Pinhole castration technique: an alternative to orchiectomy in stray dogs.

The study evaluates a pinhole castration technique in male stray dogs. Animals (n=18) were randomly allotted to 2 groups: group I (n=12, pinhole castration) and group II (n=6, sham control). Percutaneous (in situ) spermatic cord ligation was performed under xylazine-ketamine anesthesia in all animals of group I. Scrotal and the testicular dimensions and testicular volume were measured on day 28 followed by bilateral orchiectomy in both the groups. Significantly lower readings were obtained from animals of group I when compared with pre-ligation readings as well as the corresponding readings from group II animals. In ligated animals volume of testicles showed a reduction by 40.57%. Histopathological examination of testicles revealed degeneration and atrophy in Group I animals. On the whole pinhole castration was found effective, minimally invasive, cheap, simple and a quick technique for male dog sterilization with potential for adoption in large-scale animal birth control programs.

Minimally invasive surgical tube cystotomy for treating obstructive urolithiasis in small ruminants with an intact urinary bladder.

Ten young, male, entire small ruminants (seven kids and three lambs) with obstructive urolithiasis, which were presented within three days of complete blockage and before rupture of the urinary bladder and urethra, underwent a minimally invasive surgical tube cystotomy through the left paralumbar fossa. The catheter was placed in the bladder lumen through a metallic cannula and fixed to the skin with a stay suture. Surgery was performed with the animal standing (six cases) or in right lateral recumbency (four cases) on the day of presentation. All animals were discharged the same day. Eight animals urinated normally within a mean of seven days (range four to 10 days). One animal had a blockage of urine flow as a result of kinking of the catheter on the third postoperative day, and in another the catheter collapsed on the fourth postoperative day. These were managed by a second, conventional surgical tube cystotomy. No recurrence of the condition was noticed in any of the animals during a six-month follow-up period.