Cryptorchid Surgery

[swissgrl]

Geeeez, I'm in sticker shock, didn't expect that to be THAT expensive.

We're trying to get Merlin booked for next week, that way, he's got the surgery, and can be home for a while for observation before I go on my next trip.

I've never had a horse that had to have surgery, am I just a worried mom, and this is really just a standard surgery?

Has anybody had a horse that had to go through the same surgery?

[cutiepiepmu]

I have had several go through the surgery and as a general rule it is not a big deal. Make sure you have pre-suregery blood work done is the one bit of advice I recommend. Also - just to make him have a bit of an easier time, start him ASAP on B-Complex, Vitamin C/E as well as probiotics. This will help boost his immune response and make healing faster. I recommend this for any horse that has an injury or is facing surgery!

Hang in there - I know you are worried! Honestly - in all the years of working in a vet surgical hospital and also with my own and friends horses I have only ever seen one horse have complications! And he was a HUGE percheron draft stallion.

Things will go just fine!! Especially if the testical is not high, surgery is a piece of cake! In and out with him woke up alot of times in 30-45 minutes MAX!

Take care,
Sara in WA

[swissgrl]

Thanks for the tips Sara, I appreciate it.
I know I hate surgeries (had enough of them) so it can't be fun for them either. I'm hoping that the testicals are not high up, and that it will be a quick surgery, and not a "hunting expedition".

I'll start him on those vitamins tonight. Surgery is going to happen sometime next week, just waiting to hear back on the schedule of the doctor.

[cwinterburn ( RIP) We love YOU]

Be glad if there is only two - years ago we had one done that had 3 - one down, one up and the third lodged half way up the rib cage...it was 20 yrs ago and wasn't cheap then either/

[dcsmmi]

I paid between $800 - $900 for my boy to have the surgery at Oregon State 2 yrs ago. They kept him for several days for observation to make sure he didn't strain and herniate after. (Included in the cost) That they did that was a huge thing for me. We have a local vet who would have done the surgery for the same amount, but would have sent him home the SAME DAY. If something had gone wrong, I would have lost my horse. He came through with flying colors - no complications at all.

Good luck with your boy! I'm sure he'll do great!

[swissgrl]

I wish I was only quoted $800.00 - $900.00, I wouldn't be so shocked.

It's the closest hospital to me. I just hope that it all goes quick and no surprises, and they're right there, waving flags, saying "pick me". So it'll go really fast.

I know the quote I got is the worst case scenario, and he will be staying there for a few days for observation. But I will be eating lots of salad and vegetables for a while.

well, that could be good for the diet anyways

[dcsmmi]

I was originally quoted $1500 - so keep your hopes up. =)

[kidznhorses]

Darla - - Do you know if their would be $$ available to help swissg through the Castration Reimbursement program. I'm sure even a little bit would help her.

Swissg has helped so many people and horses, including me! It would be great if we could assist her!

[dcsmmi]

I'm sure there's SOMETHING available, but I can't say how much. Shoot Hilary an email - it doesn't hurt to ask - but she usually can't give an accurate answer about how much because it depends on the timing and when the info is sent in. (Hard to explain - but she could say she has x amount available right now - then get hit hard between now and the time Swissg gets her info to her. Does that make sense?) It's all dependent on how much funding she has when the reimbursement is applied for. (All the more reason to support great programs like Stop The Backyard Breeder and Trails End - they are totally funded by donation.)

Email Hilary at [e-mail]

Good luck!

[swissgrl]

Thanks you guys, I appreciate it. I will shoot her an email and see if she can assist a little bit. I'll let you know what I can find out.

[Tockita]

We thought Chester was going to need one looked for last year and my vet quoted $1200. that was 2 nights at the hospital bloodwork and the operation. It is important to do it even if he isn't acting studdy, because they can become cancerous if not removed.