Endoscopic Laser Ablation of a Midline Cyst of the Colliculus Seminalis as a Treatment for Anejaculation in a Stallion

An 18-year-old Appaloosa stallion presented with a history of ejaculatory dysfunction, which had recently progressed to an inability to ejaculate (anejaculation). Transrectal ultrasound evaluation revealed the presence of a prominent midline cyst of the colliculus seminalis, which was compressing the most terminal parts of the deferent ducts. Both ducts were enlarged and filled with hyperechoic content. The stallion was diagnosed with a complete occlusion of the deferent ducts because of the compression from the midline cyst of the colliculus seminalis. To date, there are no established treatments for this condition in stallions, although several procedures have been successfully used in men affected by similar problems. Therefore, we proposed performing one of these procedures—a laser ablation of the cyst to collapse it and to open the ejaculatory path. The stallion was placed under general anesthesia, and an endoscopic ultrasound-guided laser ablation of the cyst was performed. No immediate or long-term complications were observed. After the expulsion of accumulated material, the stallion produced normal semen and successfully impregnated mares during the next breeding season.     

Studies on seminal vesiculitis in the bull. II. Malformation of the pelvic genital organs as a possible predisposing factor in the pathogenesis of seminal vesiculitis.

Of 32 bulls showing inflammatory conditions in the pelvic genital organs, 25 were examined post mortem (24 showing vesiculitis with or without ampullitis and one showing ampullitis alone). In ten cases (40%) the following malformations or rare anatomical deviations were demonstrated by careful gross-anatomical dissection: Segmental aplasia of the Wolffian duct: 1; segmental hypoplasia of the Wolffian duct: 3; asymmetric implantation of the two ampullae: 3; accessory vesicular glands: 1; uterus masculinus persistens: 2. These results corroborate earlier observations that a congenital defect may play a certain r?le in the pathogenesis of seminal vesiculitis, most probably by acting as a locus minoris resistentiae in or around colliculus seminalis. On account of the above findings, and considering the prognosis for the condition and the lack of effective treatment, it can in general be recommended, that diseased bulls should be slaughtered as soon as the diagnosis seminal vesiculitis is final.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF UTERUS MASCULINUS IN SIX DOGS

Uterus masculinus (persistent Mullerian duct) is a vestigial embryological remnant of the paramesonephric duct system in males and has been associated with clinical signs such as dysuria, incontinence, tenesmus and urethral obstruction in dogs. The radiological appearance of cystic uterus masculinus in dogs has been described previously with the aid of retrograde positive or negative contrast cystography. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe ultrasonographic features of confirmed or presumed uterus masculinus in a group of dogs with confirmed or presumed disease. Ultrasonographic findings were recorded based on a consensus opinion of two readers. A uterus masculinus was defined as cylindrical when no lumen was observed and tubular when it had lumen that was filled with anechoic fluid. Six dogs met the inclusion criterion with a mean age of 8 years and 9 months. Uterus masculinus appeared as single (four dogs) or two (two dogs) horn‐like, tubular (four dogs) or cylindrical (two dogs) structures, originating from the craniodorsal aspect of the prostate gland and extending cranially. The walls of the uterus masculinus were isoechoic to the urinary bladder wall. The diameter of the observed uterus masculinus varied from 0.3 cm to 1 cm. The length of the uterus masculinus varied from 2 cm to 6.5 cm but the cranial terminal end was not identified in two dogs. Concomitant prostatomegaly was seen in five dogs (83.3%) and urinary tract infection was noted in three dogs (50%). Findings indicated that uterus masculinus should be included as a differential diagnosis for male dogs with these ultrasonographic characteristics.     

Retrograde ejaculation in a stallion

Retrograde ejaculation was diagnosed in a 10-year-old Arabian stallion. Despite behavioral signs consistent with ejaculation, the collection receptacle of an artificial vagina remained devoid of semen on numerous occasions. Catheterization of the urinary bladder yielded large numbers of spermatozoa, even when an ejaculate was obtained, whereas low numbers (< 1 X 10(6)/ml) of spermatozoa are found in the bladder of clinically normal stallions after ejaculation. Endoscopic examination of the urethra, seminal colliculus, and bladder failed to reveal abnormalities. Medical treatment with imipramine hydrochloride apparently resulted in improvement initially, but was not curative. Further diagnostic and treatment measures were declined and the stallion was castrated. For stallions that seemingly fail to ejaculate or for ejaculates that contain lower seminal volumes or numbers of spermatozoa than expected, obtaining a urine sample after ejaculation via bladder catheterization is a simple diagnostic procedure that may be used to investigate the possibility of retrograde ejaculation.     

Update on Seminal Vesiculitis in Stallions

Seminal vesiculitis in stallions reduces fertility and is often underdiagnosed. The most common cause is infection of seminal vesicles by bacteria capable of forming biofilms and a propensity for tissue persistence, for example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Achieving a clinical cure is challenging because of a high rate of recurrence. Systemic antibiotic therapy does not reach adequate therapeutic concentrations within the seminal vesicles; one alternative is endoscopy-guided, local antibiotic infusion into the gland lumen, with or without concurrent systemic antibiotics. Current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for seminal vesiculitis are less than fully satisfactory, and several studies have been conducted to improve them. This review covers traditional and newer concepts regarding seminal vesiculitis, including diagnostic and treatment methods, management of stallions with this disorder, and authors’ experience with clinical cases.     

Colliculus seminalis as a cause of a urethral filling defect in two dogs with Sertoli cell testicular neoplasms

A urethral filling defect in the proximal portion of the pelvic urethra, suggestive of a mass, was detected by positive-contrast retrograde urethrography in 2 dogs with prostatic disease and Sertoli cell neoplasms. Extension of prostatic neoplasia into the urethra or primary urethral neoplasia were considered as explanations for the radiographic finding of an intraluminal filling defect in the pelvic urethra. Masses were visualized and biopsied during prostatic surgery. Masses were nonneoplastic and represented enlargement of the colliculus seminalis.     

Prevalence of Taylorella equigenitalis infection in stallions in Slovenia: bacteriology compared with PCR examination

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The prevalence of Taylorella equigenitalis infection in Slovenia is unknown and methods used to refine identification in these stallions are required. HYPOTHESIS: In diagnosis of T. equigenitalis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) would have advantages over culture methods, especially in cases where small numbers of causal agent or intensive contamination of genital swabs are involved. METHODS: Culture method and PCR were used to examine a total of 980 genital swabs from the urethra and fossa urethralis of 245 stallions for the presence of the contagious equine metritis organism. RESULTS: Among 245 examined stallions, 225 (91.8%) were negative to T. equigenitalis by both methods. From the swabs of 17 stallions (6.9%) T. equigenitalis was isolated at first and/or second sampling. Swabs of 3 (13%) stallions were PCR positive but the isolation of T. equigenitalis failed. The rate of T. equigenitalis detection was higher with PCR than with the classic bacteriological examination. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: PCR protocol used in this study provided a specific, sensitive, and simple tool for rapid detection of T. equigenitalis. PCR is especially valuable in cases of intensive bacterial and fungal contamination of swabs where the isolation of T. equigenitalis usually fails.     

Effect of controlled exercise on libido in 2-yr-old stallions

Eight sexually inexperienced, 2-yr-old Morgan stallions were used in a consecutive two-phase design with two groups of four stallions each. Each phase lasted 16 wk, with semen collections every 14 d. Libido scores were assigned to stallions during each semen collection. Scores ranged from zero to four, with zero indicating minimum and four representing maximum libido. In Phase 1, four stallions received daily forced exercise for 16 wk, and the remaining four stallions were confined to box stalls. In Phase 2, the previously exercised stallions were confined to box stalls, and the non-exercised stallions of Phase 1 received daily forced exercise. No week X treatment effect (P greater than .05) was found in Phase 1. Exercised stallions, however, tended to have lower libido values than non-exercised stallions from wk 10 through wk 16. A week X treatment effect (P less than .01) was found in Phase 2. Libido scores were lower (P less than .05) over time among exercised stallions, whereas scores of non-exercised stallions tended to remain stable or rise slightly over time. Mean libido scores for exercised and non-exercised stallions were different (P less than .05) at the end of Phase 1 (2.06 +/- .37 and 3.5 +/- .37, respectively). By wk 26, mean libido scores were similar (exercised: 2.62 +/- .34; non-exercised: 2.52 +/- .34). However, by wk 32, libido values for exercised stallions were lower (P less than .05) than non-exercised stallions (1.87 +/- .34 and 2.81 +/- .34, respectively). In general, mean libido scores of the non-exercised group were higher than exercised stallions after 12 wk of forced daily exercise.     

Immunoglobulin containing cells in normal and inflamed accessory sex glands of bulls

The peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) technique was used to identify cytoplasmic immunoglobulins in the accessory sex glands of 15 normal bulls and 13 bulls with inflammation of the ASG. Immunoglobulin containing cells (ICC) of the types IgA, IgM, total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 were measured and their percentages expressed. In accessory sex glands from normal bulls, IgA containing cells were the most frequent in prostate and bulbourethral glands (86.7% and 86.1%, respectively of all ICC present) whereas in the ampulla, IgG containing cells comprised 78.6% of the ICC. IgG1 and IgG2 containing cells were present in all the accessory sex glands in approximately equal numbers. Frequencies of IgM containing cells in the ampulla, prostate and bulbourethral glands were 6.3%, 4.0% and 3.7%, respectively. Although all isotypes of ICC were present in the seminal vesicle, the very low number precluded accurate quantification. In inflamed ampulla, seminal vesicle, bulbourethral gland and colliculus seminalis, IgG containing cells were the most frequent ICC with values of 66.2%, 83.0%, 69.0% and 53.5%, respectively; IgA containing cells were the second in prevalence with values of 21.5%, 10.3% 19.3% and 40.5%, respectively. The contribution of ICC to the locally protective immunoglobulins in accessory sex gland secretions is discussed.     

Bilateral second pharyngeal cleft cysts in 2 calves on the same farm

Pharyngeal cleft cysts (also called branchial cleft cysts) are rare congenital defects of the pharynx region that appear as soft, fluctuant cystic structures on the ventral neck. These cysts are formed by anomalous regression of the pharyngeal clefts during embryonic development and are lined by pseudostratified columnar to squamous, partially ciliated epithelium on histopathology. Development of these cysts is sporadic, with no currently identified risk factors in veterinary species. The cysts are typically unilateral, and primarily diagnosed in mature animals of various species. The objective of this article is to report 2 cases of bilateral second pharyngeal cleft cysts in 2 calves with no shared pedigree, located on the same farm. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of geographically linked second pharyngeal cleft cysts in veterinary species, and the first cases of bilateral cysts in cattle.Key clinical message:Pharyngeal cleft cysts are an important differential for soft, fluctuant, and cystic structures on the ventral neck of all species. These cases are typically unilateral, diagnosed in mature animals and are sporadic with no currently identified risk factors in veterinary species.     

Microtubular mass defect of spermatozoa in the stallion

A microtubular mass (MM) defect was found in the spermatozoa of 7 Standardbred stallions; 3 stallions were sons of the same sire. Two of these 3 stallions and 2 other stallions (for a total of 4 out of the 7 stallions) were considered subfertile when the defect was first observed. Fertility improved with time, either during the first breeding season or when a given stallion was used less frequently; however, the MM defect persisted, consisting of tortuous arrays of small abnormal microtubules visible only by transmission electron microscopy. The MM probably contained the protein tubulin as indicated by immunofluorescence. Microtubules of the MM were different from normal microtubules in being highly coiled, rather than straight, without interconnecting bridges or arms and had a 20% smaller cross-sectional diameter than did normal microtubules. Synthesis of the MM may occur near areas of the nuclear membranes normally associated with the manchette of the developing spermatid.     

Introduction to interventional radiology for the criticalist

Objectives – To introduce the basic equipment necessary to perform interventional radiology (IR) techniques in the veterinary setting, particularly those procedures of interest to the criticalist. Data Sources – Veterinary and human literature as well as author's experience. Human Data Synthesis – Since the 1950s, diagnostic angiography has played an important role in human medicine. However, over the last 2–3 decades, this once purely diagnostic modality has become a subspecialty in human medicine with vast applications throughout the body. These techniques have replaced more invasive surgeries as the standard‐of‐care in many circumstances. Veterinary Data Synthesis – Although comparable data are not available in the veterinary literature, many IR and interventional endoscopy techniques are poised to replace more invasive procedures in veterinary medicine. In addition, these techniques have already been shown to offer treatment options for patients in whom more traditional therapies have failed, have been declined, or are not indicated due to comorbidities or substantial risk to patient health. Conclusions – Like our human medical counterparts, the use of IR techniques will likely play and increasingly important role in the care of veterinary patients. With this in mind, it is important to become familiar with both the equipment used in these techniques as well as their applications both currently in clinical cases and in the near future.     

New technology for prevention and control of infectious bovine respiratory diseases

Recent advances in molecular biology, genetics, and immunochemistry have provided the basis for a new generation of vaccines, diagnostic tools, and prophylactic substances for the prevention of infectious diseases in cattle. This article describes how these new technologies are being applied to veterinary medicine and their potential in bovine respiratory diseases caused by infectious agents.     

Effects of age, season and active immunization against estrogen on serum prolactin concentrations in stallions

Prolactin concentrations in stallion serum were measured by radioimmunoassay based on antiserum generated against equine prolactin and radioiodinated canine prolactin. Prolactin concentrations in serum collected from 152 stallions at a slaughterhouse were higher (P less than .01) in summer than in winter (5.7 +/- .15 vs 2.0 +/- .17 ng/ml). Moreover, there was an effect of age (P less than .02) in the analysis of variance; there was no interaction between age and season. In general, prolactin concentrations increased with age up to 3 to 5 years. Samples of serum collected from five control and five estrogen-immunized stallions from 6 to 26 months of age also were assessed for prolactin concentration. Active immunization against estrogen had no effect (P greater than .10) on prolactin concentrations. In contrast, whether analyzed by age or by month of the year, prolactin concentrations varied with time (P less than .01) in these stallions. Averaged over both groups, concentrations were high during summer and low during winter and were also gradually increasing with time as indicated by a linear trend (P less than .01) in the data. It is concluded that serum prolactin concentrations in stallions 1) are seasonal, as in many other seasonally breeding species, 2) in general are highest in older stallions and lowest in young stallions and 3) are not affected by active immunization against estrogens.     

Thrombocytosis in 24 Horses (1989–1994)

The records of horses presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine between January 1, 1989 and April 30, 1994 were evaluated to determine risk factors associated with thrombocytosis. Of the 2,346 horses for which a CBC was performed, 24 (1.0%) had a platelet count > 400,000/μL. Demographic, diagnostic, physical examination, and clinicopathologic variables from these cases were compared with a reference population consisting of 189 horses with a normal platelet count presenting during the same period. Infectious/inflammatory disorders were observed more commonly in horses with high platelet counts than in horses with normal platelet counts. Initial independent evaluation of demographic variables revealed that horses more than 3 years of age, females, and geldings were less likely to have thrombocytosis than were younger horses or stallions. Independent analysis of clinicopathologic variables revealed that horses with thrombocytosis were more likely to have hyper-fibrinogenemia, leukocytosis, hypoproteinemia, and anemia than were horses with normal platelet counts. Physical examination parameters associated with thrombocytosis included tachycardia and pyrexia. In the final multivariable model, the variables with the strongest association with thrombocytosis included leukocytosis, anemia, and hyper-fibrinogenemia. Thrombocytosis rarely causes clinical problems in horses and is not likely to require specific antiplatelet therapy. The strong association of thrombocytosis with infectious/inflammatory disorders, however, should lead clinicians to suspect these types of conditions in horses with high platelet counts.     

Determination of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase-like activities in equine spermatozoa, seminal plasma, and reproductive tissues

OBJECTIVE: To determine glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activities in spermatozoa, seminal plasma, and reproductive tissues (ie, testis, epididymis, bulbourethral gland, prostate, vesicular gland, and ampulla) in horses. SAMPLE POPULATION: Seminal plasma from 17 stallions, spermatozoa from 5 stallions, and reproductive tissues from 3 stallions. PROCEDURE: Activity of GPX was determined by use of assays measuring oxidation of NADPH in the presence of exogenous glutathione, cumene hydroperoxide, and glutathione reductase. Activity of SOD-like enzymes was determined by use of the nitroblue tetrazolium assay. RESULTS: Mean GPX and SOD-like activities in seminal plasma were 1.3 +/- 0.1 nmol of NADPH oxidized/min/mg of protein and 29.2 +/- 6.6 U/mg of protein, respectively. Mean GPX activities in spermatozoa separated from seminal plasma by centrifugation and via Percoll gradient were 2.2 +/- 0.3 nmol and 6.1 +/- 1.3 nmol of NADPH oxidized/min/mg of protein, respectively. Mean SOD-like activity of spermatozoa separated by centrifugation was 58.6 +/- 22.3 U/mg of protein; SOD-like activity was not detected in Percoll-separated spermatozoa. Among reproductive tissues, the ampulla and prostate had the highest SOD-like activity, although this was not significantly different from activity in other tissues. Testes and spermatozoa from the cauda epididymis contained significantly more GPX activity than other tissues. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that although equine seminal plasma contains high SOD-like enzyme activity, spermatozoa have limited GPX and SOD-like activity. Enzymatic antioxidant activity in equine spermatozoa appears to be predominantly derived from seminal plasma adsorbed onto the plasma membrane. Removal of seminal plasma during semen processing may increase oxidative stress in equine-spermatozoa.     

The presence of androgen receptors in the epididymis and prostate of the stallion and cryptorchid horse--a preliminary study

Distribution of androgen receptors (ARs) in the epididymal duct and prostate of three entire stallions and one bilaterally cryptorchid horse was studied immunohistochemically using a polyclonal rabbit antiserum against the ARs. In both the healthy stallions and the cryptorchid, the epithelial cells of the epididymides showed nuclear staining for ARs. The intensity of AR-staining in the principal cells of the epididymis was stronger than that of the basal cells. In the prostate, the glandular secretory cells were moderately stained whereas the basal cells expressed weak AR-staining. Immunostaining for ARs in the reproductive tissues of the cryptorchid horse was always stronger than in those of the stallions. Our results demonstrate for the first time the AR localisation to equine epididymal and prostatic cells, which are directly regulated by androgens.     

Stationary performance testing of stallions from the Dutch Warmblood riding horse population. 1. Estimated genetic parameters of scored traits and the genetic relation with dressage and jumping competition from offspring of breeding stallions

The stationary performance testing (SPT) of stallions as breeding candidates in the Dutch Warmblood riding horse population is evaluated. Genetic and phenotypic parameters of traits scored during SPT and the genetic correlation of these traits with performances in dressage and jumping competition from offspring of breeding stallions are estimated.Data from 1978–1988 are used, covering scores from 337 3-year-old stallions. Eight subjectively scored traits are considered. These traits are: walk; trot; canter; riding ability; show jumping; free jumping; cross country; character. SPT lasts for a period of 100 days. Data from SPT are analysed using an animal model. The relations between SPT of stallions and performances in jumping and dressage competition are analysed with an animal model for SPT data and a sire model for competition data. Variance and covariance components are estimated by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) procedures. Estimates of heritability are high (0.64) for gaits and riding ability, intermediate (0.41) for cross country and medium-high (0.31) for jumping. Estimated genetic correlation between show jumping scored during SPT and jumping in competition from offspring of breeding stallions is 0.84; for dressage this relation is 0.83. Some possible bias due to selection and the subjectivity of scoring is discussed. It is indicated that selection on SPT of stallions before entering breeding service is an effective tool to breed for ability of performance in competition.