Clinical Studies

Summary of Study:

Spay and neuter procedures are surgeries recommended for and performed on most exotics companion mammals for population control, to prevent reproductive diseases including cancer, and to help reduce behavioral concerns. Evaluation of surgical techniques is of great importance to these species where limited studies currently exist. Evaluation of surgical techniques can help identify methods that make surgery easier and more widely accessible to owners (if more veterinarians are comfortable performing the procedure). Improved surgical techniques may also lead to faster anesthesia times. Reduced anesthesia times are expected to help limit the cost of procedures to owners, improve owner compliance with recommendations to pursue spay/neuter, and reduce the risk of anesthetic complications. In addition, surgical techniques that reduce pain through less invasive approaches and reduced tissue handling (especially of the GI tract in hindgut fermenters) can help reduce post-surgical complications and improve recoveries for exotic companion mammal patients.

Vessel sealing devices (VSD) are surgical instruments that seal blood vessels and tissues using an electric current. When used for spays and neuters in dogs, VSD led to shorter surgical time, reduced complications, and reduced postoperative pain compared to conventional suture placement. VSD have been used anecdotally for many exotic companion mammal surgeries, but limited studies exist for direct comparison of surgeries with VSD compared to traditional techniques in exotic pets. This study seeks to evaluate whether the use of VSD in exotic companion mammal spay and neuter surgeries will help reduce surgical times and reduce post-surgical complications in these patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

 Female guinea pigs (all breeds, all ages) deemed clinically healthy

• Females with incidental cystic ovaries are also still eligible for the study if no vulvar discharge, abdominal pain, mammary masses, or uterine masses are identified on physical exam and abdominal ultrasound of the reproductive tract.

Female rats (all breeds, all ages) deemed clinically healthy

• Rats with a history of upper respiratory infection with no current symptoms and pets with current mild dermatological disease (such as parasites or mild pododermatitis/foot wear) are still eligible for the study.

Male rabbits (all breeds) < 12 months old deemed clinically healthy

Exclusion Criteria:

Pets currently receiving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, steroids, antibiotics, and/or promotility medications (metoclopramide, cisapride) are not eligible.

Study Procedures:

• Guinea pig: ovariectomy, pre- and post-surgery ultrasound
• Rat: ovariectomy (ovary removal) or ovariohysterectomy (full spay), pre- and post-surgery ultrasound
• Rabbit: neuter, pre- and post-surgery ultrasound

Financial incentives:

Cost of ultrasound evaluations (pre- and post-surgical), sedation for ultrasound (if needed based on patient temperament), anesthesia for surgery, postoperative hospitalization, and surgery will be paid for by the study.

Participation in a clinical study is subject to medical eligibility and availability requirements. Financial incentives, including potential stipends or reimbursements, are contingent upon meeting study criteria and completing required visits or activities. Additional terms and conditions may apply.

Interested?

Enroll or request more information below