Canine Autoimmune Orchitis

Abstract

Autoimmune orchitis is defined as autoimmune inflammation of the testis with or without the presence of anti-sperm antibodies and will result in infertility in both males and females. It is a rarely described disorder in dogs that may lead to permanent infertility. However, non-invasive diagnostic tools has been lacking and thus, this condition may be under-diagnosed. Clinical signs include infertility and sperm abnormalities. Diagnostics include a thorough workup for infertility including history, general and reproductive tract-specific physical examination, blood work, urinalysis, and ultrasound. Antisperm antibodies may be present, but their significance is still disputed. Testicular biopsies reveal lymphocytic infiltrates progressing from the straight tubules to the rete testes and the efferent ducts eventually resulting in necrosis and the absence of spermatogenesis. If no underlying causes for the autoimmune orchitis are discovered and testicular atrophy has not occurred, treatment with immune suppressive agents have been suggested. If anti-sperm antibodies are present and the patient still produces some sperm, direct surgical intrauterine insemination should be considered to increase fertility rates. [...]