Spermagewinnung beim Kater – eine Literaturübersicht und eigene Erfahrungen^[*]

Zusammenfassung:

Gegenstand und Ziel: Nach einem Überblick über die Möglichkeiten der Spermagewinnung beim Kater wird über klinische Erfahrungen mit einer Methode zur medikamentösen Stimulation der Samenabgabe berichtet. Literaturübersicht: Die Spermagewinnung beim Kater ist von Bedeutung im Rahmen der Zuchttauglichkeitsuntersuchung, der künstlichen Besamung und bei Untersuchungen zur assistierten Reproduktion bei Hausund Wildtierkatzen. Neben der Gewinnung mithilfe einer künstlichen Scheide, die meistens eine Konditionierung der Kater notwendig macht, ist seit langem eine Spermagewinnung am narkotisierten Tier mittels Elektroejakulation bekannt. Inzwischen ist auch belegt, dass die Einleitung einer Allgemeinanästhesie mit dem α-Adrenozeptor-Agonisten Medetomidin zu einer Abgabe von Ejakulat in die Harnröhre führt, das durch Katheterisierung gewonnen werden kann. Material, Methoden und Ergebnisse: In der vorliegenden Studie wurde bei sieben Katern Sperma mittels Katheterisierung nach Einleitung einer Allgemeinanästhesie mit dem α-Adrenozeptor-Agonisten Medetomidin gewonnnen und von drei Tieren zusätzlich nach der Kastration Nebenhodensperma untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass mit der medikamentösen Auslösung der Ejakulation weitgehend repräsentative Samenproben gewonnen werden können. Schlussfolgerung: Vorteil dieser Methode ist, dass sie sich einfach und ohne großen instrumentellen Aufwand durchführen lässt und Patientenbesitzer sie als weniger invasiv und belastend für ihr Tier empfinden als die Elektroejakulation.

Summary

Objective: This paper describes the available methods of semen collection in tomcats. In addition, preliminary clinical data concerning semen collection via pharmacological stimulation are provided. Review of the literature: Semen collection in tomcats is part of breeding soundness examinations and necessary when artificial insemination is attempted. Furthermore, it is widely used in assisted reproduction techniques in domestic and wild felids. Semen collection can be performed with the aid of an artificial vagina. However, tomcats have to be trained for this procedure. Ejaculates can be also collected via electroejaculation during general anaesthesia. Recently semen collection after application of the α-adrenoceptor-agonist medetomidin has been described. Material, methods and results: In our study we collected semen after application of the α-Adrenozeptor-Agonisten medetomidin via catheter from the lower urinary tract in seven cats. In three of these cats we collected epididymal spermatozoa after castration. A comparison of the ejaculates collected by medetomidin stimulation with semen recovered from the epidiymidis after castration indicates that those ejaculates truly represent the semen quality of individuals. Conclusion: Pharmacological stimulation of ejaculation in tomcats is a safe and simple method of semen collection. Clients may prefer this method due to the lower impact to their animals when compared with electroejaculation.

Schlüsselwörter

Kater - Samengewinnung - Elektroejakulation - Medetomidin

Key words

Tomcat - semen collection - electroejaculation - medetomidin

^* * Herrn Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. mult. Hartwig Bostedt zum 70. Geburtstag gewidmet.

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