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

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