Epididimite perivascular em equino

Abstract

Reports of brucellosis in horses tend to be accompanied by clinical signs of bursitis and fistulas, which can drain purulent contents rich in bacteria of the genus Brucella spp., often located in the region of the scapula and withers, receiving the name of “Mal da Cernelha” (Withers Disease). Reports of reproductive diseases in these animals caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella spp. are rare. However, even though they are rare, it is extremely important to verify and confirm these cases with laboratory tests so that the appropriate measures can be taken to control, eradicate and prevent this disease, which can cause great losses to owners, since treatment of the disease is not recommended, but rather the sanitary slaughter or euthanasia of animals that test positive in serology, as they are a source of infection for other species, including humans. Since there are few reports of the reproductive presentation of this disease in the literature, the aim of this study was to report a case of a male Mangalarga horse, weighing 374 kg, aged 8 years, which was treated at the Large Animal Clinic of the Veterinary University Hospital in the city of Areia/PB. The animal presented clinical signs suggestive of epididymitis and orchitis, and after andrological and ultrasonographic examinations, a diagnosis suggestive of epididymitis and testicular degeneration was obtained. As treatment, the animal underwent orchiectomy, which occurred uneventfully and also confirmed the clinical suspicion. Histopathological analysis revealed that the scrotum was intensely dilated, with cavities containing bloody fluid and areas containing a yellowish gelatinous content characterized by edema, closing the diagnosis of perivascular epididymitis. Epididymitis in horses is considered a sporadic disease, usually has an infectious cause, with unilateral or bilateral orchiectomy being the recommended treatment. Bilateral orchiectomy proved to be an effective therapeutic solution for the clinical condition, since the animal no longer felt pain or discomfort after surgery. Considering all the facts presented in this study, it can be concluded that cases of orchitis and epididymitis should be treated with caution, taking into account that these conditions have numerous causes, in addition to other differential diagnoses such as testicular degeneration or an unusual case of orchitis and epididymitis caused by Brucella spp.; highlighting the importance of performing laboratory tests to obtain a reliable diagnosis in suspected cases of brucellosis, such as the case reported in this study, so that the appropriate control and prevention measures can be taken.