Chitosan‐based agent use for hemostasis after cryptorchidectomy in a horse

Objective To document marked hemorrhage as a complication of inguinal cryptorchidectomy and its successful treatment with a novel chitosan‐based hemostatic agent. Study design Case report. Animals One healthy 5‐year old quarter horse cryptorchid. Methods The horse was presented for routine unilateral cryptorchidectomy after prior hemicastration. An inguinal approach was made to the abdomen, and the right external pudendal artery was lacerated at the level of the internal inguinal ring, requiring multiple anesthetic events over a 2‐week period in attempts to control hemorrhage. A chitosan‐based hemostatic agent was packed into the wound to gain control. Results Chitosan granules placed in the wound successfully controlled the hemorrhage, whereas the use of gauze packing alone failed. There were no immediate or long‐term complications to the chitosan granules; the horse was doing well 18 months postoperatively, and the client was satisfied with the outcome. Conclusion Major hemorrhage was demonstrated from the external pudendal artery and caused difficulties because it occurred deep within the inguinal canal during an inguinal cryptorchidectomy. A chitosan‐based hemostatic agent was successfully used to achieve hemostasis. Clinical significance The external pudendal artery should be avoided in the medial commissure of the inguinal canal. The use of chitosan‐based hemostatic agents warrants further investigation in horses because these products may be useful for controlling major hemorrhage from various causes in equine practice.