Neuter/ Castration Flashcards
Why Neuter?
◦ Sterilization
◦ Population control
◦ Elimination of male characteristics
◦ Removes primary source of testosterone
◦ Roaming behaviors
◦ Aggression [cats vs. dogs]
◦ Odor or urine [cats]
◦ Disease control/treatment
What are other medical terms that mean neuter?
- Neuter
- Castration
- Orchiectomy
- Orchidectomy
What is a neuter?
Surgical removal of both testicles [regardless of location]
What are testicles?
◦ Testicle
◦ Male reproductive gland that produces sperm
What patients are usually undergoing routine/ elective neuters?
What is another reason patients would be neutered in a non routine way?
When would you neuter in happy healthy dogs?
6 months- 2 years
When would you neuter in happy healthy cats?
6 + months
What is cryptorchidism?
◦ One or both testicles do not descend from the
abdomen
In a cryptorchid patient, where can you usually find the retained testicles?
◦ Retained testicles can be either:
◦ Inguinal
◦ Abdomina
On physical exam what can retained testicles mimic?
May be able to palpate in the inguinal canal. Some may present as abdominal mass.
If secondary to a sertoli cell tumor, what can you see on physical exam?
Alopecia/ enlarged mammary glands
What is testicular hypoplasia/ atrophy? Are there clinical signs? What can you see in the testicles?
What is scrotal or testicular trauma? What may be seen?
What is testicular torsion? What can be seen?
What are prostatic diseases that would indicate the patient should be neutered?
What are the clinical signs of patients with prostatic diseases that would indicate neuter?
What are potential neoplasias that would indicate neuter?
What are clinical signs of neoplasia that would indicate neuter?
What is orchitis? Epididymitis?
What clinical signs can be seen with orchitis/epididymitis? Is it an indication to neuter?
It is an indication to neuter.
What is a perineal hernia? What are the clinical signs? Is it an indication to neuter?
It is an indication to neuter
Recap: What are the reasons you would neuter a patient other than routine neuters?
- Cryptorchidism
- Testicular Hypoplasia/Atrophy
- Scrotal or testicular trauma
- Testicular torsion
- Prostatic Diseases
- Neoplasia
- Orchitis
- Epididymitis
- Perineal Hernia
POTENT TCP
What are the steps to a pre scrotal approach for a neuter?
1.) Isolate testicle with non dominant hand, and push up away from scrotum and towards prepuce.
2.) Make incision on median raphe, directly over testicle ( 10-15 blade)
3.)Incise SQ tissue to expose testicles. ( use mosquitos to control SQ bleeders)
4.) Incise up to internal spermatic fascia/ parietal vaginal tunic.
5.) Dissect scrotal ligament ( using gause or blunt dissection with a blade) to release testicle. (Grab spermatic cord at caudal end of incision and pull cranially)
6.) Once released, strip fat and SQ tissue until spermatic cord is isolated.
7.) Use 3 clamp technique applied proximal to the testicle on the spermatic cord. Apply 2 ligatures (circumfrential and transfixing ligature)
8.) Check for bleeders after both testicles removed.
9.) SQ tissue closure. (prevents scrotal hematomas) Be careful not to include retractor penis muscle (Use simple continuous)
10.) Skin closure ( intradermal, simple interrupted
What are the steps to the 3 clamp technique?
1.) 3 hemostats are applied proximal to the testicle. Make sure if they are curved that they are pointing up.
2.) 2 ligatures are applied, a circumfrential, and a transfixing which should be the most distal ligature.
Testicular pedicle can then be transected.
Where is the first ligature placed in the 3 clamp technique?
◦ 1st Ligature (A)
◦ Placed on “crushed” tissue once proximal hemostat is removed. This will be the hemastat closest to body wall.
◦ Circumferential: Miller’s knot, Modified miller’s knot, Surgeons knot, Square knot
Where is the 2nd ligature placed in the 3 clamp techique?
◦ 2nd Ligature (B)
◦ Placed between 1st ligature and middle hemostat
◦ Loosen the forceps while first 2 throws of ligature are
being secured (aka “flash) and then re-clamp
- Circumferential: Miller’s knot, Modified miller’s knot, Square knot
◦ Transfixing: Only applied on most distal ligature: 2 knots
◦ Transect testicular pedicle between 2 clamps
How many ligatures should be placed on the spermatic cord for small dogs?
◦ 1 – 2 ligatures for small dog
How many ligatures should be placed on the spermatic cord for large dogs?
◦ Minimum 2 ligatures for large dogs
Where do you transec the testicular pedicle after placing your ligatures?
◦ Transect testicular pedicle between 2 clamps