Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Babesia infection linked to male dog infertility and low sperm quality
By Anna Domosławska & Sławomir Zdunczyk·Published in Irish Veterinary Journal·2020·Department of Animal Reproduction with Clinic, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, GB·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Canine babesiosis – a disease rarely considered in the context of male infertility
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Four male dogs with infertility issues were found to have low sperm quality after being infected with a parasite called Babesia canis. In two of the dogs, fertility was restored after they received supplements of selenium and Vitamin E. The other two dogs were treated with medications that either surgically or pharmacologically castrated them. This suggests that if a male dog is having trouble fathering puppies, it's important for veterinarians to ask about any past infections with Babesia canis, as it could be affecting their fertility.
People also search for: dog infertility causes · Babesia canis treatment · selenium and Vitamin E for dog fertility · male dog sperm quality issues
Abstract
Abstract Background Little is known about the impact of babesiosis on semen quality and fertility in dogs. Case presentation Four cases of infertility in male dogs after infection with Babesia canis are described. In all dogs sperm quality was low. Two dogs were castrated pharmacologically or surgically. In two dogs fertility was restored after supplementation with selenium and Vitamin E. As possible causes of spermatogenesis disorders due to the treatment of infection with Babesia canis with imidocarb, fever and disturbed testicular microcirculation are discussed. Conclusions These cases indicate that if males have fertility problems, question about babesiosis infection in the past should be a permanent point in the clinical interview.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13620-020-00174-y