Search Results

SUMMARY

Three ejaculates from each of 3 stallions were used to evaluate a computerized system (Hamilton-Thorn motility analyzer; htma) for measuring equine spermatozoal motility. Variance components (ejaculate-within-stallion, chamber-within-ejaculate, and microscopic field-within-chamber) were determined for each stallion after diluting ejaculates to 25 × 10⁶ spermatozoa/ml with a skim milk-glucose seminal extender. The htma was compared with frame-by-frame playback videomicrography (video) for determining: percentage of spermatozoal motility and spermatozoal number in microscopic fields; curvilinear velocity and straight-line velocity of individual spermatozoa for 5 track types; and repeatability of those velocity measurements. The effect of spermatozoal number per microscopic field on incidence of intersecting spermatozoa and the outcome of intersecting spermatozoa also were evaluated. Greatest variability in motility measures was generally attributed to the microscopic field-within-chamber component. The htma was highly correlated with video for estimation of spermatozoal numbers per microscopic field (r = 0.99; P < 0.001) and motility (r = 0.97; P < 0.001); however over the entire range of spermatozoal numbers, the htma yielded higher spermatozoal numbers per microscopic field (P < 0.05) and higher motility (P < 0.05) than did video. The htma- and video-derived measurements of curvilinear and straight-line velocities were highly correlated for all spermatozoal track types, but both measures were higher (P < 0.05) by use of the htma than by use of video for most track types. For 3 of 5 track types, measurements of curvilinear and straight-line velocities were less variable (P < 0.05), using the htma, rather than video. Using the htma, the number of intersecting spermatozoa was highly correlated with spermatozoal numbers per microscopic field (r = 0.97; P < 0.001). The percentage of erroneous track interpretations involving intersecting spermatozoa was high (85.3 ± 2.7%). The htma was a reliable system for determining percentage of spermatozoal motility and velocity measures in video recordings of equine semen diluted to spermatozoal concentration of 25 × 10⁶/ml prior to evaluation.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the use of a laparoscopic specimen retrieval pouch for removal of intact or fragmented cystic calculi from standing horses.

DESIGN Retrospective case series.

ANIMALS 8 horses (5 geldings and 3 mares) with cystic calculi.

PROCEDURES Physical examination and cystoscopic, ultrasonographic, and hematologic evaluations of urinary tract function were performed for each horse. A diagnosis of cystic calculus was made on the basis of results of cystoscopy and ultrasonography. Concurrent urolithiasis or other urinary tract abnormalities identified during preoperative evaluation were recorded. Horses were sedated and placed in standing stocks, and the perineum was aseptically prepared. Direct access to the urinary bladder was gained in geldings via perineal urethrotomy or in mares by a transurethral approach. Calculi were visualized endoscopically, manipulated into the retrieval pouch, and removed intact or fragmented (for larger calculi).

RESULTS For 4 geldings and 1 mare, fragmentation was necessary to facilitate calculus removal. Mean duration of surgery was 125 minutes, and trauma to the urinary bladder and urethra was limited to areas of hyperemia and submucosal petechiation. No postoperative complications were encountered for any horse. When lithotripsy was required, the retrieval pouch provided an effective means of stabilizing calculi and containing the fragments for removal.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Use of the laparoscopic specimen retrieval pouch was an effective, minimally traumatic method for retrieving cystic calculi from standing horses. The pouch protected the urinary bladder and urethra from trauma during calculus removal and allowed for stabilization, containment, and fragmentation of calculi when necessary.