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Published on: May 7, 2011
Comparison of two techniques for castration of llamas
A N Baird1, D G Pugh, J G Wenzel
1Department of Large Animal Surgery and Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL 36849-5522, USA.
Objective:
To compare a prescrotal castration technique with the conventional bilateral scrotal incision technique for castration of llamas.
Design:
Prospective randomized controlled trial.
Animals:
10 clinically normal, sexually intact male llamas.
Procedure:
Five llamas were castrated by use of a 5-cm skin incision located 2 to 3 cm lateral to the ventral midline and approximately 15 cm cranial to the scrotum, which was closed with absorbable suture material to allow primary healing. Five other llamas were castrated via a more conventional technique, with a 5-cm scrotal incision positioned directly over each testis, which was allowed to heal by second intention.
Results:
The prescrotal technique required significantly more time to complete; however, no additional anesthesia was required to complete the longer procedure. Llamas castrated with the prescrotal technique required less aftercare and had less incisional pain when the area was palpated.
Clinical Implications:
Both techniques are safe and effective. Some clients, however, find the prescrotal technique more aesthetically acceptable. The prescrotal technique may be more clinically important where fly control is difficult.
