Page 580 - Equine Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, 2nd Edition

Reproductive system: 2.2 The male reproductive tr act 555

VetBooks.ir surgical intervention. The affected testis cannot if semen quality and fertility are good. Unilateral
orchidectomy is the only definitive treatment.
usually be saved and unilateral castration is recom-
mended. The spermatic cord should be removed
proximal to the origin of the torsion. Prognosis
The prognosis is good if semen quality and fertility
Prognosis are good.
The prognosis for future fertility of the remaining
testis is good, provided the condition is recognised FUNICULITIS OF THE SPERMATIC CORD
and treated rapidly before thermal, ischaemic-reper-
fusion or immunological injuries to the unaffected (See also Chapter 2.3, p. 583.)
testis occurs.
Definition/overview
VARICOCOELE Funiculitis is inflammation of the spermatic cord,
also known as scirrhous cord.
Definition/overview
A varicocoele is an abnormal distension and tortuos- Aetiology/pathophysiology
ity of the veins of the pampiniform plexus within the Funiculitis is most frequently a complication of cas-
spermatic cord. tration. Other rare causes in intact stallions include
trauma, foreign body, neoplasia, orchitis and stron-
Aetiology/pathophysiology gyle larvae migration.
Varicocoele is associated with infertility and reduc-
tion in semen quality in both men and rams; however, Clinical presentation
its effect on reproduction in stallions is not known. The affected animal presents with swelling of
Effects on fertility are postulated to be the result the spermatic cord. If the history includes recent
of inadequate cooling via the pampiniform plexus. castration, there may be drainage of purulent
Varicocoeles are thought to arise from defects in the material from the scrotum and pyrexia. Excessive
valves of the spermatic veins or from defects in the granulation tissue with chronic infection can
fascia surrounding the veins. result in the formation of a very large cord stump
(scirrhous cord). Intact stallions with funiculi-
Clinical presentation tis present with a swollen, firm cord and testic-
Varicocoeles are usually detected during routine ular enlargement if funiculitis is an extension of
BSE. They may be visible by inspection of the neck orchitis/epididymitis.
of the scrotum, and palpation of the spermatic cord
reveals a lumpy texture. Doppler ultrasonography Differential diagnosis
confirms the structures are vessels. Spermatic cord torsion; spermatic cord neoplasia;
varicocoele.
Differential diagnosis
Neoplasia of the spermatic cord; cord torsion; Diagnosis
funiculitis. Diagnosis is based on history and clinical signs as
discussed above.
Diagnosis
Ultrasonographic imaging and Doppler examina- Management
tion of the affected cord are diagnostic. Post-castration funiculitis requires surgical exci-
sion, often with the incision left open for drainage.
Management Postoperative antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, walk-
Since there is no clear evidence for a detrimental effect ing exercise and wound cleaning are important.
in the stallion, no treatment is currently recommended Treatment and prognosis for funiculitis accompanying