117.Castration of grower-finisher pig and boar

Question 1

After how many days is Local anesthetic applied for piglets?

Answer 1

From 7 days since birth, the procedure for castration in pigs is different

Question 2

Age 7 days: Animal weight ~20kg; Grower-Finisher

Describe the procedure?

Answer 2

1. Sedation: Detomidine (α2) + Midazolam (BDZ) + Butorphanol/Morphine
2. Local anaesthetic

5-15ml 2% lidocaine in each testicle (depending on testicle size)

2-5ml 2% lidocaine under the skin → Wait for 5 mins after administration

3. Incision of the median raphe of the scrotum → Testicle
4. Blunt dissection of testicle from scrotum → Exteriorise the testicle
5. Twist the spermatic cord to push any herniated abdominal contents back
6. Ligate the spermatic cord’s base → Synthetic absorbable suture material
7. Clamp & transect the spermatic cord
8. A cruciate suture is tied over the inguinal ring to prevent herniation
9. Closure of subcutaneous tissue (synth. absorb.) → Intradermal (synth. absorb.)

NSAID given perioperatively – Meloxicam; Flunixin; Carprofen The closed

technique of castration is preferred

Question 3

Older pigs & boars: Animal weight >20kg

Describe the procedure?

Answer 3

1. General anaesthesia (IV injection into ear vein / V. cava cranialis)

For the safety of the vet & the welfare of the boar

2. Local anaesthesia (optional)

5-15ml 2% lidocaine in each testicle (depending on testicle size)

2-5ml 2% lidocaine under the skin → Wait for 5 mins after administration

3. Lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia is an alternative option in these cases
4. Incision of the median raphe of the scrotum → Testicle
5. Blunt dissection of testicle from scrotum → Exteriorise the testicle
6. Twist the spermatic cord to push any herniated abdominal contents back
7. Ligate the spermatic cord’s base → Synthetic absorbable suture material
8. Clamp & transect the spermatic cord
9. A cruciate suture is tied over the inguinal ring to prevent herniation
10. Closure of subcutaneous tissue (synth. absorb.) → Intradermal (synth. absorb.)

Question 4

What are the complications with castration?

Answer 4

Complications: Haemorrhage; Abscessation; Inguinal hernia; Haematoma