Seminal vesiculitis and blocked ampullae occurring simultaneously in a stallion.

Overview

• A Gypsy Vanner stallion was diagnosed with both seminal vesiculitis (inflammation of the seminal vesicles) and blocked ampullae (obstruction in the sperm ducts), leading to subfertility and abnormal semen characteristics.
• Following a combined treatment approach involving oral antibiotics, continuous semen collections, and local antibiotic administration via endoscopy, the inflammation was resolved and the stallion successfully impregnated some mares despite ongoing poor semen quality.

Case Presentation

• The stallion exhibited subfertility with abnormal, dense, grey ejaculate.
• Reproductive examination included:
  • Ultrasound imaging
  • Cytological analysis (microscopic examination of cells in semen)
  • Bacteriological cultures to identify infection
• These diagnostics confirmed seminal vesiculitis—an infection and inflammation in the seminal vesicles.

Diagnosis of Blocked Ampullae

• Several ejaculates were evaluated to investigate fertility status.
• The stallion was azoospermic, meaning no sperm cells were found in the semen.
• A very low level of alkaline phosphatase (30 IU/L) in the filtered fraction of semen was noted; alkaline phosphatase is typically high when sperm from the epididymis and testis are present and low in cases of ductal obstruction.
• These findings confirmed bilateral (both sides) blocked ampullae, which are obstructions in the ampullae—tubular structures responsible for sperm transport to the ejaculate.

Treatment and Management

• The stallion was treated with:
  • Continuous semen collections to help relieve blockage and promote clearing of the ducts
  • Oral antibiotics for five weeks aimed at controlling infection
• Upon readmission to the clinic, a semen collection showed:
  • High sperm concentration but poor motility (movement), suggesting some sperm were making it through the ducts
  • Seminal vesiculitis was still present, indicating persistent infection/inflammation
• Local antibiotic treatment was administered directly into the seminal vesicles using video endoscopy to:
  • Deliver medication precisely to the site of infection
  • Enhance treatment efficacy where oral antibiotics alone were insufficient
• The total treatment period, combining oral and endoscopic antibiotic therapy, lasted seven weeks.

Outcomes

• Following treatment, the seminal vesiculitis resolved, indicating successful eradication of the infection.
• Despite ongoing low semen quality (likely due to residual effects of the ampullae blockage or prior infection), the stallion was able to impregnate 2 out of 5 mares bred (40% pregnancy rate).
• Pregnancies were confirmed with heartbeat detection, confirming viable conceptuses.

Significance and Implications

• This case demonstrates a rare simultaneous presentation of seminal vesiculitis and blocked ampullae in a stallion.
• Diagnosis requires a combination of clinical, ultrasonographic, cytological, and biochemical assessments.
• Comprehensive treatment including both systemic and targeted local antibiotics along with mechanical obstruction relief (semen collection) can effectively resolve infection and improve fertility outcomes.
• The stallion’s improved fertility, despite residual semen abnormalities, highlights the potential for partial recovery of reproductive function even with complex reproductive tract pathology.
• The case also illustrates the value of advanced reproductive techniques such as endoscopic drug delivery for managing difficult infections in valuable breeding animals.