Anna Palomares 1, Yvonne Espada 1 2, Mauricio Tobón Restrepo 1, Sonia González-Rellán 1, Rosa Novellas 1 2
Background
The deferent ducts play a key role in male fertility but have not been thoroughly characterized ultrasonographically in dogs. This study aimed to define the ultrasonographic anatomy and normal measurements of the deferent ducts in clinically healthy dogs without genitourinary disease, offering a reference for future reproductive and diagnostic evaluations.
Methods
Thirty-eight adult male dogs with no clinical or ultrasonographic signs of genitourinary disease were prospectively examined. High-frequency linear transducers (13–18 MHz) were used for scrotal and abdominal ultrasonographic evaluation of the deferent ducts. Images were obtained in transverse and longitudinal planes at predefined anatomical locations, and measurements of the outer diameter and echotexture were recorded. Interobserver agreement was also assessed.
Results
The deferent ducts were visualized in all dogs, appearing as paired, slightly hypoechoic tubular structures with hyperechoic borders, distinguishable from adjacent vessels and fat. The mean outer diameter was 1.2 ± 0.2 mm, with no significant variation across body sizes or locations. Measurements showed excellent interobserver agreement. The ducts were best visualized in transverse section near the prostate and epididymis.
Limitations
The study excluded dogs with known or suspected reproductive issues, limiting the applicability of results to pathological states. Breed and body size diversity were not fully balanced, and ultrasonographic identification may be more difficult in obese or anxious animals. Only one equipment model was used, which may limit generalization to other settings.
Conclusions
This study establishes baseline ultrasonographic features and dimensions of the deferent ducts in dogs without genitourinary disease. These findings provide a valuable reference for clinicians assessing male reproductive anatomy and diagnosing related pathologies. The deferent ducts can be consistently visualized and measured using high-frequency ultrasonography.
A, Schematic illustration of the deferent duct pathway (in green): it originates from the tail of the epididymis, proceeds cranially along the dorsomedial border of the testicle and dorsally within the spermatic cord, and finally reaches the abdominal cavity through the inguinal canal. Within the abdomen, the duct lays ventral to the ureter and enters the craniodorsal surface of the prostate before opening then into the prostatic urethra. B, Measurements were performed in longitudinal (1) and transverse (2) planes in the prostatic region while in the inguinal (3) and scrotal (4) regions the measurements were conducted in longitudinal planes.
How did we do?
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