Need a ridgling pony gelded in Mid Atlantic area - advice needed

[retreadeventer]

Would like to hear experiences, as well as recommendations, for a vet or clinic good, inexpensive (or at least worth it) for ultra sounding/gelding a ridgling pony for gelding - he has only one testicle down and is almost a 2year old, so it does look as though he will not have the other down.

We are in Delaware so it's easy to go anywhere to get this done but haven't needed this in forever and was wondering who had good experiences and where to go.

What are the typical costs for this? Does anyone do the lazer/scopic (small incisions, camera and lazer) for this surgery? Sorry, perfectionist linguistic types, I cannot remember the name of the particular procedure. :) See, it's been a while since I needed this done to a horse! All of my colts have been gelded conventionally lately.

Thanks for the help!

[quicksilverponies]

I can't recommend a vet as I am not in your area. I just wanted to mention that it is not uncommon for pony colts to be slow in dropping their testicles. Have you had a vet check to see where it is? My own Adagio was in the middle of his 2 yr old year when his second dropped. Land's End Poseidon was in his three yr old year when his dropped. I would not be too concerned just yet if I were you. Obviously, if he is acting up then you might want to get him gelded sooner than later, but I would be inclined to wait as the surgery can be a good bit more expensive. Good luck with your colt.

[092556]

You will most likely have to call a equine hospital.

I have a small pony yearling that I had my vet ultra sounds to try and find the 2nd testicle, it was no where in sight. He recommended waiting, there is a chance it will increase in size as he gets older and gravity will kick in and it will drop down or at least within reach. I called the UF Vet School, they said it would be $1000 - $1200 to go after it. I'm patient :yes:

[Claudius]

Dr. William Riddle, Rising Sun, Md. An excellent surgeon. More reasonable than NBC.

[barnbum81]

We travel to Riddle from Delaware, it's not really far at all and he's extremely reasonably priced even if he didn't come so highly recommended. He specializes in lameness issues but I imagine he is quite good in all aspect, and he and his staff are very pleasant to deal with.

[retreadeventer]

Quicksilver, is that a common condition among the Welsh pony colts? This is not a Poseidon colt, (he has actually a full brother who is by Poseidon), and will ultra sound reveal it, or not? Interesting - thanks.

[elizabeth Callahan]

Holly,
It is quite common , and I have had some not drop until they were 3, esp that line. If you can stand his behavior, I would wait a little to see if they come down - at least until he is 18 mos -2, and even longer if you can

As far as cost, the last client I had who priced 5 different vet hosps for a crypt found EMC to be cheaper than Riddle, NBC and 3 others, , just a longer drive. She ended up going thre.

[quicksilverponies]

I wouldn't call it common, but it probably occurs more often than in horses. In certain bloodlines, the testicles eventually drop, but are just slower to do so. While Adagio was a full 2 yrs old when his 2nd dropped, so far, his sons have all dropped within their first year. Poseidon and Adagio are not siblings, although both were bred by Nancy Jane Reed of Land's End Farm. Just to clarify, how can your colt have a full brother by Poseidon if he himself is not by Poseidon??

[VirginiaBred]

Quicksilver, is that a common condition among the Welsh pony colts? This is not a Poseidon colt, (he has actually a full brother who is by Poseidon), and will ultra sound reveal it, or not? Interesting - thanks.

I think you mean a half brother (out of the same mare).

[retreadeventer]

Yes, of course, I meant half brother.
I think I sat next to Nancy Jane at the MPBA brunch! But we talked about other stuff.
They are not my ponies. My vets'. I train.