Laparoscopic intra-abdominal ligation of the testicular artery following castration in a horse

A 364-kg (800-lb) 1-year-old mixed-breed horse was admitted for treatment o f uncontrolled bleeding after castration. Multiple attempts to ligate the t esticular artery through the scrotal incisions prior to referral had been u nsuccessful. Because of the owner's concerns about cost, an attempt was mad e to control the bleeding by applying pressure to the inguinal region and a dministering formalin IV. However, hemorrhage continued. A decision was made to use laparoscopy to ligate the testicular artery. The horse was anesthetized and positioned in dorsal recumbency, and a routine ventral laparoscopic approach was used. The horse recovered without further complications. Laparoscopy should be considered for ligation of the testic ular artery in horses with uncontrolled bleeding after castration.