title: First report of a spermatic granuloma and varicocele in a marsupial: A Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) Case Study.
abstract: This study reports the first documented clinical case of a spermatic granuloma and varicocele in a marsupial. Initial clinical presentation included gross morphological changes in the left scrotal cord, epididymis and testis. Ultrasonography of the scrotum and spermatic cord, and gross and histopathological examination after hemicastration, confirmed the condition as a spermatic granuloma affecting the left caput epididymis, with a varicocele in the left proximal spermatic cord, which was causing azoospermia and infertility. Semen quality and serum testosterone secretion following a GnRH challenge was assessed prior to, and following surgery. After hemi-castration, an increase in androgen secretion to within normal reference ranges for the koala was observed with a subsequent increase in semen production and sperm quality resulting in the sire of a pouch young, 12months later.
authors.affiliation: Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia; School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia. Electronic address: bridie.schultz@gmail.com.
authors.forename: B K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Schultz
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Palmieri
authors.affiliation: Dreamworld, Coomera 4209, Australia.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Nicolson
authors.affiliation: Moggill Koala Hospital, Queensland Department of Environment Heritage, Moggill 4070, Australia.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Larkin
authors.affiliation: Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Keeley
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McGowan
authors.affiliation: Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia.
authors.forename: S D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Johnston
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D006099:Granuloma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D009919:Orchiectomy / Q000662:veterinary; D048368:Phascolarctidae; D055101:Semen Analysis / Q000662:veterinary; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D014646:Varicocele / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D013739:Testosterone
keywords: Hemi-castration; Koala; Male fertility; Sperm Quality; Spermatic granuloma; Varicocele