Equine Castration Flashcards
Routine castration is performed at __ years of age. You should palpate the scrotum and inguinal area before and give a __ vaccine. __ is the common NSAID given along with broad spectrum antibiotics
Routine castration is performed at 1-2 years of age. You should palpate the scrotum and inguinal area before and give a tetanus vaccine. Phenylbutazone is the common NSAID given along with broad spectrum antibiotics
where should a cryptorchid testicle be located?
between the kidney and inguinal ring
briefly describe open castration
most common technique in practice
- incise vaginal tunic
- retract testicle and cord out of tunic
- emasculate cord
briefly describe closed castration technique
- do not incise vaginal tunic
- strip spermatic cord with gauze
- emasculate cord over intact tunic
briefly describe half closed castration
- start as closed technique
- strip the cord with gauze
- incise vaginal tunic
- inspect contents
- emasculate cord over intact tunic
Routine castration general anesthesia
premed with xylazine and induce with ketamine then maintain with incremental doses of ketamine as needed
Outline a routine castration
- make 2 relatively large parallel incisions over the testicles
- Expose the testicles and with very firm pressure strip the fascia to expose the cremaster the spermatic cord
- Use mosquito forceps to separate the cremaster from the spermatic cord
- Place the emasculator in a nut to nut orientation around the cremaster muscle only
- cut the cremaster on the surface of the emasculator and leave the emasculator on for 3-5 minutes
- Place a transfixing ligature with 1-2.0 monofilament on the spermatic cord and place a second proximally
- place emasculator around the spermatic cord distal to the ligatures, remove with scalpel and leave on for 3-5 minutes
list some complications of castration
hemorrhage, evisceration, edema, septic funiculitis, champignon, septic peritonitis, penile damage, hydrocele, continued masculine behavior
Hemorrhage complications
A little dripping is expected but a steady stream for 5-10 minutes is a cause for concern. The testicular artery is the most common source of post castration hemorrhage and needs to be located and clamped with a hemostat. An additional ligature can be placed on the stump of the spermatic cord.
Evisceration complications
Uncommon but potentially fatal. Horses that eviscerate may have in apparent inguinal hernia or enlarged inguinal rings. Best not to castrate horse younger than 6 months of age. Inapparent inguinal hernia can correct naturally prior to 6 months of age. Evisceration usually occurs within 4 hours of castration and is often associated with increase abdominal pressure when attempting to rise from recumbency. A closed castration with ligature placement will decrease the chances of evisceration.
Edema complications
Develops after nearly every castration and is generally greatest at the fourth day post operatively. This can be decreased in severity by providing adequate drainage at surgery with large incisions or scrotal ablation. Vigorous exercise important in promoting drainage which decreases chance of infection and edema.
Septic funiculitis
Infection of the spermatic cord post castration. Signs of edema, purulent drainage, lameness, pain and pyrexia. Incidence is higher with open castrations where the vaginal tunic and cremaster muscle is not removed.
champignon complications
septic funiculitis caused by streptococcus. Characterized by a mushroom shaped mound of granulation tissue and profuse purulent discharge.
septic peritonitis
Nucleated cell counts can be as high as 100,000 after routine castration can occur. However, no bacteria are present in the peritoneal cavity. These are no septic. When bacteria are present and clinical signs of sepsis are manifested then aggressive treatment is warranted.
Penile damage complication
Iatrogenic damage to the penis during castration
Hydrocele complication
Fluid fills painless swelling in the scrotum post castration. The fluid can often be reduced into the abdomen. Rare occurrence. Surgical resection of the sac is needed if owner is not pleased with the esthetics.
Continued Masculine Behavior
Hormone levels usually decrease to basal level by 60 days post castration. Castration is not always successful in eliminating stallion like behavior. Approximately 20-30% of castrated horses will continue to display some aspect of stud behavior
how long after castration should you wait before turning a gelding out with mares?
1-2 months
