Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Swelling in both epididymes after urethrostomy in German shepherd dog
By Batista-Arteaga, M et al.·Published in Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene·2011·Veterinary Medicine Faculty, Spain·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Bilateral epididymal sperm granulomas following urethrostomy in a German shepherd dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 6-year-old German shepherd developed swelling in both testicles after undergoing a surgery called urethrostomy, which is meant to relieve urinary blockages. The dog showed no changes in testicular function, but doctors found multiple small white lumps in the epididymis, which is where sperm is stored. These lumps were confirmed to be granulomas caused by sperm leaking out due to irritation from urine pressure. The issue likely arose from complications during the surgery, leading to urine buildup and irritation in the epididymis. Treatment details were not specified, but addressing the underlying issues would be crucial for recovery.
People also search for: German shepherd testicle swelling · dog epididymal granulomas treatment · urethrostomy complications in dogs
Abstract
Bilateral enlargement of both epididymes was observed in a 6-year-old German shepherd dog following a pre-scrotal urethrostomy. Testicular parenchyma showed regular structure, and the spermatogenesis and the steroidogenic functions were not modified. However, macroscopic examination of the tail and the body of both epididymes exhibited multiple white and well-delimited foci. Histopathological study of the epididymes confirmed the development of granulomas associated with extravasated spermatozoa. Urethrostomy caused a severe stenosis of the penile urethra, favouring the retention of urine at the urinary bladder. The retrograde pressure exerted by the distension of the urinary bladder could have allowed the urine to reach the prostatic urethra and the deferent ducts and, finally, the epididymes, causing irritation and rupture of the mucous layer of the epididymal duct, the consequent sperm extravasation and the development of sperm granulomas. We speculate that the inadequate surgical resolution of the urethral calculi caused the bladder distension, the subsequent retrograde flow of urine and the development of the lesions.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21736634/