Umbilical surgery on male calves presents some incisional difficulties as compared to females; Infected umbilical remnants require more extensive dissection than simple hernias; Urachal remnants can cause urinary signs in older calves. The umbilical incision in the male calf is complicated by the preputial orifice being near the umbilicus. The elliptical skin incision is only recommended when the umbilical mass fully cranial to the preputial orifice and involvement of umbilical remnants is not expected. A half-moon (semi-lunar) skin incision is the suggested incision for male umbilical surgery. The skin incision is centered over the umbilicus with the concave side directed caudally. Caudal reflection of the sheath is usually adequate to allow an elliptical body wall incision. The semilunar skin incision may be extended caudally on one side as a paramedian incision allowing reflection of the sheath to the contra-lateral side to facilitate a longer body wall incision. This approach allows access to any urachal or umbilical artery remnants without damaging the elastic tissues of the prepuce or the penis. The closure is done in a routine fashion for he incision. The underline will have a dimple and not be very cosmetically pleasing immediately after the surgery. However, the long-term result is very acceptable.
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