TABLE OF CONTENTS
Hindquarter Disorders Causing Impotentia Coeundi in Male Animals
Impotentia coeundi refers to a reduced to complete lack of sexual desire and the inability to copulate (mate). This condition describes a male’s diminished ability or complete inability to perform mating due to various behavioral, neurological, or physical causes.
Lesions affecting these structures, particularly in the hindquarters, including the hind limbs, may cause a reduction in sexual desire.
Hindquarter Disorders
Coxitis
Coxitis is the inflammation of the hip joint, commonly observed in dogs and boars. It is characterized by a shortened stride and adduction of the limb.
In bulls with degenerative coxitis, rupture of the round ligament may be observed. Additionally, hip dislocation in one or both limbs can result in the inability to copulate, further complicating reproductive function.
Gonitis
Gonitis is commonly seen in bulls and is characterized by a short, stiff gait, along with distension and enlargement of the joint capsule of the stifle.
Additionally, the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in the stifle can inhibit mounting in both bulls and dogs, further affecting their ability to mate.
Tarsitis or Degenerative joint lesions in the fetlock or phalangeal joints or ring bone may result in pain and reluctance to copulate.
Other conditions causing similar signs of reduced libido include:
- Over-grown claws or hooves
- Suppurative podo dermatitis
- Quittors or interdigital granulomas
- Foot rot or interdigital necrosis
- Tendonitis
- Suppurative arthritis of the coffin joint
- Traumatic peroneal nerve paralysis
- Rupture of gastrocnemius muscle or gluteal or croup muscle
- Laminitis
- Poly arthritis
- Fracture of pelvis (Rare)
Spinal Diseases
Spinal diseases in bulls and dogs can contribute to symptoms of impotency. These conditions are characterized by stiffness and soreness in the gait, spinal rigidity, and pain over the vertebrae.
If the spinal cord is compressed, it can result in varying degrees of paralysis, leading to a swaying, unsteady gait, a slightly flaccid tail, and dragging of the hind limbs. In bulls, spondylarthrosis, particularly of the lumbosacral joint, can lead to a loss of sexual libido. Bulls with spondylosis, which often involves multiple intervertebral spaces and discs, exhibit “Kyphosis” (a stiff back), stiff hind leg movements, or goose-stepping, and a loss of liveliness and mobility. This condition is commonly seen in bulls over 10 years of age.
In dogs, particularly brachycephalic breeds like the Dachshund, prolapsed intervertebral discs can compress the spinal cord, leading to an inability to copulate. Additionally, tumors that compress the spinal cord can also result in impotency.
Spastic Syndrome
In Spastic syndrome or Crampiness or Stretches in bulls, may interfere with or prevent copulation due to prolonged spasms of the skeletal muscles of the hind limbs and back.
All breeds are affected. But common in Holstein Friesian and Guernsey breeds.
It is probably inherited as a single recessive factor with incomplete penetrance. Bulls over 3 years of age are affected.
Spastic signs are not observed when the bull is lying down but become evident or severe on standing.
Prognosis
Prognosis depends upon the nature and severity of the condition and the species, age and value of the animal.
In Fractures of the spine, dislocation of the hips and compression of the spinal cord due to arthritic lesions and tumors in large animals, the prognosis is poor to hopeless.
Treatment
- Sexual rest and close confinement with good footing.
- Animals recovered from arthritis should be handbred when the footing is good and where the rear parts or the entire female animal are placed in a pit so that the male can easily copulate or bred on AV.
- Electro ejaculator can be used in males that are unable to copulate.
- Some males can be trained to ejaculate in the AV with all four feet on the ground i.e without mounting and by only on standing position.
- Surgery may be indicated in intervertebral disc prolapse in dogs.
- Quittors or interdigital granulomas should be removed surgically.
- In suppurative arthritis of the coffin joint, prolonged conservative therapy is indicated.
- Bovine spastic syndrome is treated with antispasmodic drugs and tranquilizers.
- In arthritis- Glucocorticoids.
- Regular hoof trimming in large male animals is indicated.
