Male diseases in sheep and goats - disorders of the scrotum and its contents

Common diseases and disorders of the scrotum and its contents (testicles, epididymis, spermatic cord) in male sheep and goats:

Diseases and disorders of the scrotum and its contents

1. Orchitis

Causes: bacteria (Brucella melitensis, Actinobacillus seminis, Histophilus ovis), trauma.

Clinical signs: swelling, local heat, pain on palpation, decreased fertility up to infertility.

Consequences: impaired sperm production, sometimes scarring and testicular atrophy.

2. Epididymitis

Causes: Brucella ovis (in sheep), Actinobacillus seminis, other bacteria.

Signs: Swelling of the tail of the epididymis, asymmetry between the sides, tenderness, decreased fertility.

Importance: Infectious disease in males, mainly Brucella avis.

3. Testicular atrophy/degeneration

Causes: High fever, poor nutrition, trauma, infectious diseases, use of certain medications, advanced age.

Manifestations: Small, soft or fibrotic testicles; marked decrease in fertility.

4. Inguinal/Scrotal hernia

Description: Passage of intestinal loops through the inguinal canal into the scrotum.

Signs: Asymmetrical swelling, tenderness, sometimes signs of colic.

Importance: Sometimes hereditary problem → Such animals are found in breeding.

5. Hydrocele

Description: Accumulation of serous fluid between the testicles.

Signs: Painless swelling, usually does not affect fertility if mild.

6. Varicocele

Description: Enlargement of veins in the spermatic cord.

Signs: Severe swelling in the upper area of ​​the testicle, sometimes decreased fertility.

7. Trauma

Causes: Beatings, kicks, bruises.

Result: Internal bleeding, hematocele, secondary inflammation, adhesions.

8. Neoplasia

Relatively rare in sheep and goats, but can occur (such as seminoma, sertoli cell tumor).

Manifestations: Severe and asymmetrical swelling, slow spread, decreased fertility.

Implications for the farm and breeding

Damage to fertility → decrease in litter ratio.

Infectious diseases (Brucella avis) → high economic and health importance.

Need for regular examinations of males during breeding seasons (veterinary examination + semen evaluation).

In male sheep and goats, there are a number of disorders and diseases that can affect the scrotum and its contents:

Orchitis – usually caused by bacteria such as Brucella melitensis, Actinobacillus seminis or Histophilus ovis, or following trauma. It manifests as swelling, local heat and pain, and can cause a decrease in sperm production up to infertility.

Epididymitis – especially common in sheep as a result of infection with Brucella ovis. It is manifested by swelling of the tail of the epididymis, tenderness and asymmetry between the sides. This disease is contagious and may spread infertility in the herd.

Testicular atrophy – can occur after a systemic illness with high fever, following poor nutrition, trauma, use of certain medications or in advanced age. The testicles become small and soft or fibrotic, and fertility is significantly impaired.

Inguinal or testicular hernia – a condition in which intestinal loops pass through the inguinal canal into the scrotum. Manifested by asymmetrical swelling and sometimes abdominal pain (colic). Sometimes there is a hereditary basis, so such males are not used for breeding.

Hydrocele – accumulation of fluid between the testicles. Manifested by smooth, painless swelling. Usually does not seriously affect fertility if it is not severe.

Varicocele – dilation of veins in the spermatic cord. Creates relatively severe swelling above the testicle and may interfere with sperm production.

Trauma – Blows or kicks cause internal bleeding or hemocele (accumulation of blood around the testicle), and sometimes secondary inflammation or infections that limit the movement of the testicle.

Tumors – rare but do exist, such as Seminoma or Sertoli cell tumors. They manifest as severe, asymmetrical swelling, progress slowly, and often impair fertility.

In general, most of these disorders cause damage to sperm production or transport, and therefore directly affect the fertility of the herd. Infectious diseases such as Brucella avis are considered particularly problematic because they spread between males and can lead to a sharp decrease in the calving rate.

Diagnosis and possible treatment:

Orchitis

Diagnosis – palpation (warm, swollen, painful testicle), general body temperature, decreased appetite. Bacterial culture can be performed from a sample or a blood test for antibodies (for Brucella).

Treatment – ​​appropriate antibiotics (e.g. tetracyclines), anti-inflammatory therapy to reduce pain and swelling. Sometimes irreversible damage is caused to the testicle → in severe cases, removal of the affected testicle.

Epididymitis

Diagnosis – palpation of the epididymis (swelling, hardening), serological tests for Brucella ovis, and sometimes a semen test (poor quality, inflammatory cells).

Treatment – ​​If it is Brucella → there is no effective treatment, and the male is removed from breeding for fear of spreading. In other infections, antibiotics can be tried, but sometimes the damage is permanent.

Testicular atrophy/degeneration

Diagnosis – palpation of small, soft or fibrotic testicles, history of illness/fever/trauma, semen analysis demonstrating a dramatic decline in quality.

Treatment – ​​There is no effective treatment. The underlying cause (nutrition, parasites, high body temperature) should be investigated, and if necessary, the male should be removed from breeding.

Inguinal-testicular hernia

Diagnosis – asymmetrical swelling of the scrotum, palpation of intestinal loops, sometimes signs of colic. Ultrasonography can confirm.

Treatment – ​​surgical treatment only (hernia repair or castration). In most cases, it is recommended to remove the male from breeding due to the fear of transmitting a hereditary predisposition.

Hydrocele

Diagnosis – Smooth, painless, fluid-filled swelling.

Treatment – ​​Usually not required unless the swelling is large and bothersome. If so, the testicle can be drained or removed.

Varicocele

Diagnosis – Severe swelling above the testicle, feeling of a “venous lump” on palpation, decreased sperm quality.

Treatment – ​​There is no effective treatment; the male is usually excluded from reproduction.

Trauma

Diagnosis – History of blow/bruise, sudden swelling, hematoma or severe pain.

Treatment – ​​Rest, anti-inflammatory therapy, sometimes drainage of hematoma. If the damage is extensive – orchiectomy.

Tumors

Diagnosis – Severe, asymmetric swelling, slow progression. Can be confirmed by ultrasonography or pathological examination after resection.

Treatment – ​​Surgical only (orchectomy). In most cases, the male is not returned for breeding.

Important points in herd management

Breeding Soundness Examination (BSE): Clinical examination + semen quality.

Rapid removal of sick males to avoid spreading infectious diseases (especially Brucella ovis).

Ensuring a balanced diet, avoiding heat and harsh environmental conditions.

A Practical Guide for Breeders – How to Identify Scrotal Problems Early

1. Routine Checks

Before and during the breeding season – check each male.

Palpate the scrotum with both hands: compare both sides – size, texture, temperature.

Check the spermatic cord and epididymis – for lumps, hardness or swelling.

2. What to look for?

Swelling – a sign of inflammation, trauma, hernia or fluid accumulation.

Local heat – acute inflammation.

Pain on palpation – indicates an active process (inflammatory or traumatic).

Asymmetry – one side significantly larger or smaller than the other.

Soft/small testicles – suspected atrophy.

Hard lump – possible tumor or chronic inflammation.

Smooth, painless swelling – possible hydrocele.

3. Indirect signs of injury

Decreased libido or lack of interest in females.

Decreased fertilization/calving rate in the herd.

Decreased physical condition or high body temperature (infectious diseases).

4. When to call a vet?

Sudden, severe or painful swelling.

High body temperature accompanied by swelling of the scrotum.

Dramatic decrease in fertility in the herd.

Suspicion of Brucella avis (a contagious disease).

5. Prevention

Isolation of new males and testing before introduction for breeding.

Balanced diet, avoiding obesity.

Favorable environmental conditions – avoiding extreme heat and high humidity.

Treating traumas quickly.

Periodic semen tests in males are important.

Golden rule for the breeder:

A healthy male = a fertile herd.

Any change in the appearance or feel of the scrotum requires attention, because often the damage to fertility is irreversible.

*It is always advisable to consult a qualified veterinarian.