What ‘knot’ to do whilst castrating donkeys. A retrospective comparison of ligation method on spermatic cord haemorrhage in 261 donkeys castrated by vet students in rural Malawi using transfixing and modified millers’ ligatures.

The research article compares the effectiveness of two methods of ligation (tying) during the castration of donkeys. It concluded that the modified millers’ knot is safer and easier to implement than the transfixing ligature method.

Objective of the Study

The main goal of this retrospective study was to compare the complication rates associated with the use of two different ligature methods during the castration of donkeys. This was conducted in rural areas of Malawi.

Methodology

• Data for the research was collected from veterinary education clinics in Malawi from the period of February 2020 to August 2024.
• The candidate donkeys were all those which were presented for castration operations in community clinics during this entire period, and all procedures were performed by trained vet students.
• During castration of these donkeys, two ligature methods were practiced. Before and until February 2024 transfixing ligature method was used, thereafter, modified millers’ knot method was applied. Detailed records were kept regarding the donkey’s age, weight, and notes about the occurrence of haemorrhage.

Results of the Study

• Total 261 donkeys were sampled for this research study, and the average age of these animals was 4 years.
• The chance of haemorrhage was found to be higher in donkeys where the transfixing ligature was used compared to those where the modified millers’ knot method was applied.
• No significant differences were observed between the two treatment groups in terms of the donkeys’ age or weight. Similarly, the factor of haemorrhage did not show any substantial correlation with the age or weight of the donkeys.

Conclusions from the Study

• This research is the first of its kind to compare the results of these two particular ligation methods in donkey castration.
• The modified millers’ knot exhibited superior characteristics in that it was easier to apply and provided better haemostasis (stopping of bleeding).
• Hence, based on the findings, it is recommended that the modified millers’ knot should be preferred over the transfixing ligature for the ligation of the spermatic cord in donkeys undergoing castration.