Laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy with barbed suture in a ram

A 7-month-old Hampshire ram, with no history of trauma or breeding, was referred for treatment of acute, unilateral scrotal swelling. Physical examination revealed a moderately sized, soft, left-sided, non-reducible swelling of the proximal scrotum and mild swelling of the scrotal neck. Ultrasound evaluation of the scrotum revealed morphologically normal testicles and a mild accumulation of free fluid in the left vaginal tunic. Unilateral, laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy under general anesthesia was performed. The herniated omentum was reduced and barbed suture was used to imbricate the internal inguinal ring and the vaginal ring. No recurrence of herniation was reported 5 months after surgery.Key clinical message:Laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy with barbed suture can be a safe and effective means of scrotal hernia resolution in a ram. When performed by a competent surgeon experienced in laparoscopy, this treatment for inguinal and scrotal herniation may minimize post-operative pain, provide a rapid return to function, and preserve normal testicular and scrotal anatomy.     

Inguinal rupture with herniation of the urinary bladder through the scrotal fascia in a Shetland pony foal

Herniation of the urinary bladder in the inguinal region has not previously been described in the horse. A case of inguinal rupture with herniation of the bladder through the scrotal fascia in a 3‐month‐old Shetland pony, diagnosed by external palpation, urinary catheterisation and external ultrasonographic examination is reported. Surgical management of the case was by dissection of the scrotal fascia, partial cystectomy and unilateral castration. During the period of hospitalisation the only complication was a slight seroma, which resolved spontaneously. Follow‐up after 6 months did not reveal any abnormality.     

SCROTAL VESICLE SEMINAL HERNIA IN AN INTACT MALE DOMESTIC GUINEA PIG

A 9-month-old intact male guinea pig was presented with a 2-week history of progressive swelling involving the right scrotal sac. Physical examination revealed a soft mass involving the caudal aspect of the right scrotal sac. Subsequent radiographic evaluation of the affected area confirmed a soft tissue subcutaneous swelling. Ultrasonography revealed a hyperechogenic homogenous structure with normal hemodynamic pattern within the right scrotum, and an enlarged right inguinal ring measuring 8 to 9 mm. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed a right seminal vesicle herniation into the scrotum. The vesicle was reduced into the abdominal cavity, after which an abdominal castration and inguinal herniorrhaphy were performed. Five months postsurgery the patient was doing well without recurrence of herniation.     

Anaerobic peritonitis caused by Clostridium septicum as a complication of routine castration in a 2‐year‐old Warmblood horse

This case report describes an unusual case of anaerobic peritonitis in a 2‐year‐old horse following castration. The horse was evaluated 2 weeks following castration for signs of acute, severe abdominal pain and swelling surrounding a previous castration site. Physical examination revealed marked scrotal and ventral abdominal oedema that was cool and crepitant upon palpation. Ultrasonographic evaluation was unrewarding because gas shadowing distributed throughout the subcutis prevented imaging of the abdominal cavity. Ventral midline celiotomy revealed a copious amount of malodorous, serosangious, cloudy peritoneal fluid that was submitted for culture. Abdominal exploration revealed the gastrointestinal tract to be in its anatomically correct position. There was diffuse petechiation of the small intestine and large intestine, oedema and crepitant swelling surrounding the left inguinal ring and body wall. The abdomen was lavaged with 10 l of sterile saline prior to closure of the celiotomy and the left castration incision was opened digitally, releasing a large volume of serosanguinous fluid and gas that flowed freely from the incision site and deeper inguinal tissues. The horse was placed in the recovery box where it suffered cardiac arrest. Culture of the peritoneal fluid revealed heavy growth of Clostridium septicum. This case of anaerobic peritonitis represents an unusual complication following castration not previously reported in the horse.     

Inguinal-Scrotal Urinary Bladder Hernia in an Intact Male Domestic Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

An 8-year-old intact male dwarf rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was presented with a 2-month history of unilateral scrotal swelling. The external physical examination of the rabbit patient confirmed the severe, unilateral, fluid-filled scrotal distention. Radiographic images of the effected scrotum revealed a soft tissue swelling in the area of the left testicle, and the absence of the urinary bladder in the caudal abdomen. Ultrasonography verified the presence of a fluid-filled mass in the scrotum, enveloping the left testicle. A fine-needle aspiration of the scrotal mass yielded urine, thus a diagnosis of a nonreducible herniation of the urinary bladder into the scrotum was made. An inguinal herniorrhaphy was performed, and the bladder was successfully reduced into the abdominal cavity. A bilateral routine castration and left scrotal ablation were also performed. Two months after surgery no recurrence was noted, and the patient had normal urinary function. Inguino-scrotal bladder herniation is rare in both humans and animals. Male rabbits are predisposed to inguinal and scrotal hernias because their inguinal rings remain open throughout life. Herniation of the urinary bladder should be considered as a differential diagnosis when intact male rabbits are presented with unilateral scrotal swelling.     

Simultaneous presence of a seminoma and a leiomyoma in the testes of a horse

An 18‐year‐old stallion was presented for castration because of insidious, bilateral scrotal enlargement of one year's duration. The left testis was firm, while the right was soft and lobulated; both were larger than normal. Palpation of the scrotum and its contents did not cause the horse to show signs of discomfort. Ultrasonography of scrotal contents revealed abnormal, heterogeneous tissue with ill defined regions of hyper‐ and hypoechogenity throughout both testes. Several hours after admission the horse developed severe signs of colic. On the basis of anamnesis, clinical findings, and results of ultrasonography and transrectal palpation bilateral testicular neoplasia and incarcerated inguinal hernia were tentatively diagnosed. Because the horse's owner did not consent to surgical treatment, the stallion was subjected to euthanasia. Histological and immunohistochemical examination of the testicular tissue collected post mortem revealed a seminoma in the left testis and a leiomyoma in the right testis. The post mortem examination also revealed incarceration of the small intestine in addition to the testicular tumours. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the simultaneous presence of bilateral, yet different testicular tumour types in a stallion.     

Results and complications of a novel technique for primary castration with an inguinal approach in horses

Reasons for performing study: Complications associated with equine castration can have medical and financial consequences. This retrospective study investigated a novel method of castration via an inguinal approach in mature stallions and compared the incidence of complications with other methods. Hypothesis: Castration via an inguinal approach has a low complication rate at the site of surgery compared with other castration techniques. Methods: Mature stallions (n = 238) were castrated under general anaesthesia in dorsal recumbency using an inguinal approach. The vaginal process was incised, the spermatic cord ligated twice and the testis removed. After suturing, the vaginal process and one or 2 layers of fascia, the subcutis and cutis were closed in a simple continuous pattern. Results: Five of 238 (2.1%) horses had post operative haemorrhage and a haematoma in the scrotal region, which required additional treatment. All horses made a full recovery. Five of 238 (2.1%) of the horses had a post operative respiratory infection, which resolved with antibiotic therapy. Sixteen of 238 (8.8%) had transient signs of colic shortly after surgery. Conclusion: This technique of castration with an inguinal approach had a low incidence of complications at the site of surgery compared with other methods. An inguinal approach and leaving the vaginal tunic in situ may cause less soft tissue trauma than a scrotal approach.     

Evaluation of ‘Section‐Ligation‐Release (SLR)’ Technique Devised for Castration in the Stallion

A novel technique [Section‐Ligation‐Release (SLR)] was evaluated for castration in the horse. Clinical traits, serum testosterone concentrations after challenge with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and histopathological changes of the testicular tissue were assessed. Five stallions, aged 24–48 months, were castrated using SLR technique under general anaesthesia. Both spermatic cords in each stallion were exposed at the scrotal neck by two 5‐cm long incisions, followed by sharp dissection through the parietal vaginal tunic. Both vascular and non‐vascular structures in the cords were triple clamped, transected and ligated. Both testes were left in situ. Serum testosterone concentrations were measured pre‐operatively and at 2 months after castration following IV administration of 1 × 10⁴ IU of hCG. Both testes from each castrate were collected at 2 months for histopathologic examination. SLR castration was successfully achieved. Moderated scrotal and preputial swelling was the only experienced short‐term complication. Serum testosterone concentrations were significantly lower than basal pre‐operative levels at 2 months after castration, and did not respond to hCG. On histopathology, hyalinization of the seminiferous tubules and loss of testicular interstitial tissue were indicative of complete avascular necrosis. This novel primary closure castration technique of stallion is a simple practical method, with minimal post‐operative complications; and could be safely advocated as an alternative to the traditional castration techniques allowing for second intention healing of scrotal wounds.     

Pyometra with inguinal herniation of the left uterine horn and omentum in a Beagle dog

Objective: To describe a unique case of pyometra with inguinal herniation of the left uterine horn and omentum. Case summary: A 7‐year‐old, 19 kg, intact female Beagle dog presented for surgical treatment of presumptive pyometra and biopsy of a caudal abdominal mass in the left inguinal mammary gland region. Ventral midline celiotomy was performed, and a distended, fluid‐filled uterus with passage of the distal aspect of the left uterine horn through the left vaginal process into the inguinal canal was identified. The patient recovered uneventfully following ovariohysterectomy and left inguinal herniorrhaphy. New or unique information provided: This is the first documented report of inguinal herniation of a uterine horn associated with a pyometra.     

Congenital Abnormality of the Vagina Complicated by Haemato‐Pyocolpos in a 1‐Year Labrador Retriever

A 1‐year‐old female Labrador retriever was referred with a few days history of haematic‐like vulvar discharge. Physical examination, vaginal inspection and palpation did not reveal any remarkable finding. Transabdominal ultrasound showed echogenic fluid accumulation in the vagina suggesting haemato‐pyocolpos. An exploratory laparotomy was performed: a well‐delimited ectasic vagina was identified. Ovariohysterectomy and partial vaginectomy and vaginoplasty were performed to spay the bitch and to remove the ectasic vagina. Post‐operative recovery and 12‐month follow‐up were uneventful. Clinical, morphological and histological findings were consistent with a congenital abnormality of the muscular layer of the vagina complicated by haemato‐pyocolpos. The disorganization of the vaginal tunica muscularis may have acted as locus minoris resistentiae in the vaginal wall. The organ was dilated and atonic due to the gradual accumulation of physiological fluids complicated by an overgrowth of genital bacteria. This congenital disorder has to be taken into account as differential diagnosis of haemato‐pyocolpos with vaginal discharge in young bitches.     

Experimentally induced testicular alterations in boars: hormonal changes in mature and peripubertal boars

Eleven sexually mature boars and 10 peripubertal boars were used to study the effects of elevated testicular temperature on plasma hormonal levels. The scrotum of the boars was covered with a textile-aluminium foil insulation device for 100 h. Insulation of the scrotum in the peripubertal boars took place at an age of 100 days. Blood samples were drawn 3 times daily for 12 days in the mature boars, starting 3 days before scrotal insulation. In the peripubertal boars, blood sampling was performed once a day for 11 days, starting the first day of scrotal insulation. During scrotal insulation, the plasma levels of testosterone, oestradiol-17 beta and oestrone sulphate decreased continuously in the mature boars. After removal of the scrotal insulation device there was a continuously increase, back to normal levels of oestradiol-17 beta and oestrone sulphate. The plasma levels of testosterone showed an immediate rise of brief duration after removal of the device in 5 of the boars, while in the other 6 boars the rise in testosterone levels came 4 days after removal and lasted for 3 days. In the peripubertal boars, there were no significant differences in the hormone levels between the experimental and control animals during and after scrotal insulation. However, the decrease in testosterone concentration over time, during scrotal insulation, was significant within the experimental group.     

Unilateral testicular mastocytoma in a Peruvian Paso stallion

A 12‐year‐old Peruvian Paso stallion was examined for scrotal swelling and unilateral testicular enlargement of 4–6 weeks duration. Physical examination and ultrasonography of the scrotum revealed an enlarged, nonpainful right testis with a well encapsulated mass at the cranial‐medial aspect containing echodense flocculent material. Unilateral castration was performed and the testis, spermatic cord and vaginal tunic were submitted for histological examination, which revealed a mastocytoma with accompanying evidence of malignancy. Short‐term follow‐up examination did not reveal any evidence of abdominal metastasis and the stallion has since successfully achieved pregnancy in a small number of mares. Although considered rare, mast cell neoplasia should be considered as a differential diagnosis when unilateral testicular enlargement is encountered.     

Clinical and Pathological Findings of a Sac‐like Formation in the Tunica Vaginalis of a Nelore (Bos indicus) Bull

A seven‐month‐old purebred Nelore calf was diagnosed with a bilateral finger‐shaped swelling although more prominent at the left side of the scrotum, located longitudinal and parallel to epididymis corpus. The finding was present from 7 months of age up to castration (performed at 25 months of age). Scrotal circumference, testicular and epididymis consistency and symmetry as well as seminal quality were normal during the follow‐up period. The ultrasonographic appearance of the scrotal wall, pampiniform plexus, gonad and epididymis was normal. However, an anechoic region surrounded by a wall forming a sac‐like structure with a blind end at its dorsal pole was seen on the swelling area. The examination of fluid aspirated from the saccular contents revealed the presence of mononuclear cells mainly from lymphocytic and histiocytic type as well as some loosing degenerated mesothelial cells. Gross examination at castration revealed a blind sac‐like appendix derived from an evagination in the parietal layer of the tunica vaginalis. The structure of approximately 5.0 cm in length extended from the dorsal edge of the epididymis cauda. No adherences with surrounded tissues were observed. Histopathology of the sac wall showed a smooth inner surface composed by scarce mesothelial cells forming in some areas papillary‐like projections protruding to the vaginal cavity. Underneath, a thick layer of fibrous tissue mixed with collagen fibres and mononuclear inflammatory cells were seen. The potential consequences of this saccular formation at an older age in a bull are unknown.     

Ultrasonographic detection of chronic epididymitis in a stallion

Clinical signs of chronic epididymitis in a stallion included recurrent signs of inguinal pain--retraction of the right testis into the inguinal area, resentment of palpation of the right testis, and right-sided scrotal swelling. The tail of the right epididymis was firm and seemed to be adhered to the testis. The tail of the left epididymis felt firmer than normal. Ultrasonographically, the diameter of the head of the epididymis was considered larger than normal, was hyperechoic in relation to the right testis, and had an irregular border. Several bright 1- to 5-mm-diameter echogenic areas that alternated with less echogenic areas were seen in the head of the right epididymis. Ultrasonographic findings were interpreted as fibrosis attributable to chronic inflammation. Unilateral castration (right-sided) was performed, but the prognosis was guarded because of presumed involvement of the left epididymis.     

Bilateral leiomyoma in the testes of a horse

A 19‐year‐old Hackney pony was referred to a veterinary teaching hospital for further investigation of left‐sided scrotal enlargement. Both testes were normally positioned within the scrotum and there was no pain on palpation. Ultrasonography revealed multiple masses of soft tissue echogenicity, located adjacent to the testicular parenchyma. They were hyperechoic when compared to the testicular parenchyma and affected both testes. Surgical excision was performed by closed castration. Gross examination revealed firm, white, nodular masses of varying size on the surface of both testes. The cut surface of individual masses had a dense, whorling, fibrous and somewhat shiny appearance. The histopathological diagnosis was bilateral, multicentric, well differentiated leiomyoma of the tunica albuginea. The smooth muscle origin was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining with an anti‐human monoclonal antibody reactive to smooth muscle actin. This is the first report of a bilateral, multicentric, leiomyoma in the testes of a horse confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. This case highlights that neoplasia should be considered as a differential for bilateral testicular enlargement.     

Effect of Short‐Term Scrotal Hyperthermia on Spermatological Parameters,Testicular Blood Flow and Gonadal Tissue in Dogs

The objective was to assess the effect of a short‐term scrotal hyperthermia in dogs on quantitative and qualitative ejaculate parameters, testicular blood flow and testicular and epididymal histology. After a control period, the scrotum of seven normospermic adult beagle dogs was insulated with a self‐made suspensory for 48 h. Nine weeks later, two animals were castrated, while in five animals, scrotal hyperthermia was repeated. Dogs were castrated either 10 or 40 days thereafter. In each phase of scrotal insulation, average scrotal surface temperature increased by 3.0°C. Semen was collected twice weekly throughout the experiment. Total sperm count did not change after the first hyperthermia, but it slightly decreased after the second (p < 0.05). Profiles of sperm morphology and velocity parameters (CASA) rather indicated subtle physiological variations in sperm quality than effects of a local heat stress. Chromatin stability of ejaculated spermatozoa as indicated by SCSA remained constant throughout the experiment. Perfusion characteristics of the gonads, that is, systolic peak velocity, pulsatility and resistance index at the marginal location of the testicular artery, did not change due to hyperthermia (p > 0.05). Histological examination of excised testes and epididymides for apoptotic (TUNEL and activated caspase‐3) and proliferating cells (Ki‐67 antigen) indicated only marginal effects of scrotal insulation on tissue morphology. In conclusion, a mild short‐term scrotal hyperthermia in dogs does not cause substantial changes in sperm quantity and quality. In contrast to other species, canine testes and epididymides may have a higher competence to compensate such thermal stress.     

Septic periorchitis in a horse

A 2-month-old Standard-bred colt with signs of abdominal pain and large scrotum was found to have septic periorchitis involving the right testis. Surgical exploration of the abdomen and scrotum was performed; the colt was then castrated. Actinobacillus equuli was isolated from specimens obtained at surgery. The colt was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and flunixin meglumine after surgery, and fully recovered. The clinical signs of periorchitis in the colt were similar to an inguinal/scrotal hernia.     

Management of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) in dogs with diamond burr debridement and placement of a bandage contact lens

Objective To describe the outcome of canine spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCED) treated with diamond burr debridement (DBD) and bandage contact lens placement (BCL). Animal studied Forty eyes of 36 dogs presenting to a single private practice. Procedures A retrospective review of medical records was performed. Cases were eligible for inclusion if they were newly diagnosed with SCCED by a veterinary ophthalmologist and treated with DBD/BCL. All patients received a complete ocular examination followed by DBD using a battery‐powered, handheld motorized burr (Algerbrush^®, Alger Equipment Company, Lago Vista, TX, USA). A BCL was placed post‐debridement in all patients. Data were analyzed for sex, age, breed, duration of clinical signs prior to DBD; number of debridements required before healing was achieved; contact lens retention, complications attributed to DBD, and additional surgical interventions were required to achieve healing. Results The median time to first recheck examination was 7 days (IQR 7–9 days) with 28/40 (70%) of cases healed at this examination. The mean time to second recheck examination was 15.5 ± 5.5 days with 37/40 (92.5%) healed by this examination. The median time to final recheck examination was 19 days (IQR 18–35.5 days) with a range of 18–52 days. All cases resolved by the third and final recheck examination. A second DBD/BCL was performed in 5/40 (12.5%) of cases. The BCL retention rate was 95% over all examination time points. No case required a keratectomy or other surgical intervention to achieve healing. The only complication observed was one case of suspected bacterial keratitis post‐DBD/BCL. Conclusions Results suggest that DBD/BCL is safe and effective for treatment of canine SCCED.     

Surgical Repair of an Inguinal Herniation of the Urinary Bladder in an Intact Female Domestic Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

A 4-month-old intact female domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was evaluated for a recent onset of lethargy, anorexia, foul-smelling red urine, diarrhea, and a soft subcutaneous swelling in the inguinal region. Physical examination confirmed the presence of a flocculent subcutaneous swelling in the ventral pelvic region. Whole body radiographs showed an approximately 5 × 3.5 × 3.5 cm structure of mineral opacity within the subcutaneous tissues ventral to the pelvic girdle. Cytology of fluid aspirated from the mass and an excretory urogram supported the diagnosis of a herniation of the urinary bladder through the right caudoventral abdominal body wall. The hernia was successfully repaired with an inguinal herniorrhaphy and replacement of the bladder within the abdominal cavity. The etiology of this herniation could not be definitively determined but was likely congenital or non-traumatically acquired in origin. This is the first published report describing the surgical repair of an inguinal herniation and incarceration of the urinary bladder in an intact female rabbit.     

Ultrasonographic Examination of the Scrotal Content in the Rabbit

This study was performed to describe a practical technique for ultrasound examination of the scrotal content of the rabbit. The scrotal content of normal rabbits and those with induced lesions (i.e. needle biopsy of the testis and epididymal ligation) were viewed using a portable scanner connected to a 5 or 7.5 MHz real time, B-mode linear array transducer. The effect of frequency (5 and 7.5 MHz), pad material placed under the testicle (rubber, plastic and carton) and the presence of a water sack between the probe and organ were examined to optimize the technique. The best image quality was obtained using a 5-MHz probe when the testicle was fixed on a rubber pad and covered by a water sack. Testicular parenchyma was imaged as homogeneous and moderately echoic. Caput and cauda epididymis were identified as homogeneous and less echoic compared with the testis parenchyma. Variations in the testicular echotexture that occur secondarily to epididymal ligation and testis biopsy could be screened readily. In conclusion, real-time ultrasonography, performed as described in this study, may provide a valuable tool to screen scrotal contents and to identify certain pathological conditions that affect fertility in the rabbit.