Complex case of ejaculatory failure in a stallion

Ejaculatory dysfunctions in stallions have a significant economic impact on horse breeders. Therefore, early recognition of a problem, timely diagnosis, treatment and management are crucial to rescue the remaining breeding season and ensure a satisfactory income for the horse breeder. This paper describes a complex case of an ageing stallion with ejaculatory failure resulting in infertility. A thorough evaluation of the reproductive tract revealed several physical abnormalities, such as chronic changes in the left testis and the epididymis, cystic uterus masculinus and midline cysts of the colliculus seminalis. Numerous attempts to collect semen were made, but the stallion did not ejaculate. A behavioural analysis of the video recordings of the semen collection attempts showed a pattern typical of stallions with musculoskeletal problems. Chronic orthopaedic issues were diagnosed and treated by an orthopaedic surgeon. Despite a significant improvement in lameness and comfort after treatment and 12 days of stall rest, the stallion did not ejaculate. Instead, a behavioural pattern typical of stallions occluded by midline cysts of the colliculus seminalis was observed. To collapse these cysts and to open up the ejaculatory ducts, a transurethral laser ablation procedure was performed under ultrasonographic guidance. Fourteen days after this procedure, the stallion successfully ejaculated. Several more ejaculates were collected in the clinic and frozen, and the stallion was discharged home. This case exemplifies the complexity of ejaculatory problems in stallions and the significance of collaborative efforts in diagnosing and treating these disorders.