Castration

Question 1

Castration

Benefits

Answer 1

decrease the risk/rate of pet overpopulation

decrease sexually dimorphic behaviors

Reduces risk of androgen-related diseases ( prostatic hypertrophy, prostatis, prosctatic cyst, perineal hernias, perineal adenomas)

Eliminates the risk of testicular neoplasia expetially due to cryptorchidism

Question 2

Castration

Drawback

Answer 2

Increased risk of prostatic carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma of the ladder, lymphoma, mast cell tumor, hemagiosarcoma, osteosarcoma

Potentially increased risk of certain orthopedic diseases (hip/elbow displasia, cranial cruciate ligament rupture)

Decreased Activity level and Subsequent Obesity

Question 3

Age of Castration

Answer 3

Traditionally, recommended at 4-6 months of age for cats and 6-9 months of age for dogs

For owners concerned about orthopedic complications, delay until >1yr of age (>2yrs of age in giant breeds) may be indicated

Question 4

Closed Castration

Answer 4

involves ligating all the structures within the spermatic cord at the same time.

Autoligation is commonly performed in cats, ligation is dogs are commonly performed with suture.

Question 5

Open Castration

Answer 5

parietal vaginal tunic is opened and the structures within (testicular artery, pampiniform plexus, and ductus deferens) as well as the parietal vaginal tunic itself, are ligated seperately.

Question 6

Benefits of Closed Castration in dogs

Answer 6

faster technique with less ligatures and potentially less bleeding from the scrotal vessels and post-operative inflammation

Question 7

Benefits of Open Castration

Answer 7

each ligation is more secure becuase it incorporates fewer structures.

Question 8

Complications:

Incisional infection / dehiscence

Answer 8

Infection may present with local signs of redness, discharge, heat, pain, and swelling, or may lead to systemic signs like lethargy, fever and inappetence. If infection is suspected, cytology and culture of the site can be of benefit. Treatment is the same as any other wound management and treating with antibiotics and analgesics

Question 9

Complication:

Scrotal Swelling

Answer 9

If the scrotum becomes severely swollen within hours of surgery it is most likely a hematoma, and treatment is warranted

Treatment typically involves scrotal ablation withi inspection of the pedicles for hemorrhage

Non-painful swellings are usually seromas or hematomas. So long as the animal is stable and the swelling is not continuing to increase conservative management with exercise restrition, e-collar, cold compresses, warm compresses, and anti-inflammatory analgesic treatment is acceptable.

Question 10

Complication:

Hemorrhage

Answer 10

Severe bleeding can lead to shock

Animals within 24 hours of surgery that present with these signs should have an investigation into possible sources of bleeding, by assessing both the scrotum and abdomen with ultrasound and /or abdominocentesis

Question 11

Complications:

Urethral Damage

Answer 11

This will lead ot redness, swelling, and pain that may initially mimic an incisional infection, but will continue to worsen and eventually cause necrosis of the skin idrectly near where the damaged urethra is.

If this is suspected a contrast urethrogram can identify the urethral rupture.

Urethra will need to be repaired and the skin wound will need to be managed

Question 12

Complications

Accidental Breeding

Answer 12

Dogs and cats will still have sperm present for ~5 days after castration