Options for birth control for horses other than gelding stallions?

Question

I have an 10 year old stallion and a 3 year old mare,I defintiely do not want to sell ethier and don't want them to breed.Seperating them,is an option but a huge hassle because they are used to being together with an younger gelding.The stallion being as old as he is and the breed (belgian) the vets I know are understandibly hesitant about gelding him,too much risk involved.Is there availible birth control opitions for mares to stop them from going into heat? Or to prevent stallions from being fertile if he does mount her? she's way too young to breed and he's too fine a horse to give up.Considering sadly how people I've encountered fear stallions and keep them stabled,etc.I've had him for 10 years and he's never been a bit of trouble,always had his mare with him(sadly untill recently,lost her and her foal).I want what's best for him and to avoid any complications.

Answer 1

I'm surprised that the vet said that the stallion was too old to be gelded and didn't suggest something for the filly.

There are hormones that can be given to the filly such as Regumate....if you are female, you must be very careful in handling this product as just getting it on your skin can make your own cycle go crazy!!

There is an implant similar to a Norplant implant that is used on humans.  This is a pellet that is injected subcutaneously and will dissolve and need to be replaced every 3-6 months.

Another possibility is Equipose or Winstral-V..if I'm not mistaken the Equipose is for females (??)

I know this may sound silly..but when she is in heat, you could put some vicks on his nose so he won't smell her!!

Whatever you do, please check with your vet as to which alternative he suggests and READ the warning labels for proper handling!!  Also, see how long of an effect any of these would have on her if you planned to breed her in the future.  The marble method???  I guess it's like an IUD!!

Answer 2

There are shots they use on the wild horses but I don't know if they are available to the public so I"m not sure where you'd get one.  They are not common practice.  They make a mare sterile for 2 years, so you'd have to keep repeating it.  You could also spay your mare, but I think the risk involved in that would be more than for just gelding the stud.  It's not a particularly invasive procedure, they don't open them up like cats and dogs, but there is still more recovery time than there is for the gelding procedure.

ADDITION:

We had a mare spayed a few years back.  It's actually not as bad as you'd think. They don't cut the mare open.  They go in vaginally with this tool that looks kind of like a small twitch.  They put the loop around the ovary and twist until it just kind of pops off.  The reason I think it is more risky than gelding is just because you can't get at the wound site to treat it if there is some sort of infection or something.  But we had no problems and recovery time was about 6 weeks (I think, can't remember for sure).  But of course spaying is permanent so that's something to consider of course.

Sounds like you have some other options though (whew) from what other people's answers.  I just wanted to tell you about it because I thought that spaying procedure was quite interesting! ☺

Answer 3

I'm slightly confused as to why it would be risky to geld him? His age or his breed? Due to the age there is a larger blood supply to the testicles than in younger horses but it should still be perfectly safe for him...no more risk than any other aged stallion.

I've personally had a 6yo gelded and have known stallions up to 20 years that were gelded with no severe side effects. Although the older they are sometimes they do retain some charactoristics just out of life long habit. If he's already running with a mare and a gelding I don't foresee his attitude being a problem.

All that aside about the best way to keep a mare from coming in season is the marble method, (at least that is what I was told by an Equine Reproduction Specialist). At the time she's in season the vet will insert a sterile glass ball (basicly a marble) into the uterus. It basicly tricks the mares body into thinking she has conceived. Has to be removed and removed every 60-90 days. Studies have shown that it has no adverse effects on future fertility.

I've never personally used that method either but know many larger show barns who utilize it for their show mares so they do not have to worry about them coming in season at a show or competition.

You can also use Regumate but it's rather expensive, messy and dangerous for women to handle...must wear gloves, can't get on skin ect. I've also heard of giving injections of Oxytocin during diestrus (between cycles when they are neither going out nor coming in season) to surpress the heat cycle...works for about 60 days.

Another method that I've heard mixed results with is Progesterone implants. Some say they work others say they do not, no personal experience so I can't say but might be something else to ask your vet about.

You need to talk to your vet regarding which procedure he thinks would be most effect in your situation. At this point I'd definately keep the filly seperated. If she's been running with him all spring she might be already in foal so check for that unless you are absolutely 110% certain she's not before progressing with any of the methods.

Answer 4

you can geld the mare, but the stallion can still mount her. the best best is to have 2 pastures, and exchange the gelding between the mare and stallion every so often. it is best to keep the stallion and mare separate for the best safety.

Answer 5

Good answer Hudson.  I'd just like to add that we gelded a 19 year old stallion and it was very successful.