Where should a castration be performed?
The ideal location for a castration is a clean surgical suite. However, many castrations are successfully performed out in the field. The best location out in the field is a dry, open area of grass-covered pasture. The area should be free of any trees or fences in order to prevent injury during the induction and recovery. Less sand and dirt is best since it can easily enter the surgical site during the recovery process. How is a castration performed? Before the surgery, a general physical examination should be performed. The examination ensures the patient will be stable during anesthesia and confirms the presence of both testes. If the horse is cryptorchid (an animal with undescended testes) or has an inguinal hernia present, the surgical approach and choice of anesthesia may change. Also, the horse’s tetanus immunization should be determined and the horse should be immunized for tetanus if not current. Castration may be performed in a standing or in a recumbent position. A standing c
