A Comparative Study of the Effects of Osaterone Acetate and Deslorelin Acetate on Sperm Kinematics and Morpho-Functional Parameters in Dogs

Abstract

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common problems in older male dogs that often has a huge impact on their health and welfare. This article presents a comparison between osaterone acetate (Ypozane®; Virbac®)(OA) and deslorelin acetate (Suprelorin®; Virbac®)(DA), medications that are the main therapeutic alternative to castration in dogs with BPH. Forty dogs were divided into four groups: I—negative control (five dogs without BPH); II—positive control (10 individuals diagnosed with BPH); III—15 dogs treated with DA, and IV—10 individuals treated with OA. Semen fractions were collected on days 0 (day of treatment), 7, 14, and 21, and weeks 8, 12, 16, and 20. Macroscopic, microscopic and CASA analyses were performed. Both DA and OA significantly affected the properties of the canine ejaculate. The DA lead to the lack of libido and had lesser effects to the sperm function before it caused azoospermia, whereas OA had no effect on libido and only temporary reduction in seminal plasma volume was observed, which resulted in temporary deterioration in the percentage of motile and progressive spermatozoa.

A survey of testicular texture in canine ultrasound images

“…However, the study included very few dogs with an expected ongoing effect of deslorelin acetate and it seems reasonable to assume that any cause of testicular atrophy, or other alterations in the testicular architecture, would also result in altered texture patterns. Osaterone acetate has been reported to affect semen quality transiently for up to 6 weeks post-treatment, but not the subjective appearance of the testes ( 35 , 37 ).…”

Potential role of oxidative stress in pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia in male dogs

“…BPH impairs semen quality in dogs. The spermatozoa of dogs with BPH show increased DNA fragmentation, increased numbers of morphologic defects and altered sperm movement pattern (Angrimani et al., 2020; Aquino‐Cortez et al., 2017; Flores et al., 2017; Niżański et al., 2022). The mechanisms by which BPH affects semen quality are still not well understood.…”

“…Prostate volume decreases and clinical symptoms regress within 7–14 days of starting treatment (Albouy et al., 2008; Niżański et al., 2022; Socha et al., 2018). The therapy with osaterone acetate had no effect on libido but led to a temporary reduction in seminal plasma volume and a temporary deterioration in the percentage of motile and progressive spermatozoa (Niżański et al., 2022). The clinical effect of osaterone acetate lasts for 5–6 months.…”

“…The clinical effect of osaterone acetate lasts for 5–6 months. Thereafter, re‐enlargement of the prostate and recurrence of the clinical signs are observed (Albouy et al., 2008; Niżański et al., 2022).…”

“…Abdominal pain because of the enlarged gland is seldom. BPH is frequently associated with a decrease in libido and fertility (Cunto et al., 2019; Lévy et al., 2014; Niżański et al., 2022). In one study, this condition was found in 32.8% of infertile dogs (Domosławska & Zdunczyk, 2020).…”