Surgery

Castration (or removal of the testicles of male livestock) is a common procedure which is routinely done when males are young to prevent the development of bull or ram-like behaviour and to modify temperament. Routine castration is a quick, simple procedure which can be performed on-farm or in the clinic and is usually carried out under sedation. Recovery time is generally 1 week.

In some cases, instead of being present in the scrotum, the testicles are retained within the groin or in the abdomen. These animals are called ‘cryptorchids’ or sometimes ‘rigs’. The procedure to remove these retained testicles is more complicated and usually involves testing beforehand to confirm the retention and position of the retained testicle. This may include ultrasound and rectal examinations. These testicles are usually removed surgically under general anaesthesia at the hospital.

Our trucks are equipped to manage common surgical cases in livestock species in the field, for example; caesarean section, displaced abomasum, wound repair and lump removals.