Effects of calcium chloride and formalin injection into mediastinum testis on testosterone level, testicular tissue and semen quality in dogs

Bahçe, Zehra CoşkunKaraca, Fikret

Abstract Intratesticular injection of chemical agents in dogs has been investigated for nearly half a century as promising methods for nonsurgical sterilization. This study was conducted to determine the effects of formalin and calcium chloride injection in mediastinum testis on semen quality, testicular width, testosterone level and histopathological changes in dogs, and to evaluate the usability and success of the intra mediastinum testis injection technique in chemical castration. Eighteen adult male dogs were divided into 3 groups including a control (0.5 ml 0.9% saline solution), formalin (5%) and CaCl2 (50%) into the mediastinum. Testicular diameter, spermatological characteristics and testosterone concentrations were determined on days 0, 22 and 44 following applications. The dogs were castrated on 45 day and the testicles were sent to the laboratory for histopathological examinations. Formalin and CaCl2 administered groups showed apparent enlargement and firmness of the testis with symptoms of discomfort and pain. One dog in the formalin group and two dogs in the CaCl2 group developed scrotal inflammation within three days, which progressed to scrotal ulceration and fistula formation. On day 44 after treatment, it observed that sperm motility and sperm concentration in the formalin and CaCl2 groups were decreased compare to control group while dead and abnormal sperm rates were increased (P<0.05). The testosterone concentration significantly increased in CaCl2 compare to control and formalin groups on day 44 (P<0.05). In histopathological evaluations, moderate degenerative changes were detected in the testicular tissue of the formalin group. The findings of this study showed that CaCl2 and formalin injections into the mediastinum testis under ultrasonography guidance are easily to perform and could be alternative to both the intratesticular injection and the surgical technique.