Castration cont.

Normal Outcome

The normal outcome is a healthy gelding that will not exhibit the aggressive behavior characteristics of an intact male. In younger horses, the gubernaculum is very large and can be mistaken for the testis. Removing the gubernaculum and usually the epididymis along with cutting the vas deferens makes the animal sterile but the testis remains. The testis will produce testosterone and the animal will continue to exhibit stallion characteristics. This has sometimes been referred to as a high flanker. Older literature suggested that high flankers were due to leaving a part of the epididymis during the castration procedure but the more likely explanation is as we have just described. No part of the epididymis has ever been shown capable of producing testosterone.

Remember that stallions are castrated because they are difficult to work with and can not be trusted. This is true of most intact farm animal species. We do not recommend keeping a stallion intact unless there is a desire to breed him. The potential danger far out weights any concern for the castration procedure.

References

Marteniuk J, C Carleton. Castration Concerns for the Equine Owner. Michigan State College of Veterinary Medicine. Animal Health Information, News Release.

Searl WD, AJ Dart, CM Dart and DR Hodgson. Equine castration: review of anatomy, approaches, techniques and complications in normal, cryptorchid and monorchid horses. Aust Vet J 1999; 77:428-434