Laparoscopic sterilization vs. open method sterilization in dogs: A comparison of two techniques

Abstract

Ten clinically healthy, adult male dogs randomly equally divided into 2 groups (I and II) were subjected to laparoscopic sterilization and open method castration under xylazine-ketamine anesthesia. In group I laparoscopic vasectomy by cauterization and cutting of the vas deferens was performed and in group II conventional open castration by the pre-scrotal approach was done. Insufflation of the abdominal cavity was achieved with CO2 (2 L/min) at 10 mmHg pressure gradient. Two ports were needed to carry out the operation. Clinical observations revealed no significant changes. Differential leukocyte count (DLC) revealed significant neutrophilia and comparative lymphopenia on the 3rd postoperative day in both the groups. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in plasma alkaline and acid phosphatase level was observed in both the groups on day 3 postoperatively. Indices of oxidative stress viz. lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione activity and acute phase protein, and ceruloplasmin level in plasma did not reveal any major significant changes. Plasma cortisol level did not show any significant change in group I whereas in group II the level increased significantly (P < 0.01) after the operation. No significant change in testosterone level was observed in group I whereas in group II a significant decrease (P < 0.01) was observed immediately after the operation. On the basis of the parameters studied it can be concluded that early healing and better cosmoses were achieved by laparoscopic sterilization (vasectomy) in male dogs as compared to the conventional open method of castration and the technique can be successfully applied for mass sterilization programs. © TÜBİTAK.