118.Cryptorchidism and castration of piglets with inguinal hernia

Question 1

What is Cryptorchidism?

Answer 1

The failure of a testicle to descend into the scrotum
Normal time for testicle descent in pigs: 90 days of gestation
More common in swine than any other species → Abnormal endocrine secretion Early marketing
→ Cryptorchidism has no effect on meat quality in young animals

Question 2

Describe the procedure for Cryptorchidism surgery?

Answer 2

Procedure

1. Induce general anaesthesia (IV injection into ear vein / V. cava cranialis)
2. 8-10cm paramedian incision on the side of the retained testicle →

Near the inguinal canal (retained testicle is often located at the inguinal opening or

inside the abdominal wall)

3. Extend the incision length if the testicle isn’t located → Explore
4. Exteriorise testicle → Ligate → Remove
5. Close the abdominal incision in 3 layers

Immunocastration is a good alternative to surgery – It works like a vaccine

Question 3

Describe the procedure for castration of piglets with inguinal hernia?

Answer 3

Castration of piglets with inguinal hernia

The best timing of this procedure is between 3-4 weeks of age

1. General anaesthesia
2. Local anaesthesia

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. Restrain & position
4. Perform a paramedian incision on the skin in the inguinal region → Do not cut into the

vaginal tunic!

5. Twist the tunic & sac → Squeeze the content back into the abdomen
6. Ligate around the spermatic cord near the external inguinal ring
7. Cut off the sac on the testicle side of the suture → Remove testicle
8. Suture the skin

Sutures can be removed 10 days after the operation