Seminal vesiculitis and blocked ampullae occurring simultaneously in a stallion.
Authors: Huggins L, Dini P, Santos E, Dujovne G
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary This case report documents a rare concurrent presentation of seminal vesiculitis and bilateral ampullary obstruction in a Gypsy Vanner stallion presenting with subfertility and abnormal ejaculate characteristics (dense, grey appearance). Diagnostic evaluation combined ultrasound imaging, semen cytology and bacteriology with alkaline phosphatase quantification in the filtered semen fraction—a parameter that proved particularly useful in confirming ampullary blockage, with readings of 30 IU/L indicating obstruction despite azoospermia in initial collections. The stallion responded to a combined treatment protocol spanning seven weeks, utilising oral antibiotics systemically and video-endoscopic-guided local antibiotic instillation directly into the seminal vesicles, ultimately resolving the vesiculitis; however, semen quality remained compromised long-term, yet the animal achieved a 40% conception rate (2 of 5 mares with confirmed pregnancies and foetal heartbeats). This case demonstrates that whilst concurrent reproductive pathologies are uncommon in stallions, persistent subfertility need not preclude breeding success, and that alkaline phosphatase measurement alongside conventional semen analysis offers diagnostic precision for identifying ampullary dysfunction that ultrasound alone might miss—information of value to practitioners managing stallions with poor ejaculate quality and exploring treatment options before breeding decisions are finalised.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Seminal vesiculitis with blocked ampullae can be successfully managed using combined oral and local antibiotic therapy delivered via video endoscopy guidance
- •Persistent low semen quality after infection resolution does not necessarily preclude fertility—this stallion remained capable of achieving pregnancies despite abnormal ejaculates
- •Multiple diagnostic approaches (ultrasound, cytology, bacteriology, alkaline phosphatase levels) are needed to fully characterize stallion reproductive tract disease
Key Findings
- •Bilateral blocked ampullae were confirmed by azoospermia and low alkaline phosphatase (30 IU/L) in the filtered fraction
- •Seminal vesiculitis resolved after 7 weeks of combined oral and local antibiotic treatment via video endoscopy
- •Despite persistent low semen quality post-treatment, the stallion achieved 40% pregnancy rate (2 out of 5 mares with confirmed heartbeats)
- •Continuous semen collections combined with local SV antibiotic treatment via endoscopy improved treatment response