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Laparoscopic methods for castration of equids.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate 2 laparoscopic techniques for castration of horses.


DESIGN
Prospective, randomized trial.


ANIMALS
6 sexually intact male ponies.


PROCEDURE
Ponies were anesthetized and placed in dorsal recumbency. By means of restricted randomization, 1 testis in each pony was selected to undergo in situ destruction (i.e., vascular cauterization and ligation with the testis left in situ); the other testis was pulled back into the abdomen and removed. Baseline and stimulated testosterone concentrations were determined preoperatively and postoperatively. After euthanasia, the in situ testes were examined histologically.


RESULTS
There were no surgical complications. In all ponies, postoperative baseline and stimulated testosterone concentrations were consistent with castration. The testicular parenchyma of the testes that had been left in situ underwent coagulative necrosis.


CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
In ponies and juvenile stallions, normally descended testes can be removed laparoscopically. Nonpalpable inguinal testes can be left in situ after laparoscopically ligating and transecting the testicular artery and vein. Additional experience with these approaches is necessary before their use can be recommended in mature stallions.