Varicocele in a Kangal Shepherd Dog: A Rare Case Report: Varicocele in a Kangal Shepherd Dog

Burcu Esin

doi:10.64614/vzs-8

Authors

Burcu Esin University of Ondokuz Mayıs

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64614/vzs-8

Keywords:

Varicocele, infertility, kangal, PRP, ultrasonography, semen quality

Abstract

Varicocele is a vascular anomaly characterized by dilation of the pampiniform plexus veins. While commonly associated with male infertility in humans, it is rarely reported in veterinary medicine. This case report presents a male Kangal shepherd dog brought to the clinic for infertility and recurrent testicular swelling. Ultrasonographic and Doppler examination revealed unilateral varicocele in the left testis. Initially, no semen could be collected. The treatment protocol included medical therapy and intratesticular Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection. At one‑month follow‑up, venous dilation had decreased but semen was still not obtained. After the second PRP application, semen collection was successful, although the quality was poor. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic considerations for varicocele and the potential role of PRP in managing testicular dysfunction in dogs.

References

Agarwal, A., Deepinder, F., Cocuzza, M., Agarwal, R., Short, R. A., & Sabanegh, E. (2014). Efficacy of varicocelectomy in improving semen parameters: New meta-analytical approach. Urology, 83(6), 1271–1279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2014.02.015

Baazeem, A., Belzile, E., Ciampi, A., Dohle, G., Jarvi, K., Salonia, A., & Zini, A. (2011). Varicocele and male factor infertility treatment: A new meta-analysis and review of the role of varicocele repair. European Urology, 60(4),796–808. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2011.06.018

Neves, R. C., Silva, J. G. B., Pinheiro, J. G., & Domingues, S. F. S. (2022). Varicocele in domestic animals: A rare but impactful pathology. Veterinary and Animal Science, 16, 100257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vas.2022.100257

Payan-Carreira, R. (2011). Reproductive disorders of the male dog. In L. A. Johnson & B. J. D. Taylor (Eds.), Canine reproduction and neonatology (pp. 219–234). Iowa State University Press.

Pintus, E., & Ros-Santaella, J. L. (2021). Impact of oxidative stress on male reproduction in domestic and wild animals. MDPI, Antioxidants, 10(7), 1154. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/antiox10071154

Santos, L. M. B., Oliveira, J. V. M., & Souza, W. S. (2021). Ultrasonographic and histological aspects of varicocele in small ruminants. Animal Reproduction Science, 228, 106725. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106725

Venianaki, A. P., Barbagianni, M. S., Fthenakis, G. C., Galatos, A. D., & Gouletsou, P. G. (2023). Doppler examination of the testicular artery of Beagle-Breed dogs from birth to puberty. MDPI, Tomography, 9(4), 1408-1422. https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography9040112.

Wang, A., Chang, H., Luo, D., Wang, H., Lv, H., Yu, W., & Wang, F. (2025). From imaging techniques to laboratory tests: a multimodal stratification for varicocele-associated decreased semen quality. Basic and Clinical Andrology, 35(1), 20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12610-025-00268-z

Varicocele in a Kangal Shepherd Dog: A Rare Case Report