Wk 6- Feline Repro Toms

Overview of Feline Andrology

  • Focus Areas:

    • Tom/male fertility

    • Semen evaluation

    • Contraception with GnRH vaccination

    • "Drost Project"

Normal Tom Anatomy

  • Key Anatomy Points:

    • Diagrammatic representation illustrates the male reproductive system, including:

    • Testis: main organ for sperm production

    • Epididymis: stores sperm

    • Ductus deferens: transport for sperm

    • Bulbourethral gland: secretes pre-ejaculate fluid

    • Penis: copulatory organ

    • Importance of accurate anatomical understanding in veterinary practice.

Feline Infertility

  • Penile spines:

    • Presence of spines is a bioassay for testosterone levels

    • High testosterone leads to prominent spines; castration leads to atrophy of spines within 5-6 weeks

    • Sexual function and mating success are influenced by spine presence.

  • Penile hair rings: pain & mating failure

  • Mate preference

  • Karyotype or intersex issues

    • Male calico or tortoise shell

  • Cryptorchidism

  • Nutritional testicular degeneration/atrophy

    • Deficiency in riboflavin or EFA linoleate

    • Deficiency or excess Vitamin A

  • Orchitis: Bacterial (trauma, bites)

  • FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis): peritonitis surrounding testes

Sperm Structure and Semen Evaluation

  • Basic Structure of Sperm:

    • Composed of: head, middle piece, principal piece (tail), and end piece

    • Tail functions as a flagellum for motility

  • Evaluation of Semen Quality:

    • Characteristics of healthy sperm:

    • Normal shape and motility

    • Presence of proximal droplets indicates poor quality

  • Abnormal Sperm Shapes:

    • Dead head

    • Bent tail

    • Small head

    • Coiled tail

    • Proximal droplets

GnRH Vaccination: Contraceptive Application

  • GonaCon GnRH Vaccination in Toms:

    • Purpose is to decrease testosterone levels, leading to atrophy of testicles and penile spines

    • Evidence supports reduction in testosterone effectiveness, with lasting effects (1 month to 3ish years)

  • Impacts on Female Counterparts:

    • Vaccination prevented pregnancies in females for 1-5 years.

Drost Project Overview

  • Purpose:

    • Originally established for visual guides related to animal reproduction

    • Comprehensive repository covering various species, including feline reproduction

  • Resources Available:

    • Guides on reproduction, pregnancy, and anatomical structure for educational outreach

    • Importance of visual aids in enhancing understanding of reproduction.

Summary Points

  • Recap of key subjects in feline andrology:

    • Focus on toms, their anatomical features, fertility examinations, sperm evaluation, and the implications of GnRH vaccination.