LA Castration Flashcards
why are large animals usually castrated?
Castration renders the horse more docile and manageable. It may also be used to alter conformation since growth plate closure is delayed in the absence of androgens
open technique castration
incise the vaginal tunic, retract testicle and cord out of tunic, emasculate the cord
** most common**
close castration technique
do not incise vaginal tunic, strip spermatic cord with gauze, emasculated cord over intact tunic
half closed castration technique
start as closed technique, strip cord with gauze, then incise vaginal tunic, inspect contents, emasculate cord over intact tunic
list common castration complications
hemorrhage
evisceration
edema
septic funiculitis
champignon
septic peritonitis
penile damage
hydrocele
continued masculine behavior
what is a cause for concern of hemorrhage and what artery is the most common source?
a steady stream for 5-10 minutes and the testicular artery
describe evisceration
uncommon but potentially fatal. Horses that eviscerate may have in apparent inguinal hernias or enlarged inguinal rings. It’s best not to castrate horses younger than 6 months of age because an inapparent inguinal hernia can correct naturally prior to 6mths.
edema is greatest on the _ day post op and can be decraesed by providing __ and __
4th, drainage, exercise
septic funiculitis
infection of the spermatic cord post castration. Signs of edema, purulent drainage, lameness, pain and pyrexia
champignon
septic funiculitis caused by streptococcus, characterized by a mushroom shaped mound of granulation tissue and profuse purulent discharge
septic peritonitis
Nucleated cell counts can be as high as 100,000 after routine castration. There are no bacteria present in the peritoneal cavity so when bacteria are present with clinical signs of damage -> aggressive treatment
hydrocele
fluid filled painless swelling in the scrotum post castration. The fluid can often be reduced into the abdomen. This is a rare occurrence where sx resection of the sac is needed if the owner is not pleased with the esthetics
continued masculine behavior
hormone levels usually decrease to basal levels by 60 days post castration. Castration is not always successful in eliminating stallion like behavior. Approximately 20-30% of castrated horses will continue to display some aspect of stud behavior
how should you deal with excessive hemorrhage after castration?
a large hemostat can clamp the artery and be left for 12-24 hours to facilitate coagulation if needed
an addition ligature can be placed on the stump of the spermatic cord
scrotum can be packed tightly with brown gauze for 12-24 hours
admin of 10% formalin in 1 L of sterile saline IV will decrease coagulation time by 67% for 24 hours
admin of aminocaproic acid IV stabilizes clots aiding in coagulation
evisceration can be prevented by what? when does it typically occur?
Decrease their risks by palpating the inguinal area before castration and then do a closed castration with ligature placement. It most commonly occurs 4 hours post castration when attempting to rise from recumbency.
