Comparative evaluation of pinhole and section ligation release castration techniques in male dogs

The present study was carried out to compare two minimally invasive surgical in situ castration techniques in dogs. Male dogs (n-12) brought to the department for elective castration were randomly divided into two groups comprising six in each group. In Group I, pinhole (PH) castration, and section ligation release (SLR) castration in group II were performed. Physiological parameters, testicular dimensions, haemato-biochemical analysis, ultrasonographic examination and pain scores were recorded on 0th, 3rd, 14th and 28th day. Testicular tissue biopsy sample for histopathological examination were taken on 0th and 28th day. Physiological parameters, testicular breadth and height revealed non-significant variation, while significant difference was observed in testicular circumference and volume in both the groups. Non-significant difference was noted in haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total leucocyte count and differential leucocyte count within or in between the groups. Cortisol and MDA were significantly higher on 3rd day, whereas GSH was significantly lower on 3rd day in comparison to other time intervals in both the groups. Pain scores were significantly higher on 3rd day in both the groups and were also significantly more in group II. Testosterone levels were markedly reduced in both the techniques, but values were significantly lesser in group II as compared to group I. Ultrasonographic and histopathological examination revealed marked testicular degeneration in both the techniques. It was concluded that pinhole castration technique is minimally invasive, less time consuming, economical and has less post-operative complications in comparison to section ligation and release technique.