Diagnosis, surgical treatment, and performance after unilateral castration in breeding bulls: 21 cases (1989-1999).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate signalment, surgical treatment, postoperative complications, and future breeding success or semen production in a group of bulls with naturally occurring disease of the scrotum or testis.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

ANIMALS: 21 bulls that underwent unilateral castration after evaluation for scrotal swelling.

PROCEDURE: A computer-assisted search of medical records at 2 veterinary teaching hospitals was performed. Historical, diagnostic, surgical, and follow-up data were collected and analyzed for those bulls with scrotal swelling that underwent unilateral castration.

RESULTS

Four of 5 pasture breeding bulls and 9 of 10 semen collection-center bulls successfully bred cows or produced viable semen within 6 months of surgery. Fourteen of 21 surgical procedures were performed after induction of general anesthesia. Sixty-six percent of procedures were performed as open castrations. Seventy-one percent of bulls developed postoperative complications, most of which were mild swellings. Unilateral castration returned 13 of 15 bulls with unilateral disease of the scrotum or testis to productive service by 6 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Unilateral castration is an effective treatment for unilateral disease of the,scrotum or testis in bulls, allowing return to reproductive function.