Hemicastration and castration in the beagle dog; the effects on libido, peripheral plasma testosterone concentrations, seminal characteristics and testicular function |
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| Authors: | M B TAHA D E NOAKES W EDWARD ALLEN |
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| Institution: | Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead House, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Nr. Hatfield, Herts. |
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| Abstract: | Hemicastration of five beagle dogs had no effect on their libido, and in four dogs the total seminal volume and sperm concentration of the second fraction was unchanged; sperm output immediately fell in these four animals. Plasma testosterone concentrations in the peripheral circulation were largely unaffected by hemicastration but following complete castration the value fell rapidly and remained low. The first ejaculates, collected 5 days after complete castration, were aspermic. There was no evidence of compensatory changes in the histological structure in those testes which were removed 41 to 44 days after the first gonad. Evidence of the maturation of spermatozoa with migration and subsequent detachment of the cytoplasmic droplet was observed in stained smears of epididymal semen. |
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