Diagnostic methods in the stallions

Question 1

List 7 specific things that can be undertaken when performing breeding soundness exam in stallion

Answer 1

Bacteriological screening
Virology/vaccination for venereal pathogens
Semen evaluation
Ultrasonography
Urethroscopy
Further tests: ?Testicular FNA cytology and Cytology

Question 2

Describe bacteriological screening in ‘low risk’ stallion

Answer 2

2 negative sets of swabs 7 days apart

Question 3

Describe bacteriological screening in ‘high risk’ stallion

Answer 3

2 negative sets of swabs 7 days apart
+ screen 4 mares post mating

Question 4

where do you swab in a stallion for bacteriological screening

Answer 4

Swabs from urethra, urethral fossa, sheath and pre-ejaculatory fluid

Question 5

How to treat Pseudomonas aeroginosa if it is isolated in stallion

Answer 5

Topical – Cleaning of the Penis
Topical antimicrobial agents on the basis of sensitivity
Re-test according to Guidelines

Question 6

when you vaccinate a stallion against equine viral arteritis- what do you need to do first

Answer 6

before need to prove that he is serologically -ve prior to vaccination and that the vaccination results in a positive serological response

Question 7

List 4 general priniciples of semen evaluation

Answer 7

Avoid toxic lubricants
Avoid contamination with water
Avoid allowing sample to become cold
If analysis is to be delayed do not store at body temperature (allow to cool to room temperature)

Question 8

what is the most likely cause of haemospermia

Answer 8

bacterial urethritis

Question 9

Treatment of haemospermia

Answer 9

Systemic antibiotics and NSAIDs
Sexual rest
Urinary acidifiers

Question 10

what is the problem with haemospermia

Answer 10

Reduction in fertility associated with whole blood within the ejaculate

Question 11

what is phimosis

Answer 11

Small preputial orifice
results in failure of penile protrusion

Question 12

List 3 possible causes of phimosis

Answer 12

congenital
trauma
neoplasia

Question 13

what is a common sign of phimosis

Answer 13

pooling of urine and urine dribbling

Question 14

what is paraphimosis

Answer 14

failure to retract the penis

Question 15

causes of paraphimosis

Answer 15

Trauma during breeding
Phenothiazines (as part of priapism syndrome)

Question 16

treatment of paraphimosis

Answer 16

Critical aspect is to establish whether the horse can urinate
pressure bandages to reduce swelling and return penis to sheath as soon as it is able to- purse string to keep it in place

If can’t be returned- prevent gravity oedema by tying penis to horse ventrum

Question 17

what is priapism

Answer 17

Persistent enlargement of the penis in the absence of sexual excitement

Question 18

what causes priapism

Answer 18

Normally phenothiazine tranquilisers

Question 19

what should you always do when sedating stallions/ geldings

Answer 19

IF YOU EVER SEDATE AND CAUSE PENILE PROLAPSE YOU MUST MAKE SURE THAT THE PENIS IS RETURNED TO THE SHEATH BEFORE YOU LEAVE. IF IT IS NOT THEN REPLACE IT AND HOLD IT IN PLACE EVEN USING TOWEL CLIPS AS A TEMPORARY MEASURE.

Question 20

how to treat priapism

Answer 20

If the penis is turgid and not retracted
Attempt manual replacement
Place towel clips or sutures across sheath
Take clips off at 12 hours and re-check
OR
amputate

Question 21

List 3 tumours that can occur on sheath

Answer 21

squamous cell carcinomas
melanoma
sarcoids

Question 22

3 common causes of posthitis

Answer 22

coital exanthema
bacterial overgrowth
fly-strike

Question 23

Treatment of phimosis

Answer 23

surgery

Question 24

what is prosthitis

Answer 24

inflammation of the sheath (may occur with inflammation of the penis)