Minor Surgeries
At Sunrise Equine, we provide a range of minor surgical procedures to address common equine health issues safely and effectively. Our experienced veterinarians perform these procedures using pain management, sedation, and sterile techniques to ensure your horse’s comfort and safety.
Common Minor Surgeries We Perform
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Standing Castration: Performed in the standing horse under sedation and local anesthesia when appropriate, reducing the risks associated with general anesthesia and allowing for faster recovery.
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Mass Removals: Excision of small tumors, cysts, or growths to alleviate discomfort or prevent disease progression.
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Enucleations: Surgical removal of an eye when vision is irreparably lost or when painful ocular disease cannot be treated medically. This advanced procedure is performed in-clinic only.
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Wound Repairs: Repair of lacerations, cuts, or other soft tissue injuries to promote proper healing and minimize scarring.
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Dental Extractions: Simple extractions can often be performed safely in the field. Advanced extractions, such as those for firmly rooted teeth or incisors affected by EOTRH (Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis), require specialized techniques to effectively relieve pain and prevent complications. These advanced procedures are performed in-clinic only
Faqs
Frequently Asked Questions About Minor Surgeries
What types of minor surgical procedures do you perform for horses?
Sunrise Equine offers several minor surgical procedures, including standing castration, mass removals, wound repairs, dental extractions, and certain in-clinic procedures such as enucleation. These treatments help address common health concerns while prioritizing your horse’s safety and comfort.
Is sedation used during minor equine surgeries?
Yes. Most minor surgical procedures are performed using sedation and local anesthesia to ensure the horse remains comfortable and calm. Our veterinarians also use appropriate pain management and sterile techniques to promote safe procedures and recovery.
Can minor surgeries be performed on the farm?
Many minor procedures, such as standing castrations, simple mass removals, wound repairs, and some dental extractions, can be performed safely in the field. However, more complex procedures may require treatment in the clinic where specialized equipment is available.
What is standing castration?
Standing castration is a procedure performed while the horse remains standing under sedation and local anesthesia. This approach helps reduce the risks associated with general anesthesia and typically allows for a faster recovery.
When might a horse need minor surgery?
Minor surgery may be recommended for conditions such as tumors or cysts, certain dental problems, lacerations that require repair, or medical conditions that cannot be managed with medication alone. Your veterinarian will evaluate your horse and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

