Surgical contraception of free‐ranging female capybaras: Description and comparison of open and minimally invasive techniques

Abstract

Objective To develop, describe, and evaluate 2 surgical techniques for contraception of free‐ranging female capybaras. Study design Prospective study. Animals Cadaveric (n = 3) and free‐ranging female capybaras (n = 21). Methods Preliminary studies of surgical anatomy were performed on 3 capybara cadavers. Two different techniques for partial salpingectomy were evaluated in free‐ranging female capybaras: bilateral minilaparotomy (LTG; n = 11) or bilateral laparoscopy (LCG; n = 10). Data concerning body weight, tubal ligation time, total surgical time, incision size, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were analyzed, as well as the clinical status and incisional healing 1 week postoperatively. Results Body weight (P = .214), ligation time of the left uterine tube (P = .901), and total surgical time (P = .473) were similar between the experimental groups. The ligation time of the right uterine tube was shorter in the LCG group (P = .0463). In the LTG, no differences were observed between the sides regarding the incision size (P = .478). No major intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred in either group. One LCG procedure had to be converted to LTG due to technical issues. All skin incisions healed without complication. Conclusion Both procedures showed similar and satisfactory outcomes. Clinical significance The proposed techniques may be a suitable alternative to conventional laparotomy for contraception of female capybaras, especially under field conditions.

Laparoscopic Salpingectomy and Vasectomy to Inhibit Fertility in Free-Ranging Nutrias (Myocastor coypus)

“…The laparoscopic technique (three-port technique and 5 mm laparoscopic instruments) performed is similar to procedures reported in other wild species [ 21 , 35 ]. Trendelenburg positioning, as recommended for reproductive tract surgery in rodents [ 36 ], ensured cranial displacement of the gastrointestinal tract allowing visualization of both salpinges and vasa deferentia and easy surgical resection of the reproductive tracts during laparoscopic procedures.…”

“…Laparoscopic salpingectomy could also be applicable in other female rodents for wildlife reproduction control; however, the technique employed could be adjusted according to the peculiar anatomical features of the considered species. For example, a bilateral laparoscopic approach has been proposed for other hystricomorphic rodents such as capybaras [ 21 ]. On the other hand, laparoscopic vasectomy could be an appropriate technique in other male rodents; in these animals, in fact, a surgical abdominal approach to the gonads is possible, as the presence of a functional cremaster and open inguinal canals allows the migration of the testicles into and out of the abdomen [ 47 ].…”

“…Salpingectomy and vasectomy can be performed using traditional surgical techniques or with minimally invasive surgery (MIS), as already described for control of animal reproduction in various species, such as wild boars, lions, macaques, and dogs [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. However, the application of innovative techniques—although tested on some non-domestic species—must be carefully evaluated before being suggested as routinely suitable on a new species, considering anatomical, biological, and physiological peculiarities [ 21 ].…”

Surgical sterilization of free-ranging capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris): “Passos Nunes” uterine horn ligature

“…The procedure involves ligature of uterine horns, transfixion and partial incision of the distal end of the horn. It allows population control with minimal incision (less than 50mm), reduced surgical time when compared to the traditional tubal ligation methods, as described by Pradere et al (2006) and Yanai et al (2022) , a good exposure of uterine horns, facilitating hysterectomy or hysterotomy when pregnancy is discovered, and efficient sterilization in field conditions, making it an alternative surgical sterilization technique to partial salpingectomy.…”