Unilateral epididymo-orchitis with coagulative and liquefactive necrosis of the spermatic cord, epididymis, and testis of a Friesian stallion caused by Salmonella spp. serotype Hartford

Abstract

A 5-year-old Friesian stallion was presented for evaluation due to increasing discomfort, scrotal
edema and right testicular enlargement, first observed 8 days prior to presentation. Hyperechoic areas
(consistent with necrosis) within the right testis, anechoic fluid between the visceral and parietal tunics
and scrotal edema were observed during transcutaneous ultrasonographic examination. Absence of blood
flow to the distal 3 cm of the spermatic cord was detected by Doppler ultrasonography. Testicular
necrosis caused by spermatic torsion was suspected and the right testis and distal aspect of the spermatic
cord were excised under general anesthesia. During surgery, it was apparent that the right testis and distal
portion of the spermatic cord were necrotic, but there was no evidence of torsion of spermatic cord.
Histopathology findings included severe diffuse necro-suppurative orchitis, epididymitis and cellulitis,
with intralesional bacterial rods. On bacterial culture, there were > 500 colonies of Salmonella spp.
serotype Hartford.