Abstract
Simple SummaryOvariectomy via the prefemoral fossa, with or without endoscopic assistance, is a well-described technique for elective and therapeutic sterilization in chelonians. The choice between lateral and dorsal recumbency is generally left to the surgeon’s preference, with no data supporting an objective superiority of one over the other. In pond sliders, common pets but also an invasive alien species in Europe, we compared two different recumbencies (right lateral with a left fossa approach, and dorsal with a right fossa approach) regarding ease of access to the coelomic cavity, ease of identification of the ovary opposite to the surgical breach, first and second ovary removal times, and total surgical time. No significant difference was found between the two groups for any evaluated parameter. Endoscope-assisted prefemoral ovariectomy in mature pond sliders can be indifferently performed in lateral or dorsal recumbency, depending on the preference of the surgeon, on the animal’s pathophysiologic status, or on the necessity to perform concurrent procedures.Ovariectomy via the prefemoral fossa is a well-described technique for sterilization in chelonians. The choice between lateral and dorsal recumbency is generally left to the surgeon’s preference, with no data supporting an objective superiority of one over the other. Twenty-four sexually mature female pond sliders (Trachemys scripta) were enrolled for elective prefemoral endoscope-assisted oophorectomy, and were randomly divided in two groups: 12 animals were placed in right lateral recumbency with a left fossa approach (Group A), and 12 in dorsal recumbency with a right fossa approach (Group B). Scoring systems were applied to assess the ease of access to the coelomic cavity, and the ease of identification of the ovary opposite to the surgical incision. A negative correlation was found between the body weight of the animals and the ease of access to the coelom (p = 0.013), making the access easier in smaller animals. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of ease of access to the coelomic cavity, first ovary removal time, ease of identification of the second ovary, second ovary removal time, or total surgery time.
Highlights
Ovariectomy and ovariosalpingectomy in chelonians have been performed to deal with afflictions of the reproductive tract, and more recently, for population control [1,2,3,4]
The inclusion criteria consisted of clinically healthy adult females with a body weight (BW) over 900 g, maintained in the area of the Po Valley with correct outdoor management, which was defined as adequate space for swimming and basking, with good water quality, correct nutrition, the presence of nesting sites if they were active egg layers, and natural hibernation being allowed through the years
A blood sample was collected from each animal from the cervical plexus to investigate packed cell volume (PCV), serum total protein (TP) using a refractometer, and white blood cell count (WBC) using the Natt and Herrik method [11]
Summary
Ovariectomy and ovariosalpingectomy in chelonians have been performed to deal with afflictions of the reproductive tract, and more recently, for population control [1,2,3,4]. Animals 2020, 10, 1451 osteotomy—a much more invasive procedure with a prolonged recovery time and greater possibility of post-operative complications [5,6]. Both elective and therapeutic oophorectomy/ovariosalpingectomy via prefemoral coeliotomy, with or without endoscopic assistance, have been extensively described and documented [2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10]. To date, no indication has been given as to which recumbency better serves the purpose of a quicker and more comfortable procedure This decision is made based on the species, the size of the patient, and on the surgeon’s preference [2,6].
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