Background: Preputial gland infection is a common occurrence in non-breeder male mice and can lead to abscesses. This report describes a surgical approach to treating and preventing this condition.
Results: Surgical removal of the glands was undertaken in 258 male C3H/HeNHsd mice. The glands were successfully removed in all of the animals with a low rate of post-surgery complications. Abscess recurrence due to incomplete gland resection occurred in 2.3% of animals. Surgical wound opening (3.1%) and infection of the surgical site (2.3%) also occurred but were treated successfully.
Conclusion: In the study described here, early intervention was successful in preventing intercurrent infection compromising both animal welfare and the outcome of the study.