Preliminary Study To Evaluate The Feasibility Of Chemical Ablation Of The Seminal Vesicles In The Bull

Abstract

Objective: To determine the feasibility of injecting four percent formaldehyde solution percutaneously into the seminal vesicles of bulls and the effectiveness of the formaldehyde solution in ablating the glands as a treatment for bulls affected with septic seminal vesiculitis. Design: Randomized clinical trial Animals: Eight two-year-old Angus bulls were randomly and equally divided into control and treatment groups. All bulls were satisfactory potential breeders based on evaluation of breeding soundness. Procedure: One or both seminal vesicles of the treated bulls were injected percutaneously with a four percent formaldehyde solution to chemically ablate the gland. The seminal vesicles were evaluated ultrasonographically before and after injection; on day 30 the ejaculate of each bull was evaluated to determine the effect of treatment on semen quality. The seminal vesicles of treated and control bulls were removed when the bulls were slaughtered 60 days after treatment and examined histologically to determine the effect of treatment. Results: Seventy-five percent (three of four) of the treated bulls and all four of the control bulls were classified as satisfactory potential breeders on day 30 of the study. One treated bull was classified as an unsatisfactory breeder because of abnormal sperm morphology, and another treated bull developed a pelvic abscess. At necropsy, six of seven infused seminal vesicles were enlarged to twice the size of the seminal vesicles of the control bulls and had fibrotic capsules. Vesicular parenchyma of six of the seven infused glands was necrotic. The parenchyma of the seventh infused gland contained an abscess. The ampulla, colliculus seminalis, and pelvic urethra were grossly and microscopically normal. Conclusion: Four percent formaldehyde solution injected into the seminal vesicles may be effective in ablating the glands of bulls affected with septic seminal vesiculitis.