Full course description
This course is designed for professionals and students in related fields. Verification is required via professional registration, proof of qualification, or a valid institutional email address.
About the course
Castration is the surgical removal of the testes. An uncastrated male donkey is known as a stallion, while a castrated male is known as a gelding.
Castration is an effective form of birth control in donkeys and prevents the production of the hormone testosterone. Therefore, castration can reduce behaviours driven by testosterone, such as aggression, sexual behaviour and seeking females. This can improve safety for both people and animals, and may allow male donkeys to be managed more successfully in social groups, supporting their welfare.
As with any surgical procedure, castration carries risks and should only be performed by a trained and competent veterinary surgeon. Donkeys differ from other livestock species, and their anatomy, physiology and behaviour present unique considerations that influence decision-making before, during and after castration.
In this course, you will learn how to assess whether castration is appropriate, determine the optimal timing for the procedure, select the most suitable surgical approach, and provide effective peri-operative and post-operative care. You will also explore the management of common complications and the factors that contribute to successful outcomes.
Modules
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Module 1: Why and when to castrate a donkey
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Module 2: Pre-operative preparation
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Module 3: Surgical approaches: closed scrotal castration and the constrictor knot ligature
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Module 4: Surgical approaches: inguinal castration
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Module 5: Post-operative care and complications
Target audience
This course is primarily designed for veterinary surgeons and veterinary students who are working with, or hope to work with, donkey patients.
Why the course matters
Benefits to you
Many veterinary professionals are familiar with the castration of various animal species. However, The Donkey Sanctuary acknowledges that information specific to the donkey is not always included in veterinary training. This course plays a role in educating veterinary surgeons worldwide on how to best approach this important surgical procedure, ensuring that our donkey patients receive the highest standard of care possible.
Benefits to donkeys
This course equips current and future veterinary surgeons with the knowledge needed to select appropriate donkey patients and perform castration in a safe, ethical, evidence-based and welfare-focused way.
Assumed prior learning
To be enrolled in this course, you should hold, or be studying towards, a degree in veterinary medicine, veterinary surgery, or an equivalent qualification. Essential foundational knowledge is reviewed within the course.
Sentience statement
The Donkey Sanctuary recognises and celebrates animal sentience, understanding that donkeys and other equids have the capacity to experience feelings and emotions. These emotions may be positive, like joy, or negative, such as fear and distress. As individuals, equids have desires and dislikes, and make choices based on their unique personalities.
How to cite
The Donkey Sanctuary. (23/10/26). Castration of the donkey (CLNC111). [Online]. https://thedonkeysanctuary.eu-west.catalog.canvaslms.com/