A clinical and ultrasonographic study of induced testicular and epididymal lesions in goats and a ram

Sequential ultrasonographic changes in the testis and the epididymis, semen quality and plasma testosterone concentrations were monitored after unilateral intra-testicular and intra-epididymal injections of chlorhexidine gluconate solution in three goats and a ram; the untreated, normal testis and epididymis were imaged as controls. Sixteen weeks after treatment unilateral vasectomy, ipsilateral to the normal testis and epididymis, was performed in two goats and a ram. Gross and histological changes postmortem were also recorded. ates collected after injection showed a decrease in mass and individual motility, sperm concentration and total sperm per ejaculate with an increase in the percentages of dead and abnormal spermatozoa. Those collected after vasectomy on the normal side had less than 20% motile sperm, most of which were dead (77–100%) and abnormal (62–100%). When observed ultrasonographically, within 24 h, the testis showed hypoechoic areas corresponding to the sites of injection. Later, the lesions decreased in echogenicity and showed acoustic shadowing, and were surrounded by a distinctly hyperechoic border. The epididymal tail showed an increased echogenicity, and had anechoic lesions with ill-defined borders within 24 h after injection. A hyperechoic border was subsequently observed around the lesions. Gross and histological examination of the testis revealed areas of long-standing tubular necrosis surrounded by mineralised tissue at the sites of injection. The epididymal tail showed fibrosis and sperm granuloma formation. Ultrasound imaging appears to be useful in diagnosing the presence of focal lesions of the testis or the epididymis.