COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SCROTAL AND PRESCROTAL CASTRATION IN PET RABBITS (ORYCTOLAGUS CUNICULUS)

Castration of rabbits can be achieved with several surgical techniques. The choice of the technique currently depends on surgeon preference since objective comparison between techniques is lacking. The aim of the current study was to compare the scrotal and prescrotal approaches in pet rabbits. The surgery and anesthesia duration, the postoperative appetite and feces production, and the postoperative complications were compared. Thirteen rabbits were randomly assigned to the scrotal or prescrotal castration groups. Appetite, fecal output, surgical incisions, and scrotums were evaluated at 8 hourse, 24 hours, 32 hours, and 7 days after surgery. Scrotal edema at 8, 24, and 32 hours and anesthesia duration were significantly higher in the scrotal group compared to the prescrotal group (P = 0.008, P = 0.013, P = 0.021, and P = 0.034, respectively). A nonsignificant tendency toward a higher rate of licking and mutilation behaviors was observed in the scrotal group 24 hours postsurgery. No other complications were observed in either group. All rabbits quickly recovered a normal appetite and fecal output, and all surgical incisions healed without issue. Although the prescrotal technique was associated with less complications, both techniques were considered safe options for rabbits in this study.