Common swine field reproductive surgeries

Reproductive surgery in commercial swine is limited by the relative limited financial value of animals with limited market value. In herds containing animals with high genetic value, biosecurity concerns often preclude the movement of animals to a hospital facility. Performing some procedures on the farm may be economically feasible and reduce culling rates. Growing concerns for animal welfare and the increasing popularity of pigs as pets dictates a larger involvement of veterinarians in surgical procedures in swine.1 This manuscript describes common reproductive surgeries for male swine, practical anesthetic protocols, and the post-operative treatments that a veterinary practitioner should be able to perform. The most frequently requested surgery in boars is castration, which is usually performed by management during the first week of age as a portion of on-farm processing. In adult boars, castration is occasionally requested to improve the quality of the meat and reduce the boar taint in animals destined for slaughter. Orchiectomy of adult boars is increasingly requested for pot-bellied pigs, and other breeds maintained as pets and rescued by “sanctuaries” to avoid unwanted breedings and reduce aggressive behavior. Inguinal herniation, a common disorder in intact boars, often requires surgical correction in both production settings and pet pigs. Because of the presumed heritable basis, surgery in animals intended for breeding should be discouraged. Swine have one of the highest incidences of cryptorchidism among common livestock species.2 Surgical correction of cryptorchidism in breeding animals is strongly discouraged due to the likelihood of a heritable basis for the failure of testicular descent. Cryptorchidectomy as a portion of bilateral castration is often requested for animals being shown in livestock exhibitions and occasionally in commercial facilities for animals intended for slaughter.