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Mastectomy in 25 small ruminants (2002-2019)
Jesus A Hermida1, Aubrey N Baird1, Jan F Hawkins1
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, Indiana, USA.
Veterinary Surgery : VS
|September 2, 2020
Summary
Mastectomy effectively removed enlarged udders in small ruminants due to various causes. This surgical procedure, including unilateral and total mastectomy, demonstrated a low complication rate and high client satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Small Ruminant Medicine
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Abnormally enlarged udders in small ruminants can result from chronic mastitis, inappropriate lactation, idiopathic conditions, or neoplasia.
- Surgical intervention, such as mastectomy, is considered for managing these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of unilateral and bilateral mastectomy in small ruminants using three distinct surgical techniques.
- To assess the efficacy and complication rates associated with mastectomy for various mammary gland conditions.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study reviewed medical records of 25 small ruminants (24 goats, 1 sheep) that underwent mastectomy between 2002 and 2019.
- Data collected included signalment, surgical details, complications, histopathology, and long-term outcomes via owner questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Six unilateral and 19 total mastectomies were performed. All animals survived to discharge.
- Common postoperative complications included seroma (7/25), surgical-site infection (5/25), and dehiscence (3/25).
- Mammary neoplasia was diagnosed in 7 of 15 examined animals; no link was found between technique, neoplasia, and outcome.
Conclusions:
- Mastectomy is an effective treatment for enlarged udders in small ruminants, with a low complication rate.
- Unilateral or total mastectomy, particularly with an inverted cloverleaf incision, can yield successful long-term results with low morbidity and good cosmetic outcomes.
