B107
Castration (Bloodless)

Because of the lack of blood loss, this method of castration is preferred. However, it should never be done on older animals (> 3 months) with large testicles. If it is difficult to get the elastrator band over the testicles, the animal is too big and a surgical castration approach is needed.

Load an elastrator band or "cheerio" onto the elastrator.

With one hand, find both testicles and force them to the bottom of the scrotum or sac. If both testicles cannot be found, relax the hind legs of the calf and try again. Some animals may actually have a retained testicle (cryptorchid) that requires professional surgical removal.

Take the elastrator instrument and place the elastrator band over both testicles and as close to the body as possible. Make sure that the prong ends and the elastrator band are next to the body. If they are not, the elastrator cannot be removed once the band is collapsed.

Careful attention should be given to ensure that both testicles are completely on the outside of the elastrator instrument and not between the elastrator and the body.

Once released, the elastrator band should be around the spermatic cord only. If any testicular tissue is trapped, complications may arise and the castration may not be successful.

This picture shows an elastrator band in the proper place, with both testicles deep in the scrotum.