Pathological Evaluation of the Testes in the Castrated Dogs in Ahvaz County, Khuzestan Province, Iran

Background: Despite extensive research on the diseases of the reproductive system (testis and epididymis) in dogs, the extent of reproductive complications is unknown.Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical, macroscopic, and histopathological findings of testicular and epididymal tissues in dogs of Ahvaz County, Khuzestan Province, Iran. Methods: In the present study, 77 castrated testes were evaluated in different animal ages (from 7 months until 12 years). After macroscopic evaluation, the testicle and epididymis tissues were placed in 10% buffered formalin and processed.Results: Sixty-eight cases of dogs had testicles with normal appearance. Four cases of dogs had cryptorchidism, which was determined during clinical examination. In five cases, the epididymis was swollen with dilated spaces. The microscopic study of the samples showed the presence of various lesions in 45 cases (58.44%). Four (8.89%) of 45 samples with lesions had unilateral cryptorchidism. Testicular degeneration was among the most important cases observed in 14(31.11%). Twenty-two (48.89%) out of 45 samples with lesions had epididymitis. Severe hyperplasia of the mucous membrane covering the epididymis was observed in these samples. Epididymitis and degeneration were observed in 12 cases simultaneously. Two cases of chronic epididymitis were associated with bleeding. Another finding was the observation of intranuclear and intracytoplasmic inclusions (in 29 cases). In 21 cases, epididymitis was also visible simultaneously, determined by the presence of fibrosis around the ducts and mucous hyperplasia. Bleeding was seen in 5 cases (11.11%).Conclusion: Considering the relatively high prevalence of testicular degeneration, epididymitis, and the presence of inclusions in the studied dogs, castration in males and histopathological evaluations are very important for a definitive diagnosis of complications because they can lead to infertility, especially in purebred dogs that are kept in shelters (because of the chronic course of some infectious diseases).

Pathological Evaluation of the Testes in the Castrated Dogs in Ahvaz County, Khuzestan Province, Iran Keywords:

Cryptorchidism , Dog , Epididymis , Histopathology , Testicle