Is That Normal? Preventing Castration Complications
If a male horse is retired from the track and not destined for the breeding shed, the vast majority are castrated, which can lead to ease of handling and care, as he can be turned out with other horses.
Once the horse has been gelded by the veterinarian, there are a few things that need to be done to ensure he has a smooth recovery.
Horse Channel lists some things to consider to help your newly gelded horse heal comfortably:
- Cleanliness. The majority of castration incisions are left open to drain, so fly control is paramount if he has been castrated in warmer weather.
- Ooze Observation. While a small amount of blood is acceptable 12 hours post-surgery, a stream of blood is not and requires a call to the vet.
- Keep Moving. Turn your gelding out in a roundpen or paddock 12 to 24 hours after surgery to encourage him to move and dissipate swelling.
- Size Matters. Any swelling larger than the size of an orange, or swelling that continues down the legs, warrants a check-up call to the vet.
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While the horse just had surgery, it’s important that his appetite remains good and that he is acting normal. Excessive bleeding, smelly ooze from the incision site or massive swelling all warrant a call to the vet.
