title: Epididymis ligation: a minimally invasive technique for preparation of teaser rams.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe a minimally invasive technique for preparation of teaser rams by needle-assisted ligation through the tail of the epididymis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Experimental study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mature rams (n=6), estrus-induced ewes (2). METHODS; After local anesthesia, epididymis ligation was achieved by restraining the testis distally within the scrotal sac and passing suture through a hypodermic needle inserted between tail of epididymis and distal pole of testis, caudomedial to craniolateral through the scrotum. The needle was removed leaving the suture in place and the testis pushed up dorsally, then the needle was reinserted through the original holes and the suture passed back through the needle, which was withdrawn. This resulted in the suture forming a complete loop around the epididymis. The suture ends were tied ligating the epididymis. Semen was evaluated pre- and postligation. Testes were removed after 30 days for gross and histologic examination.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Epididymis ligation was accomplished without postoperative complications. Three weeks after the epididymis ligation, no motile and live spermatozoa were found in ejaculates. From 5 to 28 days after epididymis ligation, attraction to ewes and libido was unchanged and similar to 14 days before ligation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This novel minimally invasive technique is a simple, alternative method for preparation of teaser rams.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This method is simply performed, without skin wounds, and minimal postoperative care is needed. The technique should be readily adaptable to other species.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Amin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tamadon
authors.forename: Behrooz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Nikahval
authors.forename: Masood
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sepehrimanesh
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mansourian
authors.forename: Aboutorab Tabatabaei
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Naeini
authors.forename: Saeed
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nazifi
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods; D000818:Animals; D004822:Epididymis / Q000601:surgery*; D008026:Ligation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D012756:Sheep / Q000601:surgery*; D013245:Sterilization, Reproductive / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D013737:Testis / Q000033:anatomy & histology