SCROTAL HYDROCELE SECONDARY TO ASCITES IN 28 BULLS

Changes in scrotal sonograms and semen quality were monitored in 26 bu lls with idiopathic scrotal hydrocele over a 4-month period. After 120 days, scrotal hydrocele had resolved (ultrasonographically, fluid was nor. detectable within the vaginal process) in 85% (22/26) of the bul ls. Percentage of bulls with unilateral scrotal hydrocele that resolve d was higher than that for bulls with bilateral hydrocele (94 vs 62.5% or 17/18 bulls vs 5/8 bulls, respectively). After 120 days, 77% (20/2 6) of the bulls passed a breeding soundness evaluation. At 90 days, se men quality was satisfactory in more of the bulls with unilateral dise ase (9/18) than with bilateral disease (1/8). The finding of multifoca l echo-densities in the testicular parenchyma was not correlated with a poor breeding soundness score or with a high number of spermatozoal abnormalities. The prognosis for full recovery in bulls with scrotal h ydrocele likely depends on the severity and duration of the condition.