Plasma Scalpel Assisted Gonadectomy in Pet Degus: Study on Surgical Efficacy and PostOperative Outcomes

Gonadectomy is recommended in degus (Octodon degus) to prevent reproduction-related diseases and manage hormonally driven behaviors. This retrospective study evaluated the use of a plasma scalpel for gonadectomy in eight adult pet degus. Males underwent a ventral midline approach, while females received a dorsolateral flank approach. Plasma dissection enabled precise tissue handling and coagulation without intra-abdominal sutures. Median surgical time was 8 minutes for males and 10 for females, with no intraoperative bleeding or complications. All subjects recovered uneventfully, resumed feeding within hours, and showed no signs of infection, wound dehiscence, or gastrointestinal dysfunction during 14-day follow-up. These preliminary results suggest that plasma-assisted gonadectomy is a feasible, low-risk technique, minimizing tissue trauma and enhancing recovery. Further studies are needed to confirm long-term safety and outcomes.