Abstract

JAMES-ROMERO, Artemisa et al. Effect of coumestrol on the epididymis of adult dogs. Abanico vet [online]. 2022, vol.12, e2022-17.  Epub June 23, 2023. ISSN 2448-6132.  https://doi.org/10.21929/abavet2022.15.

The concern of canine overpopulation is related to zoonoses such as rabies, which is responsible for 99% of human rabies cases, causing the death of approximately 59,000 people per year. Surgical sterilization is an effective, costly and invasive control method with limited impact. The effects of phytoestrogens on reproductive activity have been commonly studied in females and a limited number in males. Therefore, the objective of this study was to know the effect of subcutaneous administration of coumestrol on the gonadal activity of adult dogs as an alternative for their reproductive control. Basic seminal evaluation parameters, epididymal structure by ultrasonography, histological characteristics, as well as the presence of coumestrol by fluorescence and serum levels of testosterone and estrogens were determined. The administration of coumestrol for five weeks reduced sperm production, and evidenced changes in the echodensity and cellularity of the epididymis, associated with serum concentrations of estradiol and testosterone. Therefore, it is concluded that coumestrol administered subcutaneously has an estrogenic effect that can be used as a non-invasive method to help control fertility in adult dogs.

Keywords : epididymis; spermatozoa; estrogens; phytoestrogens; testis; dog; reproductive control.