Endoscopic Laser Ablation of a Midline Cyst of the Colliculus Seminalis as a Treatment for Anejaculation in a Stallion

Abstract

An 18-year-old Appaloosa stallion presented with a history of ejaculatory dysfunction, which had recently progressed to an inability to ejaculate (anejaculation). Transrectal ultrasound evaluation revealed the presence of a prominent midline cyst of the colliculus seminalis, which was compressing the most terminal parts of the deferent ducts. Both ducts were enlarged and filled with hyperechoic content. The stallion was diagnosed with a complete occlusion of the deferent ducts because of the compression from the midline cyst of the colliculus seminalis. To date, there are no established treatments for this condition in stallions, although several procedures have been successfully used in men affected by similar problems. Therefore, we proposed performing one of these procedures-a laser ablation of the cyst to collapse it and to open the ejaculatory path. The stallion was placed under general anesthesia, and an endoscopic ultrasound-guided laser ablation of the cyst was performed. No immediate or long-term complications were observed. After the expulsion of accumulated material, the stallion produced normal semen and successfully impregnated mares during the next breeding season.

Keywords: Ablation; Anejaculation; Colliculus seminalis; Cyst; Laser; Stallion.