43. Infertility of the dogs - poor semen quality- teratozoospermia, oligozoospermia, azoospermia, astenozoospermia

What is the normal pH range for canine semen?

6.3-6.7

What is the typical colour of normal canine semen?

Milky-white

What is the normal volume range for a canine ejaculate?

1-30 ml

What is the normal sperm count in canine semen?

100-500 million per ml

What is the normal total sperm count per ejaculate in dogs?

300-20000 million

What is the normal progressive motility of sperm in canine semen?

70 %

What is the normal percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm in canine semen?

< 20 %

Where do primary sperm defects typically occur?

In the seminiferous tubules during development

What is the normal limit for white blood cell (WBC) count in canine semen?

< 2000 per ml

What are the three main factors that contribute to poor semen quality?

Sperm number, motility, and defects

What are some factors that can lead to poor semen quality in dogs?

Hormonal disorders, reproductive tract diseases (Brucella canis, aerobic bacteria), chromosomal abnormalities, inbreeding, drugs, scrotal hyperthermia, age, pollution, stress

What are the three fractions of canine ejaculate and their primary components?

Pre-sperm (prostatic fluid), sperm-rich (epididymal fluid), prostatic fluid

What is teratozoospermia?

60% of sperm are morphologically abnormal

What are some potential causes of teratozoospermia?

Idiopathic, testicular tumours, orchitis, prostatitis, high fever

How long does treatment for teratozoospermia typically take to show results?

60 days

What is oligozoospermia?

Low sperm count

What is the minimum sperm count generally required for fertile mating in dogs?

150-200 million per ml (less in small breeds)

How long does treatment for oligozoospermia typically take to show results?

60 days (new spermatogenic cycle)

What are some causes of oligozoospermia?

Frequent stud dog use, seasonal factors (hot countries), hormonal suppression (Sertoli tumours, hypothyroidism, Cushing's), prostatic disease, fever from infection, immune-mediated orchitis

What is azoospermia?

Absence of spermatozoa

What is aspermia?

Absence of semen

What might cause a dog to ejaculate only the first and third fractions of semen?

Stress, lack of libido, immaturity

How can true azoospermia be differentiated from failure to release the second (sperm-rich) fraction?

Measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the sperm (high ALP indicates epididymal fluid and true azoospermia)

What are some causes of true azoospermia?

Causes of oligospermia, intersex animals, bilateral cryptorchidism, testicular trauma/neoplasia, obstruction, spermatocele, sperm granuloma

What is a potential cause of retrograde ejaculation?

Possibly inflammation of the urethra, bladder, or prostate

What is the typical prognosis for fertility in dogs with retrograde ejaculation?

Poor

What is asthenozoospermia?

70% of sperm have low motility

What condition is often associated with asthenozoospermia?

Teratozoospermia

What are some causes of asthenozoospermia?

Testicular tumours, infections of the reproductive tract, contaminated collection equipment, idiopathic factors

What percentage of dog semen should ideally be morphologically normal and motile?

Over 70%