When it comes to equine surgical procedures, even the most "routine" hold the risk of complications. Take castrations, for instance: "Castration is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in equine practice," explained David G. Levine, DVM, Dipl. ACVS. But, he added, castration complications are one of the most common causes of malpractice claims.

Levine, a staff surgeon at New Bolton Center, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s large-animal hospital, in Kennett Square, explained that many veterinarians believe using a tool called the Henderson equine castrating instrument results in fewer castration complications. And at the 2014 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 6-10 in Salt Lake City, Utah, he presented the results of a study evaluating complication incidence associated with use of the this instrument.

Castration complications range from mild to life-threatening and can include pain, hemorrhage, edema (fluid swelling), and evisceration (protrusion of the intestines through the surgical site), among others.

Traditionally, veterinarians use an emasculator—a tool that cuts through the spermatic cord, crushing the vessels that provide blood to the testicles—to perform castrations. However, Levine said, "the Henderson equine castrating instrument is becoming more widely accepted in equine ambulatory practice." This device uses a twisting action to effectively sever and seal the (spermatic) cord and is thought to reduce intra- and postoperative complications by decreasing the time in surgery