title: Clinical and laboratory findings associated with actual or suspected azoospermia in dogs: 18 cases (1979-1990).
abstract: Eighteen dogs were evaluated for azoospermia, 8 of which had sired pups. On the basis of history, physical examination, and various laboratory evaluations, the cause and site of azoospermia varied. Two dogs that had never sired pups had likely been azoospermic from puberty (congenital azoospermia). Two dogs were azoospermic as a result of tumors (Sertoli cell tumor and malignant astrocytoma of the pituitary gland). Deposits of IgG were observed in testicular biopsy samples, which suggested an auto-immune cause for azoospermia in 5 dogs. One of the 5 dogs with IgG deposits in testicular tissues also had evidence of immune-mediated thyroiditis. Culturing of microbes in the semen was not helpful in determining potential causes of azoospermia, and results did not correlate with organisms isolated from testicular biopsy samples or with the finding of inflammation in biopsy samples. Because 6 dogs had relatives with histories of reproductive dysfunction, inbreeding also must be considered when evaluating dogs for azoospermia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul 55108.
authors.forename: P N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Olson
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schultheiss
authors.forename: H B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Seim
mesh_terms: D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D006728:Hormones / Q000097:blood; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D007178:Inbreeding; D008297:Male; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012661:Semen / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology; D013737:Testis / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D006728:Hormones; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase