All About Gelding Horses and Donkeys: A Journey with Ted the Donkey Colt:

Exciting times are ahead for our little donkey colt, Ted. As he is about to experience a significant transformation—he’s getting gelded on Monday! As the day approaches, I can’t help but share my thoughts as I'm aware there are so many misconceptions surrounding gelding, so let’s dive into this essential horse care topic and clear the air.

What’s the Process?

Ted is now a gelding

Gelding, or equine castration, may sound daunting, but it's a routine surgical procedure in which a male horse or donkey's testicles are removed. This prevents breeding and helps curb certain undesirable behaviours. It’s usually done while the equine is sedated and standing or under general anaesthesia while lying down. The vet will make an incision in the scrotum, remove the testicles, and sometimes use an emasculator to crush the blood vessels and spermatic ducts, ensuring the horse becomes infertile after about two weeks.

Why Does Gelding Matter?

Generally, it's recommended to geld colts as soon as possible for a variety of reasons: it helps minimise challenging behaviours and prevents unwanted pregnancies. This creates a happier, safer space for everyone involved.

When is the Right Time to Geld?

While colts can technically be gelded as young as 6 months, some vets and owners prefer waiting until they are between 6 to 12 months or even 24 months. It’s crucial to understand that gelding can be done at various ages, including adulthood. However, delaying too long can complicate matters and diminish the effectiveness of behavioural improvements.

The Pros of Early vs. Later Gelding

Early Gelding (6-12 months):

- Smoother Surgery: Younger colts have smaller tissues, making the procedure easier and safer.

- Quick Recovery: Youngsters typically heal faster and bounce back from anaesthesia more efficiently.

- Behavioural Benefits: Early intervention can prevent stallion-like behaviours from taking root.

Later Gelding (18-24 months or older):

- Mature Look: Some owners prefer to wait for their colts to achieve that strong, masculine appearance.

- Breeding Potential Assessment: If you're unsure about breeding, waiting allows you to evaluate your colt's potential before deciding.

The Importance of Complete Castration:

When it comes to gelding, don’t overlook the removal of the epididymis—the coiled tube attached to the testicle where sperm matures. While it doesn’t produce testosterone, it can contribute to stallion-like traits. To ensure a thorough and effective castration, chat with your vet to make them aware you want this part removed to ensure they perform a complete procedure. This step is vital for keeping those stallion traits under wraps.

Key Considerations Before Taking the Plunge

- Consult Your Vet: Your veterinarian’s expertise is crucial in determining the best age and timing for your colt.

- Health Check: Ensure your colt is healthy and well-socialised before the surgery.

-Donkeys tend to experience increased bleeding due to a higher blood flow to the testes. As a precautionary measure, therefore it is advisable to ask your vet to apply some extra sutures to mitigate the risk of haemorrhaging.

- Vaccinate Against Tetanus: Make sure he’s fully vaccinated—this is critical!

- Monitor Testicle Development: It’s essential for the testicles to be adequately developed for the procedure.

- Timing Matters:Consider the season, as extreme temperatures can complicate recovery such as higher risk of flystrike in the hotter months.

After the surgery, Ted will be sterile in about two weeks, eliminating any chance of him breeding. However, it’s smart to keep him separated from mares for around 40 days post-op. This precaution helps ensure a smooth healing period by preventing unintended interactions during recovery until his desires recede.

In conclusion, if you have a stallion you don’t plan to breed, don’t wait—consider getting him gelded as soon as possible! Not only will it lead to a more peaceful and enjoyable life for him, but it will also open the door for him to socialise with both geldings and mares, enhancing the happiness of the herd.

We hope this helps you make a well-informed decision for your male horse or donkey.

Happy Horsin