Seminal vesiculitis

Seminal vesicles can become inflamed/infected. The purulent discharge interferes with fertility.  Trueperella pyogenes is commonly involved, Brucella is not common. Many respond to conservative management. Surgical removal can be attempted in those that do not respond; however, the prognosis is poor.

Diagnosis is by ultrasound and palpation. It can be tricky.

A subrectal approach in the standing animal is recommended to provide better fertilization and to avoid damage to structures.  An epidural is performed, the rectum is emptied and packed. Animals are given antibiotics and NSAIDs.

A 20 upward curved incision is made 6 cm away from the anus, ventral and parallel to the sphincter. The incision is deepened ventral to the rectum. Blunt dissection is used to access the cranial glands. The glands are then freed manually; this is hard as most have extensive adhesions, dissection must be gentle to avoid rupture and sharp dissection must be avoided.

Both glands are dissected free before either is removed. Once both are freed, the duct to each is ligated and transected as close to the urethra as possible. An ecraseur can be used to remove them at the same location. After the glands are removed, the space is closed with 0 absorbable suture.

The rectal packing is left in place for several hours to control hemorrhage by applying pressure. Antibiotics are continued for 5 days. Rectal palpation is avoided for 30 days. Semen should be checked for white blood cells prior to use for breeding.

Complications include reinfection of ducts, uncontrollable hemorrhage and seeding of bacteria with abscessation.

Infection of the seminal vesicles carries a very poor prognosis in older bulls; some younger bulls may spontaneously resolve. Surgery is recommended for younger bulls that do not improve on their own.