Gelding Surgery

A Play by play account in pictures of the gelding surgery  of  a miniature horse. Southern Hearts Sir Spanky Is now at the trainers learning how to drive. Won many reds in halter as a stallion in AMHR this year

He was a good stallion, but will make a great gelding!

The procedure of this Gelding Surgery, is only meant to be a guideline to help you learn the steps  of how it is done for those whom have never had a horse gelded. By no means am I a Veterinarian.  Therefore, the gelding surgery was done by my Veterinarian on my horse, Southern Hearts Sir Spanky. There are many views on this topic and this represents mine from my own experience with my Veterinarian. I am sharing with you what my horse has been through with this operation in pictures. If you feel that you can not bear to look at these graphic photos, I strongly suggest that you leave this page now before going any further.

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You assume full responsibility for your own actions. You must decide for yourself what is right for you. I can share my experiences with you, but you are responsible for yourself and your horse’s decisions.  You should always call a Veterinarian for any surgery that has to be done and with any emergency that may arise.

The Surgery

I found it worth it to take all the notes I could and ask as many questions as possible. I think my Vet is a great person.

In the beginning the Vet will administer a tranquilizer to relax the horse.

Then an anaesthetic is given to the horse

The horse is laid down and his foot is tied up. He is resting very comfortable.

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The horses head is then rested on and covered with a towel to protect his eyes. The scrotal area is cleaned with an anti-bacterial surgical wash.

<Close up from picture at right. The Vet makes her first incision in the scrotal sac

The surgery begins

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Far left> Cord is being tied so that it can be cut. The string like substance is Dissolvable over time.

Center pic Testicle is exposed

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The spermatic cord (which is severed and ligated during the surgery) contains the testicular artery and vein, nerves, lymphatic vessels, the cremaster muscle and the ductus deferens.

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<Left & Right> The emasculator is a tool that will crush the cord and blood vessels followed by a sharp cut, reducing post-op bleeding and infection. The incisions are left open for drainage

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First Testicle is out.

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Proceeding to the next testicle

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Once again,the emasculator is a tool is used, that will crush the cord and blood vessels followed by a sharp cut, reducing post-op bleeding and infection. The incisions are left open for drainage

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Aerosol Powder a Tropical Antibacterial was sprayed on the incision after the surgery.

Both Testicles are out and the horse is now a gelding.

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When the castration is complete, he will get up on his own shortly after he comes out of the anesthesia. He is kept in a quiet area until he is ready to stand to minimize injury. When he is fully recovered, then he can go home. After the castration surgery, there will be some bleeding, because the incisions are not sutured, and the skin blood vessels may bleed. You might see a slow dripping of blood up to an hour after castration, this is normal. If by chance, this should change to fast dripping or a stream of blood, Please contact your veterinarian right away. EXERCISE:The best prevention and treatment for sheath swelling is a conscientious exercise program.  However, because he will be understandably stiff, don't expect him to exercise adequately on his own as he's not going to do it. After just five minutes of forced exercise, however, the scrotal incisions usually reopen and drain, relieving the pressure which caused the stiffness.  He will then feel more comfortable and work out much more freely. A good exercise session is about 15 to 20 min. But then as always please consult your Veterinarian. I found it worth it to take all the notes I could and ask as many questions as possible.

Website by Southern Heart Ranch Joyce Manuel Please do not take any pictures or link to this site unless done so with  permission.