In Practice 13: 3-10 (1991)
© 1991 British Veterinary Association
Differential diagnosis of lesions of the male genital tract in cattle
Tim Parkinson
Most lesions of the genital tract of bulls present as well defined clinical syndromes, which can generally be differentiated on behavioural signs, clinical and semen examination. The difficulties of diagnosis that do arise occur mostly in bulls of breeds with inherently low libido, or in bulls that have lesions which are of such long standing that libido has become depressed. Some conditions respond well and quickly to treatment, while others only respond to long periods of sexual rest. On the other hand, many conditions have no hope of a successful resolution and, for these, slaughter represents the only economically viable solution. Finally, even when a bull has apparently recovered from a period of infertility, it should be returned to sexual use cautiously, with close monitoring of mated cows, until satisfactory conception rates have been proved.
