P, Tsioli V, Mavrogianni VS, Fthenakis GC. Development of an Explainable Machine Learning Computational Model for the Prediction of Severe Complications After Orchiectomy in Stallions. Animals (Basel) 2026 Jan 25;16(3).
- Tyrnenopoulou P, Flouraki E, Folias L, Loukopoulos E, Starras A, Chalvatzis P, Tsioli V, Mavrogianni VS, Fthenakis GC. Complications Following Orchiectomy in Stallions in Field Conditions: Descriptive Results and Predictors in a Study of 612 Cases. Animals (Basel) 2026 Jan 21;16(2).
- Gandini M, Bertone C, Giusto G. Description and Complications of a New Modified Semi-Closed Castration Technique in Horses. Vet Sci 2025 Jul 31;12(8).
- Sjöberg I, Horn I, Ljungvall K, Andersen PH, Sternberg-Lewerin S. Influence of antimicrobial prophylaxis in horses undergoing sutured castrations. Vet Surg 2025 Jul;54(5):872-878.
- Laves J, Wergin M, Bauer N, Müller SF, Failing K, Büttner K, Hagen A, Melzer M, Röcken M. The effect of Traumeel LT ad us. vet. on the perioperative inflammatory response after castration of stallions: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1342345.
- Delvescovo B, McOnie R, Pearson G, Pugliese B, Hackett ES. Emergency Standing Laparoscopic Treatment of Uncontrolled Post-Castration Hemorrhage in Two Geldings. Animals (Basel) 2024 Aug 2;14(15).
- Hess RA, Park CJ, Soto S, Reinacher L, Oh JE, Bunnell M, Ko CJ. Male animal sterilization: history, current practices, and potential methods for replacing castration. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1409386.
- Vullo C, Crupi R, Di Paola R, Cuzzocrea S, Gugliandolo E, Biondi V, Catone G. Intratesticular Versus Intrafunicular Lidocaine to Reduce Perioperative Nociception and Immunological Response in Ponies Undergoing Field Castration. Vet Sci 2022 Nov 28;9(12).
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