• Cause: disruption of the seminiferous tubules and in consequence, a foreign body reaction to the escaped products of the testis.
• Signs: a swelling, usually at the head of the epididymis.
• Diagnosis: clinical examination, ultrasound.
• Treatment: see below.
• Prognosis: unilateral spermatoceles may not necessarily cause sterility, as the remaining testicle can produce a relatively normal ejaculate once any inflammatory reaction has settled. However, ejaculate concentration may not always return to normal levels and bilateral presentation has been reported.

Age predisposition

• Has been recognised in young calves associated with the congenital defect known as segmental aplasia, but rupture and granuloma is more usually seen in mature bulls.

Breed/Species predisposition

• No recognised breed predisposition.

Public health considerations

• No public health considerations.

Cost considerations

• This condition may be associated with a reduction in fertility either if a bull was painful and so reluctant to mount or if inflammation or bilateral rupture impairs semen output.
• This could result in lost productivity or even the loss of a bull in extreme cases.
• Veterinary costs for investigation of this condition would involve visit fee, clinical observation, ultrasound examination and potentially cytology with Fine needle aspirate Fine needle aspirate biopsy.

Special risks

• Iatrogenic hemorrhage and trauma with ultrasound guided biopsy on investigation.