Alterations in the semen of dogs experimentally infected with Brucella canis

Abstract

Semen alterations of 2 mongrel, adult dogs, experimentally infected with Brucella canis (ES 11/78), were studied, during a period for 12 weeks. Volume, motility, concentration and spermatic pathology were observed. The latter was estimated by two methods: the William’s stain and the glutaraldehyde 0.2% in differential interference contrast microscopy. Semen volume didn’t show significant alteration, while spermatic concentration showed a moderated oscilation, specially, a decrease in the 7th week after inoculation. It was also observed a reduction in the sperm motility. Among the morphologic alterations of spermatozoa, middle piece defects, coiled tails, proximal and distal droplets, head agglutination, and also the presence of inflammatory cells, such as neutrophiles and macrophages, were noted.