Comparison of two techniques for castration of llamas

Abstract

Objective - To compare a prescrotal castration technique with the conventional bilateral scrotal incision technique for castration of llamas. Design - Prospective randomized controlled trial. Animals - 10 clinically normal, sexually intact male llamas. Procedure - Five llamas were castrated by use of a 5-cm skin incision located 2 to 3 cm lateral to the ventral midline and approximately 15 cm cranial to the scrotum, which was closed with absorbable suture material to allow primary healing. Five other llamas were castrated via a more conventional technique, with a 5-cm scrotal incision positioned directly over each testis, which was allowed to heal by second intention. Results - The prescrotal technique required significantly more time to complete; however, no additional anesthesia was required to complete the longer procedure. Llamas castrated with the prescrotal technique required less aftercare and had less incisional pain when the area was palpated. Clinical Implications - Both techniques are safe and effective. Some clients, however, find the prescrotal technique more aesthetically acceptable The prescrotal technique may be more clinically important where fly control is difficult.