Surgical management of postcastration spermatic cord stump infection in horses: A retrospective study of 23 cases.
Authors: Claffey Elaine F, Brust Katherine, Hackett Richard P, Fubini Susan
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Postcastration Spermatic Cord Infection: Surgical Management and Outcomes When horses develop infection of the spermatic cord stump following castration, timely surgical intervention offers a favourable prognosis, though clinicians should be prepared for potential complications. This retrospective analysis examined 23 cases treated between 2001 and 2017, with horses presenting a median of 33 days post-castration (range 12–3561 days) and ranging in age from 2 to 14 years; diagnostic approaches, surgical findings and bacterial cultures were documented alongside short- and long-term follow-up data. All 23 horses survived to discharge, though five required revision surgery due to postoperative haemorrhage (2 cases) or recurrent infection (3 cases), highlighting that initial management doesn't guarantee straightforward resolution. Long-term follow-up (mean 27.4 months) was available for 16 horses, with 14 returning to previous use without clinical signs and only two experiencing poor outcomes—one with persistent purulent drainage and one retired due to inadequate performance recovery. For practitioners managing postcastration complications, these findings indicate that whilst spermatic cord stump infections carry good survival prospects, the 22% revision surgery rate and variable long-term functional outcomes underscore the importance of vigilant postoperative monitoring, aggressive infection control, and realistic owner counselling regarding potential performance limitations even after successful surgical treatment.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Post-castration spermatic cord infection can present weeks to years after the original procedure—maintain clinical vigilance and investigate any delayed drainage or swelling in the surgical area
- •Most horses (88%) achieve full recovery and return to work with appropriate surgical management, but approximately 22% may need revision surgery for complications
- •Surgical intervention for cord stump infection has favorable outcomes; don't assume poor prognosis if infection develops post-castration
Key Findings
- •All 23 horses survived to discharge despite spermatic cord infection occurring median 33 days post-castration (range 12-3561 days)
- •Five of 23 horses (22%) required revision surgery due to hemorrhage (2 cases) or persistent infection (3 cases)
- •Long-term follow-up of 16 horses at mean 27.4 months showed 14 horses (88%) returned to previous use with complete resolution; 2 horses had poor outcomes