Diagnosis and Treatment of a Gelding with Seminal Vesiculitis

Seminal vesiculitis, although reported in stallions, is unusual in a gelding. A 14 year old Quarter Horse gelding presented with a one-year history of urine dribbling. Transrectal ultrasonographic examination revealed enlarged, fluid-filled seminal vesicles. Upon urethroscopic examination, the proximal urethra was found to be inflamed and the openings of the seminal vesicles were abnormally dilated. Urine was collected by catheterization and the results of the urinalysis showed elevated protein (2990.0 mg/dL), red blood cells (20-50), white blood cells (50-100) and bacteria. Bacterial culture results identified Citrobacter koseri. Results of a complete blood count and serum chemistry were within normal limits. The gelding was treated with phenylbutazone (1 gram PO q 24 hours), trimethoprim sulfadiazine (20 mg/kg PO BID for 3 weeks) and discharged. [...]