Examination of the male reproductive tract Flashcards
Why examine the male repro tract? 4
pre/post-purchase
pre-mating
reproductive problem
insurance certificates
What proportion of bulls are unsound?
20-40%
Why might a bull be classified as unsound? Incidence?
Physically unsound - 3.8%
Below scrotal circumference threshold - 6.2%
Poor semen quality - 14%
low serving capacity - 15.8%
When should you examine a male repro tract?
at least 6-8 weeks before mating (sperm production takes 60 days in rams)
What are the parts to a male repro soundness exam?
ALWAYS:
Clinical history
PE
Genital exam
OPTIONAL:
semen evaluation
mating ability/libido
other tests if necessary
What conformation should be assessed? 2
pastern joint and hindlimb angle
What should be noted on the distance exam?
lame? diarrhoea? respiratory problem? fleece condition conformation demeanor - BAR?
What aspects should be noted on clinical exam?
TPR
Feet
BCS
Teeth
What external scrotal lesion are rams prone to?
scrotal mange
What should you consider on scrotal palpation? 3
size
tone/consistency
lesions/symmetry
Is the tail of the epididymis on the medial or lateral side of the testis?
medial
What is the minimal scrotal circumference?
34 cm (bulls and rams) - hold behind neck of scrotum If lower --> insufficient sperm production
What part of the epididymis can you feel on a normal testits?
tail only (shouldn’t be able to feel head or body unless inflamed with epididymitis)
What is the approximate ideal testicular tone?
like a flexed bicep (at breeding time)
if lots of force is needed - suggests fibrosis
if low resistance/flabby - suggests degenerative change
Broad causes of epididymo-orchitis or epididymitis
INFECTIOUS:
penetrating wounds
haematogenous
retrograde infection
IATROGENIC
following vasectomy
