Digital image analysis of testicular and prostatic ultrasonographic echogencity and heterogeneity in dogs and the relation to semen quality.
A semi-automated ultrasonographic method was developed to measure echogenicity and heterogeneity of the testes and prostate gland and relationships of these measures with semen quality were assessed in 43 fertile dogs. The relationship between animal age and body weight upon the volume of the testes, epididymal tail volume and prostate volume were also established. Mean testicular echogenicity was negatively correlated with the percentage of morphologically normal live spermatozoa (more echogenic testes were associated with fewer normal sperm) but not with any other semen quality measure. Mean testicular heterogeneity was positively correlated with the total spermatozoal output (more heterogenous testes, being those with anechoic parenchyma and prominent echogenic stippling, were associated with greater sperm output) but not with any other semen quality measure. There was no relationship between either mean prostatic echogenicity or mean prostatic heterogeneity and any semen quality measure. There was no relationship between age and any testicular or prostatic parameter; however bodyweight was significantly correlated with total testicular volume, total epididymal tail volume and total prostatic volume. Testicular and prostatic ultrasonographic echogenicity and heterogeneity can be objectively assessed using digital image analysis and testicular echogenicity and heterogeneity may be useful adjunct measurements in a breeding soundness examination.
Guide Dogs National Breeding Centre, Leamington Spa CV33 9WF, Warwickshire, UK.
Rachel
R
Moxon
School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK.
Lucy
L
Bright
School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK.
Beth
B
Pritchard
School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK.
I Mark
IM
Bowen
CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia CEP: 70.040-020, DF, Brazil. Electronic address: mirley.souza@gmail.com.
Mírley Barbosa
MB
de Souza
Laboratory of Carnivore Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceara, 1700, Doutor Silas Munguba Avenue, CEP 60714-903 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
Lúcia Daniel Machado
LD
da Silva
School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK.
Gary C W
GC
England
D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D008297:Male; D011467:Prostate / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012661:Semen / Q000502:physiology*; D055101:Semen Analysis / Q000662:veterinary*; D013737:Testis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography
Canine; Prostate; Semen quality; Testes; Ultrasound