Equine Castration Techniques and Complications

Equine castration remains one of the most common elective surgical procedures in horses, donkeys and other domesticated equids. Techniques range from traditional open and closed methods—differing in how the vaginal or parietal tunic is managed—to more recent innovations such as subcapsular approaches and standing laparoscopic ligation. Choice of technique is influenced by patient age, breed conformation, field versus hospital setting and surgeon expertise. Regardless of approach, perioperative management—including analgesia, antimicrobial protocols and strict asepsis—plays a pivotal role in reducing risks. Complications span a spectrum from mild swelling and seroma formation to severe sequelae such as haemorrhage, septic funiculitis, omental or intestinal evisceration and overwhelming peritonitis. Breed- and procedure-specific factors affect incidence: closure of the tunic markedly reduces risk of evisceration, while minimal-invasive subcapsular and laparoscopic methods show promise in lowering postoperative pain and haemorrhagic events. Standardisation of terminology and reporting is increasingly recognised as essential to compare outcomes across studies, inform best practice and improve global welfare and productivity of equids.

Research from Nature Portfolio

A primary-closure subcapsular technique has been evaluated in adult donkeys and offers a single paramedian scrotal incision with direct tunic closure. Physiological markers including testosterone and cortisol fell comparably to open castration, while postoperative pain scores and behavioural indicators improved. Minimal seroma formation and absence of major complications suggest that subcapsular primary-closure is an efficient alternative for equids, with potential applications in horses when cosmetic outcome and rapid return to function are priorities.

Equine Castration Techniques and Complications publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in equine castration techniques and complications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Open castration: Surgical removal of the testes with the vaginal tunic incised and left open to drain.

Closed castration: Removal of testes with the vaginal tunic left intact around the spermatic cord to reduce herniation risk.

Subcapsular castration: Technique in which testicular parenchyma is removed beneath the tunic, allowing primary closure without leaving an open cavity.

Laparoscopic ligation: Minimally invasive procedure using endoscopic instruments to seal or tie off bleeding vessels via small abdominal ports.

Seroma: Accumulation of serous fluid in the surgical site, often manifesting as scrotal swelling postoperatively.

References

1. A review of prevention and management of castration complications. Equine Veterinary Education (2023).
2. A scoping review on intraoperative and postoperative surgical castration complications in domesticated equids. Equine Veterinary Journal (2024).
3. Evaluation of the subcapsular technique for primary closure castration in donkeys (Equus asinus). Scientific Reports (2021).
4. Emergency Standing Laparoscopic Treatment of Uncontrolled Post-Castration Hemorrhage in Two Geldings. Animals (2024).