Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ultrasound finds hidden Sertoli cell tumors in infertile dogs
By England, G C·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·1995·Department of Farm Animal and Equine Medicine and Surgery·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ultrasonographic diagnosis of non-palpable Sertoli cell tumours in infertile dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Three previously fertile dogs were brought in because they were having trouble breeding. Tests showed that their sperm had serious issues, including poor movement and low numbers of healthy sperm. An ultrasound of their testicles revealed hidden tumors called Sertoli cell tumors, which were not noticeable during a physical exam. After surgery to remove one testicle, the dogs showed significant improvement in their sperm quality and all returned to being able to breed successfully.
People also search for: dog infertility treatment · Sertoli cell tumor in dogs · dog sperm quality improvement · ultrasound testicles dog
Abstract
Three previously fertile dogs were examined with a history of recent infertility. Semen evaluation revealed marked spermatozoal abnormalities, including lesions of the mid-piece region, poor spermatozoal motility and a low total spermatozoal output. The mean number of live normal spermatozoa was 21.1 +/- 17.4 x 10(6) spermatozoa. Examination of the testes with diagnostic B-mode ultrasound demonstrated solitary mass lesions which in each case were not palpable. Plasma oestrogen concentrations were elevated (mean, 43.0 +/- 8.5 pg/ml), and histologically the masses were shown to be Sertoli cell tumours. Several months after unilateral orchidectomy there was an increase in the percentage of normal spermatozoa and an increase in the spermatozoal motility and total spermatozoal output. The mean number of live normal spermatozoa was 149.8 +/- 22.9 x 10(6) spermatozoa and all the dogs subsequently returned to fertility. Ultrasonographic examination of the testes should be considered part of the routine investigation of the male reproductive tract.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8587321/