Complications, outcome and owner satisfaction after Callicrate Bander phallectomy and perineal urethrostomy in 14 equids

Equine Vet Educ. December 2022;34(12):e570-e580. 24 Refs

T Maurer¹, H P Brünisholz, T O'Brien, M Coleridge, M D Klopfenstein Bregger, C Koch

¹ Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse Faculty, Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. thimo.maurer@vetsuisse.unibe.ch

Author Abstract

Background

The use of a bander castration device (Callicrate Bander) to perform partial phallectomy in combination with a perineal urethrostomy (PU) has previously been described to be an effective and well-tolerated procedure in standing sedated horses.

Objectives

The main objective of the present report is to share our experiences with the combined Callicrate Bander phallectomy (CBP) and PU (CBP/PU) focussing on potential complications, outcome and owner satisfaction.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Medical records of 14 male equids that underwent CBP/PU at two different equine referral hospitals between 2012 and 2020 were reviewed. A long-term follow-up was conducted by telephone interview with the owners using a standardised questionnaire.

Results

Equids underwent CBP/PU to treat penile and preputial squamous cell carcinomas (11/14), equine sarcoids (2/14) and penile abscessation and paraphimosis after trauma (1/14). Early post-operative complications were mild and included transient post-urination haemorrhage, perineal or preputial oedema and partial dehiscence of the PU. Complications that required further veterinary care in the immediate post-operative period occurred in one animal, which had haemorrhage at the amputation site with subsequent haematoma and oedema formation, causing moderate signs of post-operative pain. Complications encountered after discharge from the clinic comprised transient urine leakage at the amputation site, transient purulent preputial discharge, abscessation of the penile remnant and urine staining of the hind legs, tail and/or perineum. Four equids were euthanased because of tumour recurrence.

Main limitations

Variable case details provided in the medical records, and information regarding the post-operative healing process were mainly based on owner assessment.

Conclusions

Callicrate Bander phallectomy/perineal urethrostomy is a well-tolerated salvage procedure for male equids with debilitating conditions of the penis and prepuce. Severe post-operative complications are rare. If advanced stages of penile SCC are expected, careful case selection based on a rigorous preoperative examination is mandatory. Owner satisfaction with the post-operative result is high.

Keywords

horse, Callicrate, phallectomy, urethrostomy, penile squamous cell carcinoma

Article Tools:

Email to me

Archives Highlights:

Litter box size and litter type preference and their associated behavioral changes in cats.
Our findings indicated that cats preferred litter boxes measuring ≥50 cm as well as clumping clay litter. Moreover, a comfortable litter environment combining these two elements promoted normal urination behavior while improving house-soiling (both urination and defecation).

'Transmission Tracker - Dirofilaria'- a public dashboard to assess in real-time the temperature-bounded transmissibility of canine heartworm across Australia.
'Transmission Tracker - Dirofilaria' processes near real-time temperature records across Australia and allows users to enquire about historical and current weather suitability for canine heartworm transmission at any Australian postcode of their interest. This information allows veterinarians to access when, and for how long, heartworm may be transmitted at a specific location, assess the associated risk of infection, and advise on a patient-dependent dirofilariosis prevention plan for their canine patients and guardians.

Emergency Approach to Acute Seizures in Dogs and Cats.
This review presents a systematic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of single seizures, cluster seizures, and status epilepticus in dogs and cats.

Nursing care of the small animal oncology patient. Part 2: pet carer support
This article outlines how RVNs can alleviate caregiver burden, facilitate shared decision-making, and provide practical and emotional support throughout the oncology journey.

How to plan and provide general anesthesia for a troop of 98 hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) for contraceptive and preventative health interventions.
A group of 12 veterinarians, 2 zookeepers, and 6 volunteers anesthetized all animals within 2 days. The baboons were orally premedicated with midazolam (0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg) and anesthetized with medetomidine (40 to 60 µg/kg, IM) and ketamine (2 to 4 mg/kg, IM); isoflurane at rates of 1.5% to 2% was used for maintaining anesthesia if necessary. For population management, the animals received a contraceptive implant (adult females), orchiectomy (young males), or vasectomy (breeding males).