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
Does epididymitis resolve itself?
No
What is a lesion of the scrotal LN?
caseous lymphadenitis (be aware of inguinal hernia)
What are the components of a genital examination?
Inspect prepuce +/- penis Rectal exam (bulls only)
Outline papillomas in bulls
most commonly found on prepuce
seen in younger bulls, prior to mating
medically resolves after mating
What does a haematoma near the sigmoid flexure suggest?
ruptured penis
poor prognosis
In which species do you see persistent frenulums?
bulls only, not rams
Name 2 semen collection methods
artificial vagina
electroejaculator
Outline electroejaculation
Probe in rectum
Manual stimulation of pelvic urethra along the ampullae (2-3 second stimulation, 1 second interval)
Animal doesn’t have to be trained to do this but good restraint is essential!
Outline artificial vagina semen collection
animal has to be trained to do this (can even be trained to jump to a cow that isn’t even in oestrous)
What aspects of semen are evaluated?
gross Motility Morphology (% normal/abnormal) Presence of WBCs (+ indicates sensitivity testing required) \+/- concentration, bacterial culture
What aspects of libido are assessed?
Ability to mount and mate
Penile abormalities
Leg or back injuries - exacerbated here
What is libido testing influenced by?
age
shyness - unfamiliar situation
hierachy
What additional semen evaluation tests may be conducted? 3
Blood test (BVD Ag, Brucella ovis)
Preputial wash - Trichomonas foetus, Campylobacter foetus venerealis
Bacterial culture of semen
How do you evaluate results to write a report?
DON’T write fertile or infertile!
Relates to day of exam
Classifications:
sound/satisfactory
temporarily unsound, classification deferred
unsound or unsatisfactory
