The canine testicle is a vital reproductive organ, responsible for producing sperm and testosterone. Located within the scrotum, the testicle is divided into two main sections: the epididymis and the testicular parenchyma.
The epididymis is a long, coiled tube that stores and transports sperm from the testicle to the vas deferens. It's a crucial part of the reproductive process, and any issues with the epididymis can affect fertility.
The testicular parenchyma is the main functional part of the testicle, responsible for producing sperm and testosterone. It's made up of seminiferous tubules, where sperm development occurs.
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Testicular Structure
The testicles of a dog are two oval-shaped organs located inside the scrotum, which is a pouch of skin that hangs below the penis.
Each testicle is surrounded by a thin layer of tissue called the tunica albuginea, which helps to keep the testicle in place.
The testicles produce sperm and testosterone, the hormone responsible for male characteristics such as aggression and fertility.
The epididymis, a long, coiled tube, connects the testicle to the vas deferens, a muscular tube that carries sperm to the penis.
The testicles are also surrounded by a network of blood vessels that help to regulate their temperature and function.
The scrotum is made up of two layers of skin, with a thin layer of connective tissue in between, which helps to regulate the temperature of the testicles.
Diagnostic Techniques
The testes are readily located within the scrotum in the normal dog and tom.
Imaging each testis can be facilitated by using the opposite as a stand off structure. The normal testis is uniform in texture with echogenicity similar to the spleen.
The mediastinum testis is a thin, centrally located, very hyperechoic line. The epididymis is seen as a hypoechoic teardrop structure adjacent to each testicle.
The head of the epididymis is isoechoic to the testis, the tail hypoechoic. The normal tail of the epididymis is about one-third the size of the testicle.
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The ductus deferens is difficult to visualize. The spermatic cord is adjacent to the head of the epididymis and has obvious, tortuous, small diameter veins.
The normal canine prostate gland has fairly uniform echogenicity, smooth stippled texture, and echogenicity similar to the spleen. Its shape is bi-lobed in the transverse plane and oval in the longitudinal plane.
A hyperechoic "butterfly" pattern may be noted in the transverse image that corresponds to the distribution of ductal tissue. The length and height of the prostate gland ranges from 1.3-3.3 cm in mature, 7-30 kg dogs.
The lumen of the prostatic urethra is usually not visualized. The periurethral connective tissue is variably imaged as a bright hilar echo.
The normal prostatic capsule can be difficult to detect. In the neutered male, the prostate will be quite a bit smaller, in fact, it is usually just a pod, or 'flair' bulging out of the width of the urethra.
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Male Dog Reproductive System
The male dog reproductive system is a complex and fascinating topic. The male dog's testicles are located in a pouch-like structure called the scrotum, which helps regulate the temperature and protect the testicles.
A typical scrotum is made up of two layers of skin, a muscular layer that contracts and relaxes to move the testicles in and out of the scrotum, and a fibrous layer that provides support.
The testicles themselves are oval in shape and about 2-3 cm long, containing thousands of tiny coiled tubes called seminiferous tubules where sperm production occurs.
Male dogs have two testicles, which are usually located on either side of the scrotum, and are connected to the rest of the reproductive system by the spermatic cord.
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Bulbus Glandis
The bulbus glandis, also known as the bulb or knot, is a unique feature found at the base of the penis in male dogs.
It's a significant structure that plays a crucial role in mating, swelling inside the vagina of the female to 'lock' the penis in place.
The male dog will then dismount the female, turn 180°, and the bulbus glandis ensures the male remains inside the female until coitus is complete.
This is why dogs will remain 'stuck together' after mating, and it's essential to never forcibly remove them as you can damage either animal.
The bulbus glandis can last up to an hour, and it shouldn't be a painful process for the dog.
In some cases, the penis sheath will retract and the bulbus glandis will become even more visible, often looking like two little round lumps under the skin.
Enlargement of the bulbus glandis can occur in young dogs and even neutered males.
However, there can be uncommon problems with the bulbus glandis, mainly inflammation or infection in the region, which may cause the bulb to swell, become hot and painful, and possibly lead to painful urination, painful erections or even blood in the semen or urine.
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