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Surgery

We perform a variety of emergency and non-emergency surgical procedures at the premises where your horse, pony, or donkey is kept following assessment by the practice veterinary team.

These procedures can be performed by our practice vets.  For cases where transport is not an option and where procedures can be performed safely on site, some procedures can be performed in conjunction with our hospital team of equine surgery specialists.

These procedures include:

  • Routine castration (standing or under general anaesthetic)
  • Wound assessment and repair
  • Biopsies of skin and other tissues
  • Skin mass removal (minor)
  • Minor dental procedures
  • Eye removal (enucleation).

In some situations, it may be safer and quicker to perform surgical procedures at our hospital facilities, where we have more comprehensive anaesthetic and surgical equipment and additional personnel available.

The practice team is always happy to provide advice regarding the range of options for surgery and anaesthesia including associated costs, likely aftercare, and prognosis following the assessment of individual patients. For more details including likely costs and to book an appointment with one of our practice team, please contact the practice on 0151 794 6199 or email us at equinepr@liverpool.ac.uk.

Castration

Before booking a castration, we advise an examination to ensure both testicles have descended into the scrotum, to rule out underlying heart problems that may make the sedation or anaesthetic more risky or identify other issues that may increase the risk of complications during or after surgery.

Castrations can be performed under standing sedation or via general anaesthetic. The choice regarding whether to perform the surgery standing or under general anaesthetic depends on several factors including size, temperament, and factors that may increase the risk of complications and facilities at the horse's premises. All donkey castrations are performed under general anaesthetic for patient and vet safety and to reduce the risk of complications following surgery.

After the surgery, your vet will detail how they need to be monitored and managed following castration. Castration aftercare instructions (PDF, 382KB) are available. 

Prices for castrations vary depending on the size of the horse, and whether the procedure is performed under standing sedation or requires a general anaesthetic. We may also be able to offer a limited number of reduced-price castration teaching slots as part of our student rotation teaching. Please contact the practice reception team for further details.

Cryptorchidism ("Rigs")

Cryptorchidism is when one or both testicles do not descend fully into the scrotum with affected horses often referred to as "Rigs". Where the full history is unknown or where previously attempted surgery has been performed, a blood test may be required to confirm this.

Castrating a rig requires admission to the Equine Hospital as the retained testicle may be within the abdominal cavity requiring laparoscopic or full abdominal surgery to minimise the risk of complications during or following the procedure.

It is not recommended to remove the descended testicle and leave the undescended one behind.  Not only will the horse still show stallion-like behaviour, but they may still be able to get a mare pregnant, any future owners may be unaware of their cryptorchid status after being sold and the retained testicle can become cancerous longer-term.