Treatment with an equine chorionic gonadotrophin single dose restored spermatozoa production in an azoospermic pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) male: a case report

摘要

Azoospermy was diagnosed after semen extraction in a pampas deer male, an endangered species. To determine the reproductive status, testicular fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), followed by a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) challenge (8.4 fig of buserelin acetate) was performed. Blood samples were obtained to measure luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone by ra-dioimmunoanalysis. No spermatozoa was visible in the cytology examination. LH and testosterone surges were observed after the GnRH challenge. Thereafter, 5,000 IU of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) were injected intramuscularly. A second FNAC was performed 2 months later, and semen was extracted 4 months after eCG administration. Spermatozoa were observed both in the smear and in the semen sample. In summary, although limited in number, after a single dose of 5,000 IU of eCG, spermatozoa production was restored. This opens an interesting therapeutical option to stimulate testicular activity.