Comparison of Right Flank and Caudal Midline Approaches for Ovariectomy in Gilts

To evaluate the two different approaches to accomplish ovariectomy in gilts was used. The animals were randomly divided into two equal (n = 6) groups of Flank and Midline. Ovariectomy was performed by the right flank approach in group flank and by the caudal midline approach in group Midline. In the present study surgical, physiological, haematological parameters, postoperative pain scoring, healing time and wound score were assessed. Bleeding was noticed in group Flank compared to group Midline due to surgical trauma to the muscles. The duration of surgery was 43.33±4.08 and 55.83±5.84 minutes and length of surgical incision was 5.03±0.37 and 5.87±0.35 cm in Group Flank and Midline respectively. Post-operative swelling and erythema were noticed in group Flank compare to group Midline. The time taken for the surgical wound to heal was 9.33±0.81 and 10.83±0.75 days in group Flank and group Midline respectively. There was no significant variation in physiological parameters like heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature in both the groups and within the groups of different periods. There was no significant variation in haematological parameters like haemoglobin and PCV in both the groups except for TLC in group Midline. Based on the observations and evaluation made during the present study, it was concluded that no clinical and haematological alterations were observed in gilts undergoing open ovariectomy (OVE) through the caudal midline and right flank approach. Therefore, both the right flank and caudal midline approaches could be implemented effectively for ovariectomy in gilts. However, the flank approach was less time consuming and the length of surgical incision was comparatively less to the caudal midline approach. Hence, the results show that the right flank approach can be a good alternative to the caudal midline approach for ovariectomy in gilts.