Ultrasonographic changes of the testicular parenchyma pattern in young Nelore bulls

Cardilli, Diogo Jose [UNESP]; Toniollo, Gilson Helio [UNESP]; Pastore, Athos de Assumpcao [UNESP]; Canola, Julio Carlos [UNESP]; Zerlotti Mercadante, Maria Eugenia

Ultrasonographic changes of the testicular parenchyma pattern in young Nelore bulls

Date

2009-01-01

Authors

Cardilli, Diogo Jose

Toniollo, Gilson Helio

Pastore, Athos de Assumpcao

Canola, Julio Carlos

Zerlotti Mercadante, Maria Eugenia

Publisher

Univ Fed Rio Grande Do Sul

Type

Article

Abstract

The ultrasononographic examination of testicles is a noninvasive and rapid method that, allied to clinical examination, can lead to an early diagnostic of testicles disorders. The aim of the present study is to enhance andrologic evaluation and to make public altered ultrasonographic testicular parenchyma pattern in young Nelore bulls. Testes of 114 Nelore bulls from 9 to 15 months old were submitted to ultrasonographic evaluation (Frontal and transverse planes of testes). In this group, 111 animals presented testicular parenchyma with uniform pattern at low echogenicity, and the testicular echogenicity increased in proportion to the animal's age. Three animals, from 9 to 15 months old, presented heterogeneous testicular parenchyma with multiple hyperechoics spots with absence of acoustic shadowing, that didn't decrease with aging. In conclusion, knowledge of ultrasonographic changes in testicular parenchyma in pre-pubescent bulls may be a useful for premature animal discharge from reproduction programs.