Castration

At Equitom, all stallions are castrated under general anaesthesia. This ensures a sterile environment, a painless procedure and maximum safety for both horse and surgeon.

Two Techniques

Equitom offers two techniques

Scrotal castration with partial scrotectomy
- The testicles are removed via an incision in the scrotum.
- Part of the scrotal tissue is excised to allow proper drainage and reduce swelling.
- This method is most commonly used for younger stallions (1–3 years old).
- Benefits: less invasive, shorter surgery time, smooth recovery in young horses

2. Inguinal castration

- The testicles are removed via an incision near the inguinal rings.
- Often recommended for older stallions with larger testicles or when more tissue removal is required.
- Benefits: better control of blood vessels, reducing the risk of post-operative bleeding.
- Also indicated in stallions with an increased risk of complications such as hernias.

Why Castrate?

Behaviour: reduces stallion behaviour like biting, striking and fighting.
Safety: makes the horse easier and safer to handle for owners and other horses.
Reproduction: prevents unwanted breeding.

Age and Recovery

Most stallions are castrated between 1 and 3 years of age, but the procedure can be safely performed at any age on a healthy horse. After surgery:

Controlled exercise is essential to minimise swelling and promote healing.
Proper wound care reduces the risk of infection.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare due to our sterile surgical environment. However, swelling, bleeding or infection can still occur. In older stallions, the inguinal approach significantly reduces the risk of severe complications.