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. 2024 Sep 23;21(4):e20240053.
doi: 10.1590/1984-3143-AR2024-0053. eCollection 2024.

Sterilization of free-ranging female capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris): a comparison between two surgical techniques

Fabiana Morse Gosson Jorge  1   2 , Fernanda Battistella Passos-Nunes  1   3   4 , Pedro Nacib Jorge-Neto  3   4 , Flavia Maria Pia Montenegro Donoso  2 , Mariana Passos Nunes  1 , Alexia Gazzola Steiner  1 , Marcelo Bahia Labruna  5 , Ana Clara Kohara Roman  5 , Marilú Cristofoli  2 , Mayla Magalhães de Oliveira Alcobaça  2 , Cristiane Schilbach Pizzutto  3   4 , Antonio Chaves de Assis  2
Affiliations

Sterilization of free-ranging female capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris): a comparison between two surgical techniques

Fabiana Morse Gosson Jorge et al. Anim Reprod. .

Abstract

This study evaluated two surgical sterilization techniques in free-ranging female capybaras (n = 21). The first group underwent uterine horn ligature (HL; n = 11), while the second was subjected to partial salpingectomy (S; n = 10). We assessed total operative time, incision length, the ease of identifying reproductive structures, the adequacy of exposure for surgical performance through flank or midline approaches, and the extent of abdominal viscera manipulation for each method. The HL method emerged as faster, with an average operative time difference of 16 minutes. In the S group, a flank mini-laparotomy over the ovarian topography facilitated easy exposure of the ipsilateral ovary and uterine tube, enabling ligature and partial resection of the uterine tube but not the uterine horn exposure. However, accessing the contralateral uterine tube without a bilateral incision was impractical, thus prolonging the total operative time due to the need for patient repositioning and new antisepsis procedures. Conversely, a post-umbilical approach for the HL method necessitated only one mini-laparotomy incision, offering ample uterine exposure for hysterotomy in pregnant females. Both methods involved minimal abdominal viscera manipulation and resulted in no fatalities or postoperative complications. Although direct comparison is limited by the distinct sterilization techniques and surgical approaches, this study underscores the challenges and surgical access of each method. Our findings endorse the HL technique as an effective contraception method for female capybaras to prevent the birth of seronegative offspring that could amplify Rickettsia sp., the causative agent of Brazilian spotted fever.

Keywords: Brazilian spotted fever; contraception; mini-laparotomy; population control; wildlife.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Cage trap used for passive capture following AZ Nunes Enterprises model. Photo: AZNunes LTDA.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Capybaras were anesthetized with blowpipe darts containing anesthetics (A) and monitored during the anesthetic latency period (B). Photo: AZNunes LTDA.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Capybara in the immediate postoperative period (A) and prior release at the same place of capture (B). Photo: AZNunes LTDA.
Figure 4
Figure 4. Adapted container for surgery performance.
Figure 5
Figure 5. Steps of partial salpingectomy in female capybaras. Animal positioned in lateral recumbency prior skin antisepsis (A); incision over a cranio-caudal axis (B); ovary (1) and uterine tube (2) exposed (clamped) C, notice the vascularized mesosalpinx (3) (D); individualized uterine tube for salpingectomy performance and proximal end of uterine horn (4) (E); uterine tube after ligature and transection (F). Photo: AZNunes LTDA.
Figure 6
Figure 6. Female capybara in lateral recumbency. Surgical wound appearance in the immediate postoperative period. Photo: AZNunes LTDA.
Figure 7
Figure 7. Steps of “Passos Nunes” uterine horn ligature: Female capybara in dorsal recumbency (A) and place of incision caudally to umbilical scar (*) (B); identification (C) and incision of linea alba (arrow). The incision might be gentle to avoid accidental urinary bladder or cecum incision when distended. Exposition of the uterine body (1) and uterine horns (2 - right and 2’ - left), note the wide distribution of arteries and veins in the mesometrium (3), favoring hemorrhage when damaged (E). Uterine horn ligature (F, G) and section (H). Photo: AZNunes LTDA.
Figure 9
Figure 9. Female capybara in dorsal recumbency. Surgical wound appearance in the immediate postoperative period. Photo: AZNunes LTDA.
Figure 8
Figure 8. Ligature performed on the right uterine horn (2) and to be done on the left (2’) Photo: AZNunes LTDA.
Figure 10
Figure 10. Difference of operative time between HL and S groups.
Figure 11
Figure 11. Difference between incision length on HL (uterine horn ligature) and S (partial salpingectomy) groups, showing no practical relevance.
Figure 12
Figure 12. Female capybara recaptured after 2 years of surgery. Note that surgical scar is hardly identified. Photo: AZNunes LTDA.
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