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Complications associated with castration in the horse
Author(s) -
Railton David
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
in practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.211
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 2042-7689
pISSN - 0263-841X
DOI - 10.1136/inpract.21.6.298
Subject(s) - castration , medicine , evisceration (ophthalmology) , limiting , orchiectomy , surgery , surgical procedures , hormone , mechanical engineering , alternative medicine , pathology , engineering
CASTRATION is possibly the most common equine surgical procedure performed in general practice, with horses of all types, temperaments and ages being presented for this surgery. Abnormalities of the genital tract which may complicate the procedure may be present, often without the knowledge of the owner. Additionally, in the practice situation, castration is often performed in a less than optimal environment and sometimes without adequate assistance. Complications associated with equine castration range from minor and self‐limiting problems, such as postoperative swelling of the surgical site, to life‐threatening sequelae, such as severe haemorrhage, eventration (evisceration) or even anaesthetic death. Advanced planning of the castration can help to minimise potential intra‐ and postoperative problems and a protocol should be in place to manage all potential complications as effectively as possible.