SERIAL PERCUTANEOUS TESTICULAR BIOPSY IN THE BEAGLE DOG

The effects of serial percutaneous testicular biopsy on testicular size, semen characteristics and plasma testosterone have been assessed. Testicular atrophy occurred in one dog after the first biopsy, but apparently there were no permanent deleterious effects on semen characteristics or testosterone concentrations. The histological changes 72 hours and 14 days after bilateral testicular biopsy were examined in one dog. Initial haemorrhage and necrosis with subsequent fibrosis and atrophy occurred at the biopsy site. The surrounding tissue remained normal in appearance. The technique may be worthwhile for establishing diagnostic criteria in cases of male canine infertility. Not enough tubules are obtained in circular cross‐section to allow detailed histomorphometric analysis of spermatogenesis under laboratory conditions. © 1979 British Small Animal Veterinary Association