Hydrocoele of the vaginal cavity of stallions.

The aim of the present study was to analyse the effect of hydrocoele of the vaginal cavity of stallions on semen characteristics, libido and fertility, and to contribute to the understanding of the aetiopathology of this condition in stallions. Hydrocoele did not substantially affect either the libido or semen characteristics of affected stallions compared with a control group, and had no effect on fertility. However, the protein content of hydrocoelic fluid was significantly higher than that of peritoneal fluid and was lower than the protein content of blood serum. Electrophoretic profiles of proteins were similar in peritoneal and hydrocoelic fluid. The results of the present study indicate that hot weather, sometimes in association with restricted exercise, age and communication between the vaginal and peritoneal cavities may be predisposing factors for hydrocoele.