Diseases and Disorders of Reproduction in the Male

This chapter presents a general discussion of the two significant categories of infertility/subfertility in the male: impotent coeundi (inability to mate) and impotentia generandi (inability to achieve fertilization). A detailed description of congenital defects of the reproductive organs, including cryptorchism, testicular hypoplasia, inguinal hernia, sperm granuloma, and gynecomastia, follows. The etiology and diagnosis of acquired conditions are presented in two categories: infectious and non-infectious. Etiology, diagnosis, and prevention of contagious epididymitis in rams and ram-lambs are emphasized. The causes and diagnosis of testicular degeneration in rams and bucks are also presented. Ulcerative posthitis (pizzle rot) and urolithiasis are common disorders in males; their etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are discussed. A complete illustration of all these pathologies and diagnostic imaging is provided.