Changes

A technique where tunics incised and left '''open'''. It is simple to perform and allows a 'no-touch' technique to be employed unless a ligature is placed. However there are greater risks of eventration and infection with this method of castration.

A technique where tunics incised and left '''open'''. It is simple to perform and allows a 'no-touch' technique to be employed unless a ligature is placed. However there are greater risks of eventration and infection with this method of castration.

This can be performed '''standing''' in well mannered colts or stallions with good scrotal development and no history of swelling in the area. The advantages of the standing techniques are that it is quick to perform and it is relatively inexpensive. However it does pose an increased risk to the surgeon.

This can be performed '''standing''' in well mannered colts or stallions with good scrotal development and no history of swelling in the area. The advantages of the standing techniques are that it is quick to perform and it is relatively inexpensive. However it does pose an increased risk to the surgeon and poor access to the surgical site if the horse or pony is less than 14.2 hands.

Alternatively it can be performed in '''lateral recumbancy'''. The advantages of this method is the low level of risk to the surgeon. It is also beneficial if the testes are hand to palpate in the standing animal. Disadvantages include cost and the risks of a general anaesthetic coupled with a slow recover time.

Alternatively it can be performed in '''lateral recumbancy'''. The advantages of this method is the low level of risk to the surgeon. It is also beneficial if the testes are hand to palpate in the standing animal. Disadvantages include cost and the risks of a general anaesthetic coupled with a slow recover time.

* Approach the site from the left hand side of the horse.

* Approach the site from the left hand side of the horse.

* Identify the median raphe and push the right testicle up against it.

* Identify the median raphe and push the right testicle up against it.

* Make a 1-2cm incision cranial to caudal through the skin, dartos fascia, external spermatic fascia and the vaginal tunic.

* Make a 1-2cm incision cranial to caudal through the skin, dartos fascia, external spermatic fascia and the vaginal tunic to the right of the median raphe.

* Exteriorise the testicle.

* Exteriorise the testicle.

* Remove the testicle using emasculators:

* Remove the testicle using emasculators:

In the '''young''' animal the '''entire cord''' can be emasculated in '''one maneuver''' but you should ensure their is no haemorrhage before continuing. In the older animal a hole should be made in the mesorchium above the epididymus. Place the emasculator on the '''caudal portion''', incorporating the '''ductus deferens''' and the '''deferens artery and vein''' for the duration of '''30 seconds'''. Then place the emasculator on the '''cranial portion''' and emasculate the '''testicular artery and vein''' for at least '''90 seconds'''. In '''stallions''' it is possible to '''ligate''' the testicular artery and vein using absorbable sutures to reduce the risk of haemorrhage (however the presence of suture material in the wound clearly increases infection risk). Remember to position the emasculator '''nut to nut'''!

In the '''young''' animal the '''entire cord''' can be emasculated in '''one maneuver''' but you should ensure their is no haemorrhage before continuing. In the older animal a hole should be made in the mesorchium above the epididymus. Place the emasculator on the '''caudal portion''', incorporating the '''ductus deferens''' and the '''deferens artery and vein''' for the duration of '''30 seconds'''. Then place the emasculator on the '''cranial portion''' and emasculate the '''testicular artery and vein''' for at least '''90 seconds'''. Avoid catching any skin in the emasculators and ensure they are applied transversely without tugging on the cord. Remember to position the emasculator '''nut to nut'''! In '''stallions''' it is possible to '''ligate''' the testicular artery and vein using absorbable sutures to reduce the risk of haemorrhage (however the presence of suture material in the wound clearly increases infection risk).

* Repeat with the second (left) testicle.

* Repeat with the second (left) testicle.

=Post Operative Care=

=Post Operative Care=

* Appropriate '''antibiotic''' and '''anti-inflammatory''' treatment.

* Appropriate '''antibiotic''' and '''anti-inflammatory''' treatment.

* '''In-hand walking''' for ten minutes three times a day if stabled.

* '''In-hand walking''' for ten minutes three times a day if stabled.

* A clean, dry and comfortable environment should be provided.

* A '''clean''', '''dry''' and '''comfortable''' environment should be provided.

* Advise close observation for the following [[Castration - Complications|complications]]: '''Haemorrhage, eventration, evisceration, excessive oedema, infection and hydrocoele'''.

* Advise close observation for the following [[Castration - Complications|complications]]: '''Haemorrhage, eventration, evisceration, excessive oedema, infection and hydrocoele'''.

'''Post op oedema''' is '''normal''' in the horse. If it is not excessive advise cold hosing for ten minutes three times a day and continue in-hand walking and anti-inflammatory treatment.

'''Post op oedema''' is '''normal''' in the horse. If it is not excessive advise cold hosing for ten minutes three times a day and continue in-hand walking and anti-inflammatory treatment. It is also normal for the wound to '''drip a small amount of blood for 3-4 hours''' post-operatively, however this should not be excessive and there should be no stream of blood.

=References=

=References=

RVC staff (2009) '''Urogenital system''' RVC Intergrated BVetMed Course, ''Royal Veterinary College''

RVC staff (2009) '''Urogenital system''' RVC Intergrated BVetMed Course, ''Royal Veterinary College''

[[Category:To Do - Siobhan Brade]]

[[Category:To Do - Siobhan Brade]]

[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]

[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]