Assessment of semen quality in infertile dogs using computer-assisted sperm analysis by the Hamilton-Thorne Semen Analyser

Semen quality parameters of infertile and fertile dogs were compared. Sperm concentration and semen motility parameters were measured by the Hamilton-Thorne Semen Analyser IVOS 12.3. The spermatozoal morphology and the percentage of live spermatozoa were examined microscopically. Forty-six dogs of various breeds were examined. Twenty dogs had a conception failure within last year. These dogs had a history of prior normal fertility. Twenty six fertile dogs served as control. All animals underwent a clinical examination as well as ultrasonography. Sperm concentration was significantly lower in infertile dogs than in fertile dogs. For most determined motility parameters (MOT, PMOT, VAP, VSL, VCL, BCF, RAPID, STATIC) significant differences between infertile and fertile dogs were found. The percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology also significantly differed between both groups. Ultrasonography of the prostate gland and testes revealed no pathological conditions. The testicular degeneration was assumed to be a possible cause of infertility in these dogs. The present study showed that the most sperm CASA motility parameters were significantly lower in infertile dogs in comparison to the fertile ones, and confirmed the usefulness of the Hamilton-Thorne Semen Analyser for a quick and objective analysis of sperm concentration and motility in dogs.