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This article was published in 1946
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INSTITUTE OF INSPECTORS OF STOCK OF N.S.W. YEAR BOOK.
Orchitis in Border Leicester Rams
E. G. LOWE, B.V.Sc., Inspector of Stock, Coonamble.
The property on which this condition in Border Leicester rams was investigated first during April, 1945, consists of some 3,800 acres and runs about 2,500 sheep. It is situated towards the Warrumbungle mountains and the soil consists of black flats with some higher red-soil areas.
At the time of the investigation the property was coated heavily with grass and herbage; some of the species noted being Mitchell Grass, Panicum spp., Sugar Grass, Trefoils, Medics, Yellow Vine, Tar Vine and some creeping Salt Bush.
The timber comprised Rosewood, Wilga, Myall and Box, while the water was obtained from bores and ground tanks.
The condition was observed originally in the spring of 1944, among rams in the 8-18 months group, and since then some fifty cases had occurred amongst 500 rams. The mortality then had totalled fifteen over a period of three months. All lambs were tailed and earmarked in small yards in individual paddocks, which were set aside for that purpose, and these usually were well grassed at marking time.
The method of marking was that usually employed, namely, with a tailing knife. After each lamb the knife was placed into a tin of disinfectant; while the tail was treated with a small amount of dip.
There had not been any genetical connection between any of the rams affected. The animals involved usually were of the big, strong and active types of the 8-18 months age group; and there were not any signs of swollen joints among any of the sheep on the property.
When questioned concerning the behaviour of the young rams when placed together, the manager stated that they did not fight but allowed a most marked sexual desire among themselves.
The first clinical picture observable was "a lameness in the flank." Affected sheep seen showed a marked disinclination to move, and when they did so it was with a wide stiff action in the hind limbs. The scrotal sac was very enlarged and the testicles, on palpation, were enlarged and tense. Considerable pain was evidenced. In the particular case seen the scrotal sac was entire, but it was reported that one or two areas had burst and discharged a yellowish pus. When this occurred the usual sequel was a gradual pining away until death resulted.
The ram seen at the initial investigation was killed for examination; when the following was noted:—all organs in both the thoracic and abdominal cavities were normal macroscopically; though the lymph nodes at the posterior division of the aorta (the iliac group) all were enlarged considerably. The precrural lymph nodes appeared to be normal, but those at the neck of the scrotum were enlarged in the extreme.
Immediately the scrotum was incised the presence of a large abscess was revealed. There appeared to be an adhesion between the lining of the scrotal sac and the parietal sac of the testicle; the abscess being surrounded by a fairly well-marked wall of fibrous tissue. The contents of the abscess were of cream-like consistency, yellowish in colour, and with no perceptible odour.
Two such abscesses were found in the one testicle; the other testicle being saved for examination at Glenfield.
The Director of Veterinary Research advised:—
"The specimens consisted of a blood and serum sample; half the scrotum with contents and portions of liver, kidney, spleen, lung, testis and lymphatic gland in formalin; smears and pipettes of heart blood, liver, spleen, testis and lymphatic gland.
"Examination showed the internal iliac lymphatic glands to be hypertrophied, but otherwise no gross lesions were apparent in the preserved tissue. The half scrotum and its contents appeared as a hard mass with the scrotal tissues adherent to the testicular tissue. The testis and tall of the epididymus could not be palpated. Examination showed the testis to be considerably atrophied; occupying the dorsal portion of the scrotal sac and being approximately 1½in. in diameter. The lower portion of the scrotal sac contained a large purulent abscess approximately 2in x 3½in., involving the scrotal fascia, the tunics vaginalis and the tail of the epididymus. The wall of the abscess consisted of dense fibrous tissue; while the pus was caseous and of a greenish-yellow colour. No organisms were seen in the pus smears forwarded."
The next case was reported 12 months later and the ram involved was forwarded to Glenfield. Concerning this ram the D.V.R. advised:— "The specimen was a young Border Leicester ram, showing no permanent incisor teeth and in fair store condition. Examination revealed some enlargement of the right scrotum, which was tense and painful. As a result of aspiration some purulent material was obtained from the free end of the scrotum. Bacteriological examination of this material has not revealed the presence of any micro-organisms.
"Previous experience with this type of condition in young Border Leicester rams has yielded similar results, and whilst the general nature of the abscess suggests an infection by an organism of the pus-forming type, this has not been substantiated upon bacteriological examination. There is no suggestion that the condition arises as a result of skin trauma and at the present time the etiology of the condition remains obscure."
The condition still is receiving attention but further cases have not been reported to date (13/6/1946).