Effects of gelding

Question
Hi Stephanie

Thanks for your answer to my previous question re. my TB weanling.  You were very helpful, so here's one more question. My 11 month old colt's testicles have not descended yet. My vet has said to wait another 6 months and another vet told me that whilst it can take up to 36 months, it is unlikely that this will occur because neither of the testicles are showing any signs of descending yet. He also said that it is better to do it earlier than later, as the surgery is a little more straight-forward, he has not yet developed any 'coltish' behaviour, and gelding him will not affect his growth or development.  

However, whilst we are not planning on later using the colt for breeding purposes, my partner feels very strongly that we should not geld him unless he becomes too much of a handful, just in case he does turn out to be a 'superstar' that we can breed from, and he is concerned about the effects that gelding could have on his racing ability. Personally, I would be relieved if he was gelded before the testosterone really kicked in, particularly as I am the one who does most of the handling, but I guess I'm after advice that will convince my partner that gelding the colt will not impact upon his racing ability at all.  Do you have any thoughts or advice on this?

Your time is greatly appreciated.

Leisa.

Answer
Leisa,

If the colt is modestly bred, I wouldn't count on breeding him, no matter how stellar his racing career.  That is not to say that it couldn't happen, but it isn't likely enough to let it weigh into your racing decisions, and tradionally speaking, poorly bred runners usually make mediocre sires, regardless of racing ability.

As far as gelding your baby goes, I personally would wait.  I wouldn't really expect an 11 month old to have dropped yet, and there is plenty of time for it.  It especially wouldn't worry me since he hasn't dropped on either side, since it is almost unheard of for a horse to retain both testicles.  If neither has yet descended, I'd think it more likely he's just a late bloomer.  

A properly handled colt will rarely get to be too difficult to handle due to testosterone alone, and gelding actually does affect growth patterns, although it is very minimal.  Testerone causes growth plates to close, so gelding early will usually get you a (slightly) taller, more streamlined gelding, whereas waiting will usually result in a bit more muscle mass.  I like more muscle on my horses, so I usually wait to geld until they prove to me that they need it.

Gelding a cryptorchid is always a more difficult and more expensive procedure than gelding a horse who has dropped, since it involves actual surgery, and laying the horse down under general anesthesia.  I wouldn't rush into it before I absolutely had to.

I also find it easier to geld in cooler weather while the horse is in early training, as the exersize makes it easier to keep the swelling down, and the flies aren't out in force.  I hate managing the aftercare when a gelding is on just pasture.

A lot also depends on the horse's own temperment.  Some horses really do need that added bit of testosterone to make them agressive when they run. Most don't, but there are a few of them out there who are so laid back they could care less, until that bit of added agression kicks in.  You'll have to be the judge of that, since you know the horse best.

Now, having said all that, there are a couple of things that you can try, just to set your mind at ease.  A small dose of ace will often cause a horse to drop as he relaxes.  It may not stick, but if he can drop at all, then they are located below the iniguial ring, and they will drop eventually on his own.  Another, more expensive thing to try is using small doses of hCG or GnRH to make him drop.  I don't remember the exact dosage, or even if you can try it at this young an age, as we rarely worried about it until into their two year old year, but your vet should know.

Again, my choice would be to wait awhile before rushing into surgery, but ultimately, the decision is up to you and your partner.

Good Luck!
Stephanie Frost
www.alchemybloodstock.com