How to remove testicles from dogs?

How to remove testicles from dogs? - briefly

To remove testicles from a dog, a veterinarian performs a surgical procedure known as neutering or castration. This involves making a small incision in the scrotum, removing both testicles, and then closing the incision with sutures.

How to remove testicles from dogs? - in detail

Removing testicles, known as castration, is a common surgical procedure performed on male dogs for various reasons, including behavioral management and health benefits. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove testicles from dogs:

1. Preparation: Ensure the dog is healthy enough for surgery. Perform pre-anesthetic blood tests to assess organ function and rule out any underlying conditions that could complicate the procedure. Consult with the owner about the benefits and risks of castration, and obtain their informed consent.

2. Anesthesia: Administer a combination of anesthetic drugs to induce unconsciousness and prevent pain during the surgery. Commonly used drugs include propofol for induction and isoflurane or sevoflurane for maintenance. Monitor vital signs throughout the procedure using pulse oximetry, capnography, and electrocardiography.

3. Surgical Site Preparation: Clip the hair from the scrotum and surrounding area, and clean the skin with an antiseptic solution such as chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine to minimize the risk of infection. Drape the surgical field with sterile towels or sheets to maintain aseptic conditions.

4. Surgical Incision: Make a single, midline incision in the scrotum using a scalpel blade. The incision should be long enough to expose both testicles and the spermatic cords (vas deferens, cremaster muscle, and vessels). Be cautious not to damage these structures during the incision.

5. Exposure of Testicles: Gently exteriorize each testicle by grasping the surrounding skin with forceps or hemostats. Avoid grasping the testicle itself to prevent trauma and potential torsion.

6. Ligation and Transection of Spermatic Cord: Using absorbable suture material, such as 3-0 or 4-0 polyglycolic acid (PGA), place two ligatures around the spermatic cord at a distance of approximately 1 cm from each other. The first ligature should be placed closer to the body wall, and the second one closer to the testicle. Tighten the ligatures securely to prevent bleeding and potential herniation of abdominal contents through the incision. Between the two ligatures, transect (cut) the spermatic cord using surgical scissors or a scalpel blade.

7. Removal of Testicles: Gently pull each testicle away from the body wall to ensure that all structures within the spermatic cord have been transected. If necessary, use blunt dissection to separate any remaining attachments. Remove both testicles and place them in a specimen container for histopathological examination if indicated.

8. Hemostasis: Inspect the surgical site for any bleeding vessels and control hemorrhage using hemostatic clips, ligatures, or electrocautery as needed.

9. Closure of Scrotal Incision: Close the scrotal incision using absorbable suture material in a simple interrupted or continuous pattern. Ensure that the skin edges are apposed tightly to minimize the risk of dehiscence (wound breakdown) and prevent the accumulation of fluid or debris within the surgical site.

10. Post-Operative Care: Administer analgesics, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids, to manage post-operative pain. Monitor the dog's recovery from anesthesia and ensure that vital signs remain stable. Provide the owner with instructions for post-operative care, including wound management, activity restriction, and follow-up appointments.

By following these detailed steps, veterinarians can safely and effectively remove testicles from dogs, ensuring optimal outcomes and minimizing potential complications.