Bilateral Testicular Mixed Germ Cell-sex Cord-stromal Tumours in a Stallion

An 18-year-old Friesian stallion was examined approximately one week after reportedly presenting scrotal swelling due to torsion of the spermatic cords. Upon presentation no scrotal swelling was noted, the testes were normally oriented, and no abnormalities of the spermatic cords were noted. However, both testes were smaller than expected for a mature stallion and deep palpation revealed that the consistency of the testes was nodular. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the testes revealed diffuse heterogeneous parenchyma with multiple hypoechoic nodular areas. Grossly, the testicular parenchyma was effaced by multiple gray-tan nodules of varying consistency interspersed with gray-white bands of tissue. Microscopic analysis revealed multiple pleomorphic neoplastic foci disseminated throughout both testes. Histological and immunohistochemical features were atypical and consistent with the diagnosis of bilateral testicular mixed germ cell-sex cord stromal tumours. Bilateral testicular tumours and testicular mixed cell tumours are extremely rare in stallions and this is the first report of bilateral testicular mixed germ cell-sex cord-stromal tumours in a stallion. Our findings indicate that certain ultrasonographic characteristics are suggestive of testicular tumour and that immunohistochemistry markers can be used to better characterize testicular neoplasms in stallions.     

Semen Characteristics in a Sub‐Fertile Arabian Stallion with Idiopathic Teratospermia

A 5‐year‐old Arabian stallion was managed for breeding with fresh/extended semen during a period of 8 months with a resulting per cycle pregnancy rate of 26.3%. The stallion was in good health and no abnormalities of the reproductive tract were observed. Evaluation of several ejaculates revealed that sperm production and semen quality were mostly unchanged during the period of evaluation, that sperm production was normal and that semen quality was extremely poor. The most prevalent sperm defects were abnormal heads and mid‐pieces. Most abnormal heads were microcephalic and/or tapered and considerable variation in sperm head dimensions within and among ejaculates was observed. A unique defect characterized by swollen/roughened mid‐piece caused by accumulation of cytoplasmic‐like material and abnormal mitochondrial sheath was observed. Nuclear vacuoles, acrosome defects, and teratoids were also prevalent and most sperm presented multiple abnormalities. The absence of any clear cause or any signs of testicular degeneration, combined with normal sperm production, and constant abnormal sperm production suggest an inherent, congenital disturbance of spermatogenesis as the cause of teratospermia in this case.