Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the self-ligation of the spermatic cord and vas deferens in healthy adult dogs undergoing open orchiectomy, through clinical assessment, evaluation of acute inflammation, and surgeon satisfaction. METHODS: Twenty adult male crossbreed dogs were included in the study and were randomly assigned to two groups of ten animals each. The SCT group underwent spermatic cord ligation using absorbable suture material, whereas, in the SCVT group, hemostasis was achieved through self-ligation involving the spermatic duct and vas deferens. The evaluated variables included clinical parameters, acute inflammatory biomarkers, inflammation at the surgical knot site via infrared thermography, surgical time, intraoperative bleeding, and surgeon satisfaction by using standardized scoring systems. RESULTS: Surgical time was significantly shorter in the SCVT group compared to the SCT group (p = 0.021). The total leukocyte count was significantly higher (p = 0.01) in the SCVT group 24 hours after surgery. CONCLUSION: Both techniques proved to be safe and effective for open orchiectomy in healthy, medium-sized, crossbreed adult dogs. The SCVT was faster to perform, but it elicited a greater acute inflammatory response, as indicated by the increased total leukocyte count.