Male infertility in dogs

To successfully breed, a male dog must produce healthy sperm and be able to deliver that sperm to a female dog. While this may be a very simplistic definition of male reproductive function, this is the ultimate basics of male fertility.{{more}} Disease or deformity of the testicles, spermatic ducts, prostate, other sex glands, penis, as well as alterations in hormone levels or other internal diseases can all lead to the inability to sire offspring.

It is then no short or simple issue to determine the cause of an infertile male dog. To compound the problem, when breeding has not been successful, which partner is to blame? At first glance, either male or female could be the source of such a problem and therefore the diagnosis must be very precise.

To help the doctor narrow the possibilities, it will be important to know if this dog has ever sired litters before, if so how many and how many puppies were produced? Does the dog seem able to breed and have there been any illnesses or symptoms that have gone uninvestigated in the last 6 months?

From there, a complete physical examination, blood counts, serum chemistries and endocrine (hormone) levels analyzed, semen analysis, brucellosis testing and even testicular biopsy may be needed. Without a thorough diagnostic work-up, a diagnosis may be very elusive. It should be remembered that the failure to conceive could be a problem with the female dog and not the male.

TREATMENT OF MALE INFERTILITY

Firstly, it will be nearly impossible to treat this problem without a proper diagnosis. Secondly, the treatment will vary with the root cause and may include antibiotic therapy, hormonal stimulation and other therapies. Treatment may not be successful, or, depending on cause, certain dogs should not be bred anyway. Neutering is then advised.

PENILE ABNORMALITIES

HYPOSPADIAS: an unusual urethral opening in the penis. This may be surgically corrected.

FRENULUM: a band of tissue which may prevent the penis from becoming erect. This can be treated with surgery.

PARAPHIMOSIS: where the penis remains exposed and does not return to the prepuce, often secondary to trauma. Treatable with medicated ointments, manual replacement or surgery.

PHIMOSIS: where the prepucial opening is too small to allow the penis out. This can be corrected with surgery.

URETHRAL PROLAPSE: a condition where the urethra comes “inside out” at the tip of the penis. May be secondary to infections or stones. Corrected with surgery. ((Urethral Prolapse))

PRIAPISM: constant erection not associated with sexual excitement, often neurological with the only treatment being to keep the penis moist and lubricated

Website: www.uniqueanimalcare.com