Closed Tunic Scrotal Technique for Neutering Patagonian Cavies

摘要

The Patagonian cavy (Dolichotis patagonum) is a large South American rodent which, like other rodent species, has an open inguinal ring. The Patagonian cavy belongs to the suborder "porcupine-like" or "cavy-like" rodents (e.g., porcupines, capybaras,chinchillas and agoutis), which share anatomic features, such as the lack of a true scrotum. The penis curves caudally in all rodents. The open scrotal1 approach to neutering a chinchilla has been previously described.6 The closed technique described here requires less exposure and, because the tunic is tied off, may result in a lower incidence of visceral hernia-tion,1 although the open technique is usually followed by surgical closure of the inguinal ring.