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Complications and risk factors of castration with primary wound closure: Retrospective study in 159 horses.

Abstract: Castration with primary wound closure reportedly has lower complication rates and shorter recovery periods compared to castration with second intention healing. However, little is known about risk factors associated with complications using primary wound closure. Medical records of 159 horses castrated and having primary wound closure were reviewed. Main short-term complications were: scrotal hematoma in 12 horses (7.6%), signs of colic in 6 horses (3.8%), fever in 4 horses (2.5%), and peri-incisional edema in 3 horses (1.9%). As for long-term complications, 24 out of 105 (23%) horses sustained some form of edema. One horse was euthanized because of a suspected inguinal abscess. Among tested parameters, horses aged 3 to 6 years old and French trotters appeared to be more at risk of developing complications. Intraoperative ligation of the cremaster muscle and use of electrocautery prevented complications. Overall, client satisfaction was excellent (98%). Complications et facteurs de risque de la castration avec fermeture des plaies par première intention : étude rétrospective chez 159 chevaux. La castration avec fermeture des plaies par première intention a un taux de complications plus faible et une période de convalescence plus courte que la castration avec cicatrisation par seconde intention. Cependant, on en sait peu sur les facteurs de risque associés aux complications en utilisant la technique de fermeture des plaies par première intention. Les dossiers médicaux de 159 chevaux castrés de cette façon ont été examinés. Les complications à court terme sont les suivantes: hématome scrotal chez 12 chevaux (7,6 %), signes de coliques chez 6 chevaux (3,8 %), fièvre chez 4 chevaux (2,5 %) et de l’œdème péri-incisionel chez 3 chevaux (1,9 %). En ce qui concerne les complications à long terme, 24 sur 105 (23 %) chevaux ont présenté un certain degré d’œdème. Un cheval a été euthanasié à cause d’un probable abcès inguinal. Parmi les paramètres testés, les chevaux âgés de 3 à 6 ans et les Trotteurs Français semblent être plus à risque de développer des complications. En outre, la ligature peropératoire du muscle crémaster et l’utilisation du bistouri électrique semblent prévenir les complications. Dans l’ensemble, la satisfaction des clients était excellente (98 %).(Traduit par les auteurs).
Publication Date: 2017-05-11 PubMed ID: 28487590PubMed Central: PMC5394602
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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The research is about the examination of medical records of 159 horses that underwent castration with primary wound closure. The study aimed to identify complications and risk factors related to this procedure.

Objective of the Research

  • The primary objective of this study was to understand the complications and risk factors associated with castration performed with primary wound closure in horses.

Methodology

  • The researchers analyzed the medical records of 159 horses that underwent castration involving primary wound closure.
  • They identified and noted both short-term and long-term complications post-surgery.

Findings

  • The most common short-term complications were scrotal hematoma (occurred in 12 horses), signs of colic (in 6 horses), fever (in 4 horses), and peri-incisional edema or swelling near the incision (in 3 horses).
  • Long-term complications were primarily a form of edema, suffered by 24 out of 105 horses.
  • In the most severe case, one horse was euthanized due to a suspected inguinal abscess, which could be an accumulation of pus in the groin area.
  • It was found that horses aged between 3 and 6 years old and French trotters were more likely to develop complications.

Risk Management

  • The study identified that the intraoperative ligation of the cremaster muscle, the muscle that controls testicular contractions, and the use of electrocautery (electrically induced heat) for cutting or coagulating tissue, prevented complications.

Outcome

  • Despite the complications identified, client satisfaction with the procedure was very high, at around 98%.

In conclusion, the research highlighted the risks associated with castration with primary wound closure and proposed measures to prevent potential complications. The age of the horse and its breed seemed to play a role in the likelihood of complications, but the overall satisfaction level indicates a positive review of the procedure.

Cite This Article

APA
Robert MP, Chapuis RJJ, de Fourmestraux C, Geffroy OJ. (2017). Complications and risk factors of castration with primary wound closure: Retrospective study in 159 horses. Can Vet J, 58(5), 466-471.

Publication

ISSN: 0008-5286
NlmUniqueID: 0004653
Country: Canada
Language: English
Volume: 58
Issue: 5
Pages: 466-471

Researcher Affiliations

Robert, Mickaël P
  • Oniris - CISCO, Site de la Chantrerie, CS 40706, 44307 NANTES Cedex 03, France.
Chapuis, Ronan J J
  • Oniris - CISCO, Site de la Chantrerie, CS 40706, 44307 NANTES Cedex 03, France.
de Fourmestraux, Claire
  • Oniris - CISCO, Site de la Chantrerie, CS 40706, 44307 NANTES Cedex 03, France.
Geffroy, Olivier J
  • Oniris - CISCO, Site de la Chantrerie, CS 40706, 44307 NANTES Cedex 03, France.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Castration / adverse effects
  • Castration / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / prevention & control
  • Horses / surgery
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Postoperative Complications / veterinary
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Wound Healing
  • Wounds and Injuries / veterinary

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