Epididymis - Pathology

Acquired abnormalities of the epididymis

• SPERM GRANULOMA

Common in bucks, less common in rams. Sperm escapes into adjacent tissues and stimulates an immune response. Can be caused by blind-ending efferent tubules, usually in the head of the epididymis. Leads to pressure degeneration of the testis.

• SPERMATOCOELE

Cystic dilation of epididymis, this causes accumulation of semen, inspissation, rupture sperm granuloma. Due to congenital or acquired occlusions of the ducts. Occurs in rams after epididymitis.

• EPIDIDYMITIS

Inflammation preceding or coexistent with orchitis, e.g. Br. abortus, distemper.

Information by kind permission of Professor R W Else