jlh
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- Nov 30, 2002
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I think there is a a part of the issue that is being overlooked here.
that is the issue that in many smaller equines, the inguinal ring remains more open for a much longer time, allowing for the testes to travel up & down.
while they can be palpated, you have an entirely different issue to deal with at gelding. with an open ring, it is possible for the gut to herniate. while it is possible for a vet to be prepared for this, it takes a lot longer to deal with, and creates a greater risk of infection since the incision must be stitched, limiting drainage.
So I highly recommend that a vet not only palpate to locate the testes, but check the size of the ring while doing so. this may be the more important indicator of when to perform the gelding with the least amount of side-effects.
not to mention, the degree of comfort the vet will have with the procedure.
that is the issue that in many smaller equines, the inguinal ring remains more open for a much longer time, allowing for the testes to travel up & down.
while they can be palpated, you have an entirely different issue to deal with at gelding. with an open ring, it is possible for the gut to herniate. while it is possible for a vet to be prepared for this, it takes a lot longer to deal with, and creates a greater risk of infection since the incision must be stitched, limiting drainage.
So I highly recommend that a vet not only palpate to locate the testes, but check the size of the ring while doing so. this may be the more important indicator of when to perform the gelding with the least amount of side-effects.
not to mention, the degree of comfort the vet will have with the procedure.