Castration

Introduction

• Surgical removal of the testes via a prescrotal incision and 'open' castration technique.
  Print-off the owner factsheet on ' Neutering - why and when ' to give to your client.

Uses

• Inhibition of male fertility and associated behavioral responses.
• In the treatment of certain diseases influenced by male sex hormones, eg prostatic diseases , perianal adenomas and perineal hernias .
• In the treatment of testicular , epididymal or scrotal neoplasia.
• In the treatment of orchitis .
• In the treatment of congenital problems, eg abdominally retained testicles .
  In cryptorchid animals an inguinal and/or abdominal incision is likely to be required.
• In the treatment of trauma to this region.
• As part of the procedure of scrotal urethrostomy.
• As part of the treatment of certain endocrine conditions and occasionally as part of the treatment to control idiopathic epilepsy .

Advantages

• 'Open' castration, when the testicular tunics are entered and reflected, allows the surgeon to place ligatures directly onto the vascular cord and ductus deferens, thereby minimizing the chance of ligature slippage or loosening.

Disadvantages

• An indirect opening into the peritoneal cavity is created; however under acceptable operating conditions, infection should not be a major issue.
• Operating time is slightly longer.

Preparation

• 15 min.

Requirements

Materials required

Minimum equipment

• Standard surgical pack.

Minimum consumables

• Absorbable suture material for ligation and intradermal sutures, eg polyglactin (Vicryl) 2/0, 3/0, 4/0.

Sequelae

Complications

• Endocrine alopecia is a rare complication of castration.

Sources

Publications

• Gourley J (1998) Early neutering of cats and dogs. Vet Rec 142 (9), 228.
• Michell A R (1998) Neutering and longevity in dogs. Vet Rec 142 (11), 288.
• Poole C (1998) Early neutering of cats and dogs. Vet Rec 142 (9), 227-228.
• Thornton P D (1998) Early neutering of cats and dogs. Vet Rec 142 (8), 200.