Breeding suitability examination
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As part of the breeding suitability examination, the stallion is evaluated for reproductive health and his suitability for use in breeding. This may be necessary, for example, before a stallion is used for breeding, as part of the breeding approval process or a pre-purchase examination (if the stallion is to be used for breeding), as well as in cases where natural mating or artificial insemination has been unsuccessful.
Following a thorough general examination, a specialized andrological examination is performed. During this procedure, the testicles and epididymis are examined visually and by palpation. The structure of the testicles can be assessed using ultrasound. The prepuce and penis are examined visually. Depending on the specific concerns and the preliminary report, various samples may be collected for bacteriological analysis. This is followed by semen collection on a phantom using a so-called artificial vagina in the presence of a mare in heat.
The ejaculate obtained in this manner is examined for suitability by specially trained professionals in our state-of-the-art andrology laboratory. Here, macroscopic characteristics such as volume, color, consistency, possible admixtures, and pH value are first assessed. This is followed by an evaluation under the microscope. Here, the sperm are assessed for motility, count, appearance, and vitality. We use a modern computer system (“AndroVision”) to ensure an objective evaluation.
© Klinik für Pferde
Fluorescence microscopy techniques and additional vitality markers may be used for further testing. Upon request, the suitability of the ejaculate for various preservation methods (refrigeration, deep-freezing) can be assessed. Once the tests are complete and all results are available, you will receive a detailed report.
Freezing test to assess suitability for deep-freeze semen quality
As part of a breeding suitability examination, it is also possible to have the freezing suitability of a stallion’s ejaculate assessed. There are very significant individual differences among stallions regarding freezing suitability. To assess suitability for deep-freeze preservation, a portion of the collected ejaculate is mixed with a special diluent, filled into so-called straws, and frozen. After 24 hours, the samples are thawed and their quality is assessed.
Collection of Epididymal Semen
Collecting and preserving sperm from the epididymis may offer the last chance to preserve valuable breeding genes in stud horses that have suffered an accident. This technique can be used not only in the event of an accident requiring the medically necessary euthanasia of the stallion, but also in the context of planned castrations.
Learn more about it here.
Andrological Disorders in Stallions
Any type of pathological changes in a stallion’s genital tract can be diagnosed at our clinic. The most common disorders of the stallion’s reproductive organs include:
Cryptorchidism
Cryptorchidism is a congenital malformation in which one (or, rarely, both) testicles fail to descend and remain in the abdominal cavity (complete cryptorchidism) or inguinal canal (incomplete cryptorchidism). These testicles can easily degenerate due to their abnormal position and should be removed. A blood sample and a stimulation test with hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which triggers the release of testosterone (male hormone) in the stallion, can be diagnostically helpful. Due to the hereditary nature of the condition, cryptorchid stallions should be excluded from breeding.
Phimosis / Paraphimosis
Phimosis refers to the inability to fully expose the penis, while paraphimosis refers to the inability to retract the foreskin. Both conditions can be accompanied by severe pain and, if they do not resolve spontaneously, should be treated medically.
Testicular Degeneration (Testicular Atrophy)
Testicular degeneration refers to the wasting away of testicular tissue in a testicle that was initially normally developed and mature. This can be clinically difficult to detect in the early stages, as the size of the affected testicle initially remains the same; in chronic cases, however, there is a reduction in size and the testicle becomes firmer in consistency. At the same time, sperm production decreases significantly depending on the extent of the changes. Causes of such testicular degeneration can include trauma, inflammation, or systemic diseases accompanied by fever. However, it can also occur age-related due to a physiological decline in sperm-producing tissue. There is no direct treatment option for this condition.
Neoplasms of the Penis, Prepuce and Testes
Melanomas and equine sarcoids primarily occur on the skin of the prepuce and scrotum. In neoplasms of the testes and epididymis, seminomas, teratomas, teratocarcinomas, Leydig cell tumors, and Sertoli cell tumors have been described. A definitive diagnosis is usually made histologically after removal of the affected testicle or based on a biopsy. Treatment involves castration or removal of the affected testicle.
Inflammation of the testicles (orchitis) and epididymis (epididymitis)
Inflammation of the testicle is extremely painful in the acute stage and is often accompanied by systemic symptoms (fever, colic-like symptoms). The epididymis is usually also affected; isolated inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis) is rare. Testicular inflammation is often followed by testicular degeneration with a decline in sperm production.