A vasectomy technique for Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus).

Bats in captivity reproduce well and contraceptive techniques are needed. In initial attempts at vasectomy using a prescrotal approach, it was difficult to identify the mesoductus deferens. The technique described here uses a scrotal approach with exteriorization of the testis, followed by identification and ligation of the mesoductus deferens. Nine Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) underwent vasectomy for this study. No postoperative complications were seen (n = 18 testes), but some of the testes (5/18, 27%), which previously moved freely from the scrotum to the abdominal cavity, were still adhered to the scrotal sac 14 mo postoperatively. This technique appears safe, is fast, and is relatively easy to perform.     

Azoospermia associated with bilateral segmental aplasia of the ductus deferens in a stallion

A 3-year-old Quarter Horse halter stallion was referred for routine semen evaluation. Physically, the stallion's reproductive organs appeared normal. Repeated semen evaluations did not reveal any spermatozoa. Because high activities of alkaline phosphatase are detected in the epididymal fluid and indicative of complete ejaculation, alkaline phosphatase activities were analyzed in several samples, which yielded activities far less than reference values and suggested a blockage of the reproductive tract. Endoscopic evaluation of the urethra and the bulbourethral, prostate, and urethral gland ducts did not reveal abnormalities. The left ductus deferens was exposed surgically, and attempts to pass a catheter through it in a normograde direction met resistance after 20 cm. Laparoscopic abdominal surgery revealed the ductus deferens tapered to a thin structure just cranial to the entrance in the urogenital fold, cranial and lateral to the bladder. Both ductus deferentia were similarly affected. The symmetry and bilateral nature of the abnormalities were strong indications of a possible congenital defect.     

Effect of flushing the vasa deferentia at the time of vasectomy on the rate of clearance of spermatozoa from the ejaculates of dogs and cats

Flushing the vasa deferentia (ductus deferentes) at the time of vasectomy reduced to zero the number of intact spermatozoa by postvasectomy day 6 in the dog and by postvasectomy day 7 in the cat and shortened the time from vasectomy to azoospermia in the dog, but not in the cat. The fluid used to flush the vasa deferentia was not eliminated through the penile urethra, but flowed into the urinary bladder, indicating that the least resistant pathway for the exit of vasal content in the anesthetized dog and cat is toward the urinary bladder. Both control and treated dogs and cats had spermatozoa in the urine obtained by cystocentesis immediately after ejaculation or ejaculation and flushing of the vasa deferentia. Flushing the vasa deferentia at the time of vasectomy is easy to do, safe, and can be used in clinical practice to decrease the time from vasectomy to the safe utilization of dogs and cats as teasers. The procedure has potential application to males of other species.     

Immunolocalization of sex steroid receptors in the epididymis and ductus deferens of immature and mature Japanese Quail, Coturnix Japonica

The goal of this study was to determine whether in the Japanese quail the male genital tract contains receptors for progesterone, androgen and estrogen (PR, AR and ER, respectively), which have significant roles in reproductive functions, and whether their localization changes during sexual maturation. The epididymis and ductus deferens (middle and ampulla regions) of immature (approximately 30-day-old) and mature male Japanese quail were collected and frozen sections of them were immunostained for PR, AR and ER. The immunoreaction products for AR and PR were found in the nuclei of epithelial cells in the efferent ductules, epididymal duct, and the middle and ampulla regions of the ductus deferens of mature and immature birds. In the mature birds, the epithelial cells of the efferent ductules, epididymal duct, and the middle and ampulla regions of the ductus deferens were positive for ER, although some of the cells in the ductus deferens were negative. The epithelial cells of the ductules in the epididymis stained positive for ER, but the immunoreactions were negligible in the ductus deferens of immature birds. These results suggest that the epididymis and ductus deferens in quail possesses PR, AR and ER receptors. Each receptor is expressed before sexual maturation, although enhancement of ER expression may occur during maturation.     

A polyorchid dog

The case of a polyorchid Irish Setter is presented here. Castration and intra-abdominal testis removal were performed one year of age when one scrotal and one cryptorchid testis near the right inguinal canal were removed. Later it became apparent that there was still testosterone production. A third testis, abdominal cryptorchid, was found on the right side cranially and right to the bladder. The third testis had a strong cranial suspensory ligament and the tail of the epididymis was elongated. The ductus deferens did not enter the prostate but followed the gubernaculum to the inguinal canal near the stump of the previous operation on the caudal right testis. This suggests that two right cryptorchid testes had common ductus deferens.     

Unilateral and Bilateral Vasectomy in the Dog: Alkaline Phosphatase as an Indicator of Tubular Patency

Contents The objective of this research was to use a model of unilateral and bilateral occlusion of the ductus deferens in the dog to study the use of alkaline phosphatase (AP) as an indicator of tubular patency. Seven healthy cross bred dogs weighing 10–15 kg BW with normal spermiogram and AP concentrations in semen were used. From each dog, three semen samples were obtained before (intact) and after right (unilateral) and left (bilateral) vasectomy. The AP concentrations were measured in duplicates by a colorimetric method in each of the three fractions (first, second (sperm-rich), third) of each ejaculate. In addition, a macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of each ejaculate was carried out to assure its quality. Data were analysed by least squares analysis of variance using SAS^®. In intact and unilateral vasectomized dogs, 96.6% of AP measured in semen corresponded to the second sperm-rich fraction whereas 1.53 and 1.83% corresponded to the first and third fractions respectively. Total AP concentrations (first and second and third fraction) in vasectomized dogs were lower than in intact animals (19.857 vs 2284.431 ± 4.347 UAL; p < 0.001). AP concentrations were much lower in bilateral than in unilateral vasectomized dogs (142 vs 39.572 ± 4.347 UL, p < 0.001). In summary, AP concentrations in semen can be used as an early indicator of unilateral or bilateral lack of patency of the epididymal and deferent ducts in the dog.     

Recovery of Campylobacter jejuni in feces and semen of caged broiler breeder roosters following three routes of inoculation

We previously reported the recovery of Campylobacter (naturally colonized) from the ductus deferens of 5 of 101 broiler breeder roosters, and four of those five positive roosters had previously produced Campylobacter-positive semen samples. Those results prompted further evaluation to determine if inoculation route influenced the prevalence or level of Campylobacter contamination of semen, the digestive tract, or reproductive organs. Individually caged roosters, confirmed to be feces and semen negative for Campylobacter, were challenged with a marker strain of Campylobacter jejuni either orally using 1.0 ml of a diluted cell suspension (log(10)4.3 to 6.0 cells), by dropping 0.1 ml of suspension (log(10)5.3 to 7.0 cells) on the everted phallus immediately after semen collection or by dip coating an ultrasound probe in the diluted cell suspension (log(10)4.3 to 6.0 cells) and then inserting the probe through the vent into the colon. Six days postinoculation, individual feces and semen samples were again collected and cultured for Campylobacter. Seven days postinoculation, roosters were killed, the abdomen aseptically opened to expose the viscera, and one cecum, one testis, and both ductus deferens were collected. The samples were then suspended 1:3 (weight/volume) in Bolton enrichment broth for the culture of Campylobacter. Samples were also directly plated onto Cefex agar to enumerate Campylobacter. Campylobacter was recovered 6 days after challenge from feces in 82% of samples (log(10)4.1 colony-forming units [CFU]/g sample), 85% of semen samples (log(10)2.9 CFU/ml), and on the seventh day postchallenge from 88% of cecal samples (log(10)5.8 CFU/g sample). Campylobacter was not directly isolated from any testis sample but was detected following enrichment from 9% (3/33) of ductus deferens samples. Roosters challenged with Campylobacter orally, on the phallus, or by insertion of a Campylobacter dip-coated ultrasound probe were all readily colonized in the ceca and produced Campylobacter-positive semen and feces on day 6 after challenge. The low prevalence of recovery of Campylobacter from the ductus deferens samples and failure to recover from any testis sample suggests that semen may become Campylobacter positive while traversing the cloaca upon the everted phallus. The production of Campylobacter-positive semen could provide a route in addition to fecal-oral for the horizontal transmission of Campylobacter from the rooster to the reproductive tract of the hen.     

Long-term follow-up of dogs with patent ductus arteriosus

Postocclusion survival data from dogs with left-to-right shunting patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was available from 80 dogs, diagnosed from 1990 to 2000. Of these, 37 had undergone a procedure to close the ductus and were re-evaluated at the time of this study; clinical data from the follow-up examination was compared with that from the original examination. Radiographically, the right ventricle remained apparently enlarged, and the aortic bulge associated with dilation of the descending aorta did not disappear after closure. On M-mode echocardiography, left ventricular chamber diameter in diastole and systole and left ventricular posterior wall in systole decreased significantly. Mitral endocardiosis was a common feature. Residual flow was evident in 46 per cent of the animals. Late closure occurred in 8 per cent of the dogs, and trivial recanalisation in 19 per cent. The maximum survival time postclosure was 168 months and, after non-occlusion, 114 months, suggesting that dogs with PDA follow an unpredictable course. However, there was a significant difference in survival times between the corrected and non-corrected group.     

Structural and immunohistochemical features of the epididymal duct unit of the ostrich (Struthio camelus)

The epididymal duct unit, comprising the ductus conjugens, ductus epididymidis and ductus deferens, was studied histologically, ultrastructurally and immunohistochemically in five sexually mature and active birds. The main morphological features of the pre-dominant non-ciliated (type III) cell of the epithelial lining of this duct unit include, but are not limited to, a moderately abundant smooth or sparsely granulated endoplasmic reticulum, electron-dense secretory granules and numerous mitochondria in the supranuclear zone of the cytoplasm. A single, large heterogeneous lipid droplet, of unknown function, was characteristically situated immediately proximal to the nucleus. The epithelium is obviously secretory and specifically, of the merocrine, and not apocrine, type of secretion. The epithelium of the epididymal duct unit was only focally and weakly to moderately immunopositive to both actin MF and desmin IF, while the duct unit was immunonegative to cytokeratin and vimentin intermediate filaments. The peritubular muscular layer was moderately to strongly positive to both actin and desmin, and negative to cytokeratins and vimentin.     

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of patent ductus arteriosus in a dog

Gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography is a relatively new technique in the veterinary field. A mature dog with suspected patent ductus arteriosus underwent contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography at 1·0 T with a three-dimensional fast low-angle shot (FLASH) gradient-echo technique. Qualitatively, three-dimensional images of the ductus were particularly clear with surface reconstructions, and ductus diameters were easy to assess in native images. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography is a fast, relatively non-invasive procedure that could be particularly useful when non-surgical interventional procedures are anticipated for ductus occlusion.     

Effects of Vasectomy on Seminal Plasma Alkaline Phosphatase in Male Alpacas (Vicugña pacos)

Azoospermia is a common finding in male alpacas which present for infertility. The challenge is to differentiate azoospermia of testicular origin from non‐testicular origin. In several species, alkaline phosphatase (AP) concentrations in seminal plasma have been used as a diagnostic marker of contributions of the testis and epididymis to the ejaculate. The purpose of this study was to determine whether AP assay could differentiate testicular from non‐testicular azoospermia in male alpacas. An experimental model of bilateral outflow obstruction (pre‐scrotal vasectomy) was used in 22 male alpacas, aged 2–9 years. No reproductive history was available. Animals were submitted for electroejaculation (EE) under general anaesthesia and vasectomy performed. Five weeks later, animals were submitted for EE. Vasectomy was not successful in one animal, which was removed from analysis. AP levels were compared in seminal plasma in the pre‐ and post‐vasectomy samples. The mean ± SEM concentration of AP in pre‐vasectomy seminal plasma was 504.29 ± 166.45 U/l (range 10–2910); the post‐vasectomy levels were 252.48 ± 81.77 U/l (range 0–1640; p = 0.06). In 71.4% of animals, AP levels decreased, varying from 18% to 100% reduction. Results of this study suggest that AP is not produced exclusively by the testis and epididymis in alpacas and that AP assay is not a valid diagnostic test for determination of origin of azoospermia; the gold standard for diagnosis of origin of azoospermia remains testicular biopsy.     

Laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy using electrosurgical instrumentation in standing horses

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique for laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy in standing horses using electrosurgical instrumentation. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS OR SAMPLE POPULATION: Ten horses, 1 to 7 years of age, with unilaterally or bilaterally retained testes. METHODS: Food was withheld for a minimum of 12 to 24 hours. Horses were sedated using xylazine hydrochloride (0.5 to 1 mg/kg) and butorphanol tartrate (0.02 mg/kg) or detomidine hydrochloride (0.02 to 0.03 mg/kg) and restrained in standing stocks. Three portal sites in the paralumbar fossae were locally desensitized using 2% mepivacaine. After trocar and laparoscope insertion, the ipsilateral testicle, mesorchium, and ductus deferens were identified. The cranial mesorchium was coagulated with either monopolar (one horse) or bipolar (nine horses) electrosurgical forceps, and then the mesorchium, ductus deferens, and ligament of the tail of the epididymis were transected from cranial to caudal using laparoscopic scissors. Once the testis was freed, the transected mesorchium was inspected for hemorrhage and the testis was removed by connecting the two instrument portals (eight horses). In two horses, the testis was placed within a laparoscopic retrieval bag and then removed without enlarging the portal incision. If the testes were retained bilaterally, the retained contralateral testis was removed similarly through the opposite paralumbar fossa. If the contralateral testis was descended, it was removed by a standard, standing castration technique. RESULTS: Vessels of the mesorchium were adequately coagulated using bipolar and monopolar electrosurgical forceps. No immediate or short-term complications occurred in 10 horses at 3 to 11 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Standing laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy can be performed easily and safely using electrosurgical instrumentation as the sole means of providing hemostasis of the equine mesorchium. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Standing laparoscopic cryptorchidectomy using electrosurgical instrumentation provides a safe, reliable, and efficient alternative to achieve hemostasis of the equine mesorchium.     

Alteration in testicular cyclic AMP system in the rat following vasectomy.

Endogenous cyclic AMP levels and the activities of adenylate cyclase, cyclic AMP-dependent and independent protein kinases were examined in testes of mature rats bilaterally vasectomized for one, three and seven months. Although no significant alteration in testicular cyclic AMP was detected one month following vasectomy, marked decreases (by 55% and 32%, respectively) were seen three and seven months postvasectomy. Likewise, vasectomy also resulted in a significant decrease (by 25%) in the activity of testicular adenylate cyclase three and seven months after vasectomy. Although soluble cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase activity remained unaffected three months postvasectomy, the activity of the cyclic nucleotide-dependent enzyme was significantly increased (by 21%) when compared to the sham-operated controls. Furthermore, while the protein kinase ratio (--cyclic AMP/+cyclic AMP) was decreased in animals vasectomized for three months, the ability of the enzyme to bind (3H) cyclic AMP in vitro was significantly enhanced (18%). Rats vasectomized for seven months showed similar biochemical alterations but the effects of this procedure were more pronounced. Moreover, while short-term vasectomy increased the responsiveness of seminiferous tubular adenylate cyclase to in vitro stimulation by follicle stimulating hormone, the activity of the enzyme was also increased (by 100%) in the presence of luteinizing hormone in vasectomized rats. These data raise the possibility that changes in testicular function seen following vasectomy may be related to the alterations in cyclic AMP metabolism as well as in the sensitivity of testicular adenylate cyclase to regulation by gonadotropins.     

大鸨生殖系统形态结构初步研究

通过对7只不同年龄♂♀体大鸨生殖系统的形态结构解剖发现：大鸨雄性生殖系统由睾丸、附睾、输精管和交配器组成,无真正的阴茎,而具有阴茎体。睾丸一对,黑色、长形、豆状,右侧在前,左侧睾丸略大于右侧。大鸨睾丸从孵化出壳到性成熟无颜色变化,只是体积和重量增长。附睾在幼年时不明显,而在成体发情期时显著,呈前端较大的纺锤形。输精管外观为半透明、黑色弯曲的线状,沿输尿管向后延伸至泄殖腔壁形成突起,即输精管乳头;雌性生殖系统由卵巢和输卵管组成。卵巢和输卵管仅左侧正常发育,右侧输卵管退化为—短白色盲管。左卵巢因卵泡发育而呈葡萄串状。左输卵管在性未成熟时为一直形细管,性发育成熟后有较多弯曲,管径也增大,可分为漏斗部、壶腹部、峡部、子宫和阴道5部分。     

Immunolocalization of some HOX proteins in immature and mature feline testes

Homeobox (HOX) proteins are known for their critical role in body shape formation and tissue differentiation of developing vertebrate embryos. Recent research has shown that HOX proteins have many physiological roles such as cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and cell differentiation in adults, as well as the development of the vertebrate nerve and reproductive system. This study was conducted to determine the possible physiological functions and expression intensities of HOXA10, HOXA11, HOXB6 and HOXC6 proteins in the male reproductive system (testes, epididymis and deferens ducts), which are important for the continuity of some specific cat breeds in different age ranges. In the study, a total of 18 testicular tissues were used, divided into two groups: less than 6 months (immature) and more than 1 year (mature). Tissue samples were then subjected to immunohistochemical staining with protein-specific antibodies examined in the study. In the findings obtained in the research; it was observed that HOXA10, HOXA11, HOXB6 and HOXC6 produced different intensities of immunolocalization in the epididymis and ductus deferens layers in the immature and mature testicular cells. In addition, it was found that HOXA10 immunoreaction was also seen in some vascular endothelial cells. As a result, it was concluded that the HOX proteins could contribute to the physiological functions of testes, epididymis and ductus deferens and affect male fertility.     

Macroscopic features of the arterial supply to the reproductive system of the male ostrich (Struthio camelus)

The macroscopic features of the arterial supply to the reproductive system of the male ostrich was studied in 16 pre-pubertal and eight sexually mature and active birds. The left and right cranial renal arteries arise from the aorta, between the cranial divisions of the kidneys. These vessels supply the cranial divisions of the kidneys, the testes, the epididymides and the cranial segments of the ducti deferentia. Accessory testicular arteries which arise directly from the aorta are present in 45.8% of the specimens. They supply the testes and cranial parts of the ducti deferentia. They are variable in number and origin, and four variants are identified. A cranial ureterodeferential branch originates from the cranial renal artery, supplies the cranial portion of the ductus deferens and ureter, and runs caudally to anastomose with the middle renal artery. The sciatic artery arises laterally from the aorta, just caudal to the acetabulum, and gives rise, ventrally, to a common trunk, the common renal artery, which divides into the middle and caudal renal arteries. The middle renal artery gives rise to the middle ureterodeferential branch which supplies the middle part of the ductus deferens and ureter. A few centimetres caudal to the kidney, the aorta terminates in three branches, namely, the left and right internal iliac arteries and the median caudal artery. The internal iliac artery divides into the lateral caudal artery and the pudendal artery; the latter gives off caudal ureterodeferential branches that supply the caudal segments of the ductus deferens and ureter. In addition, the pudendal artery gives off vessels that supply the cloaca, some of which continue to the base of the phallus, where they form an arterial network. In conclusion, the pattern of the blood supply to the reproductive organs of the male ostrich is, in general, similar to that of the domestic fowl and pigeon, although there are a few highlighted distinctive features.     

Semen Characteristics and Plasma Levels of Testosterone after Bilateral Vasectomy in Bucks

The effects of bilateral vasectomy on the seminal characteristics were assessed in six bucks of the Canarian breed. In addition, we tried to establish the effects of vasectomy on the plasmatic concentrations of testosterone and the libido of the bucks. Semen samples were collected once a week from 8 weeks before to 16 weeks after vasectomy; blood samples were collected prior to vasectomy, and then at once and 1 week after vasectomy and every 2 weeks from the week 4 to the end of the experiment. One week after the vasectomy, ejaculated spermatozoa were non‐motile and the percentage of live spermatozoa was below 5% in all vasectomized males; in addition, the total number of cells/ejaculate was 3100 × 10⁶ and 30 × 10⁶ spermatozoa in the control and vasectomized males, respectively. Our results suggest that the vasectomized males may be used as oestrus detectors, without risks of accidental fecundating, only 1 week after vasectomy. Before vasectomy, no significant differences were observed in plasma levels of testosterone between the vasectomized and control males (5.4 ± 1.2 and 3.9 ± 1.4 ng/ml, respectively); from 4 to 12 weeks after vasectomy, a marked decrease in the testosterone concentration in all males (vasectomized and control bucks) was observed. From 12 weeks after vasectomy until the end of the experiment, four of the vasectomized males and the control males recovered their normal libido. The results suggest that vasectomy did not exert a remarkable effect on the steroidogenic functionality of the testicle.     

The gross anatomy of the male reproductive system of a neotropical rodent: the agouti (Dasyprota leporina)

The literature available on the agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) is very limited. The agouti is a Neotropical rodent found in Trinidad and Tobago, Central and South America. This study focuses on one of the many unexplored areas relating to the species, the male reproductive system. The results showed that the mean testicular length, diameter and weight was 3.67 +/- 0.12 cm, 1.67 +/- 0.04 cm and 5.03 +/- 0.52 g respectively. The paired testes and epididymis were found in contact with the abdominal muscles within scrotal pouches, which are evaginations of the caudoventral abdominal wall. The caput epididymis is enclosed by a fat body. The ductus deferens has a mean length and diameter of 10.98 +/- 0.40 cm and 0.14 +/- 0.01 cm respectively. At the urethral end of the ductus deferens the diameter of each duct expends to form the ampulla. The mean diameter of each of the ampulla was 0.25 cm. The accessory sex organs of the male agouti (D. leporina) include the vesicular glands, the coagulating glands, the prostate glands and the bulbourethral glands. The penis of the agouti is U-shaped with a mean length of 9.90 +/- 0.43 cm. The glans penis contains an os penis, a pair of lateral penile cartilages and paired ventral keratinaceous styles.     

Distant abdominal and thoracic pedicle skin flaps for treatment of distal limb skin defects

The treatment of large skin defects of the distal limbs of dogs and cats can be difficult due to the lack of skin available for primary wound closure or the creation of local skin flaps. Distant pedicle skin flaps provide an acceptable alternative for wound closure with full thickness skin and provide a cosmetic result. Fourteen animals (10 dogs and four cats) that had distant pedicle skin flaps are reviewed. The technique allowed 100 per cent wound coverage in 10 of 14 animals and greater than 95 per cent skin flap survival occurred in 12 of 14 animals. Complications associated with the procedure were most commonly wound infection and partial suture line dehiscence, however these did not detract from the final outcome. Flap release was in one or two stages, however the outcomes did not appear to be affected by the release protocol.     

Can spleen aspirations be safely used for the parasitological diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniosis? A study on assymptomatic and polysymptomatic animals

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of spleen aspiration as a sampling technique for the parasitological detection by culture and microscopy of Leishmania (chagasi) infantum. Two hundred and nine domiciled dogs from an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis in Bahia State, Brazil, were studied. Most dogs (87%) were seropositive for anti-L. chagasi antibodies by ELISA. Clinical signs of disease were recorded and the animals monitored during and after spleen puncture in order to detect possible complications associated with the procedure. From a total of 257 splenic punctures in the 209 animals, only three minor events occurred, with no significant consequence for the animals and no association with risk factors. Leishmania was isolated from 149/180 (83%) seropositive dogs, and from 6/26 (23%) seronegative animals. The procedure did not cause adverse side effects or unnecessary suffering and confirmed the diagnosis in a large percentage of dogs. We conclude that spleen aspiration can be considered an effective and safe procedure for the definitive diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniosis.