Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Assessment of ultrasonographic images and gross and microscopic lesions of the testicular biopsy in sheep

Because testicular biopsy can cause hemorrhage, inflammation, degeneration, adhesion, and fibrosis, especially if using the incisional or open biopsy techniques, the present study evaluated if testicular biopsy with Tru-Cut needle (a less invasive technique) in rams provides enough material for histology, and followed the subsequent testicular lesions. Thirty rams were evenly assigned to three groups: 1) control, no biopsy; 2) biopsy + fibrin glue on biopsy sites and skin incisions; and 3) biopsy + scrotal skin suture after biopsy. Ultrasonographic examinations were performed before and after biopsy. Orchiectomy was carried out on day 100 and the testicles were examined for gross and microscopic lesions. Ultrasonography permitted to map testicular alterations and to follow the evolution of the lesions. Small areas of calcification were observed in 55 and 70% of testicles from groups 2 and 3, respectively. Testicular biopsy with Tru-Cut needle provided enough material for histology but induced small and focal areas of testicular lesions close to the biopsy site. In spite of the potential occurrence of calcification and other minimal lesions, it was shown that testicular biopsy with Tru-Cut needle in rams is safe because did not significantly compromise the functional and structural testicular characteristics.

Biopsy; testicle; sheep; ultrasonography; histopathology


Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Escola de Veterinária Caixa Postal 567, 30123-970 Belo Horizonte MG - Brazil, Tel.: (55 31) 3409-2041, Tel.: (55 31) 3409-2042 - Belo Horizonte - MG - Brazil
E-mail: abmvz.artigo@gmail.com