A 15-year-old Warmblood gelding was presented with macroscopic hematuria and stranguria symptoms for two months. Cystoscopy revealed a pedunculated cauliflower-like mass, flowing from the right ureteral orifice into the bladder. Ureteroscopy showed a right dilated ureter (2.3 mm). The ureteral lumen mucosa was smooth and the mass had its origin approximately 10 cm cranial from the orifice. The right kidney was macroscopically on ultrasound within normal range. The mass was removed transendoscopically by means of a cautery snare leaving a small part at the base. Histopathological analysis identified it as a mucosal polyp. Recovery was uncomplicated and the gelding was discharged three days after surgery. A follow up 5 months later showed no signs of inflammation and the remaining small stalk in the right ureter.

Introduction: A closed inguinal castration technique was compared with field castrations based on the post-operative (p.o.) inflammatory marker Serum Amyloid A (SAA). Third day p.o. SAA, which has been related to trauma, has been reported after field castrations in four different studies in literature between 500 mg/l and 700 mg/l. These values were compared with SAA values measured on day three after routine castration using a closed inguinal approach applied under general anaesthesia under strict aseptic conditions. Materials and Methods: 51 Male horses were presented for routine castration. Serum was collected pre-operatively and on day 3 post operatively. Castration was performed using a closed inguinal approach in dorsal recumbence under general anaesthesia. The vaginal process was retrieved by blunt dissection over an inguinal skin incision. The closed proximal vaginal process was crushed by a Sand emasculator and ligated at this site. Vaginal Process with content was cut off 10 mm distal to the ligated site. Skin incisions were closed intra cutaneously. Antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs were not applied. Results: 48 horses tested negative (SAA< 3mg/l) pre-operatively. Two ponies and one standardbred showed pre-operative 5mg/l, 7mg/l and 75mg/l respectively. Mean SAA value of all 51 horses, three days post operatively, measured 94mg/l. 27 Horses showed no elevation in SAA (<3mg/l). Only 8 horses showed SAA values >100mg/l, of which 4 horses > 500mg/l, (514mg/l, 747mg/l, 1110 mg/l and 1160 mg/l) possibly related to additional trauma. Excluding these 4 cases results in a mean SAA value of 27mg/l. Conclusion: Castrations, using a closed inguinal approach, in which proper surgical standards can be maintained, proved to be far less traumatic than field castrations.