Gelding or castrating can be a traumatic procedure for a male horse. Although this procedure is typically very low risk, complications can occur during castration or gelding. Complications are significantly more likely the the stud is over the age of three, this is one reason it is better to geld a horse young. At full maturity, the horse is more developed and more likely to bleed more profusely during and after the castration procedure. Take care with older horses that the bleeding has stopped completely before the vet leaves.
Your care for a horse after it is gelded or castrated, regardless of age, should not deviate significantly from your normal care. The horse should be kept quiet but also allowed to move. Allowing the horse to move around will help reduce swelling and shorten healing time. At the same time, the horse should not be worked excessively or put into a turnout situation where the horse might reopen the incision. For the three to four days following the castration, turnout alone or with an established companion in a small pen is best. Aftercare for castrated horses is really very simple. Monitor the horse for signs of a complication such as colic, herniation, hemorrhaging, or infection. If you suspect any of these complications contact your vet immediately.
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