The ultrastructure of abnormal spermatozoa in a stud dog

Ultrasonographic diagnosis of non-palpable Sertoli cell tumours in infertile dogs

Three previously fertile dogs were examined with a history of recent infertility. Semen evaluation revealed marked spermatozoal abnormalities, including lesions of the mid-piece region, poor spermatozoal motility and a low total spermatozoal output. The mean number of live normal spermatozoa was 21.1 +/- 17.4 x 10(6) spermatozoa. Examination of the testes with diagnostic B-mode ultrasound demonstrated solitary mass lesions which in each case were not palpable. Plasma oestrogen concentrations were elevated (mean, 43.0 +/- 8.5 pg/ml), and histologically the masses were shown to be Sertoli cell tumours. Several months after unilateral orchidectomy there was an increase in the percentage of normal spermatozoa and an increase in the spermatozoal motility and total spermatozoal output. The mean number of live normal spermatozoa was 149.8 +/- 22.9 x 10(6) spermatozoa and all the dogs subsequently returned to fertility. Ultrasonographic examination of the testes should be considered part of the routine investigation of the male reproductive tract.

Clinical approach to infertile male dogs with sperm in the ejaculate

Categories of infertility are defined according to semen characteristics. Assessment of daily sperm output and carefully planned matings to determine the extent of infertility and to manage insemination to maximize fertility are described. The contributions of baseline laboratory data, evaluation of reproductive hormones, and testicular biopsy in determining the causes of infertility are discussed. Treatments of infertility secondary to systemic disease, infertility caused by accessory gland infections, and infertility associated with abnormal gonadotropin concentrations are reviewed.

Cytology of the canine reproductive system

The methods for semen collection, its laboratory examination, and the interpretation of findings are presented in this article. The lack of comprehensive data for normal dogs and the lack of data associating actual percentages of spermatozoa with specific abnormalities with fertility or infertility are highlighted. Consequently, there is a need for standardization and completeness of semen examination procedures, especially in studies destined for publication. Collection and analysis of prostatic samples then is discussed, and the distinguishing cytological features of benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic adenocarcinoma, prostatis (including prostatic abscessation), and prostatic cysts are presented. This is followed by an assessment of the clinical usefulness of vaginal cytology, particularly to assist in the management of normal canine reproduction and in the diagnosis of reproductive disorders. The ways in which vaginal smears can facilitate the diagnosis of the stage of the estrous cycle and the diagnosis of abnormalities of the cycle and other disorders of reproduction are presented. Further consideration is given to its use to estimate the time of ovulation retrospectively and estimate the time of whelping prospectively. Finally, two specific diseases that can affect dogs and bitches are reviewed, namely, canine brucellosis and transmissible venereal tumor.