Reproductive Health of Male Dogs: Prostate Health, Testicular Function, and Semen Quality

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Reproduction".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 803

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
Interests: small animal reproduction; andrology of domestic carnivores; sperm cryopreservation; artificial insemination; benign prostatic hyperplasia; prostatic pathologies; reproduction system surgery; domestic and wild felid

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy
Interests: small animal reproduction; andrology; gynecology and obstetric; neonatology in small animal; semen analysis and evaluation; artificial insemination (assisted reproductive technologies); reproductive health of companion animals; clinical examination and reproductive ultrasonography

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Male canine reproductive health is a critical topic, not only for breeding animals, but for all dogs. Current evidence, including recent studies and updated guidelines on sterilization practices from 2024, suggests that castration can no longer be regarded as the optimal solution for most andrological pathologies. Advancing research into novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches is now imperative to address these challenges effectively. Prostatic pathologies and benign prostatic hyperplasia, major topics of interest in this species, along with other disorders of the male reproductive system, demand renewed scientific attention in order to improve reproductive outcomes. This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research and clinical insights to refine management strategies for these conditions. This Special Issue seeks to bridge the gap between emerging research and clinical practice, fostering improved care for male canine reproductive health.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) Benign prostatic hyperplasia: evaluation methods, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic innovations. (2) Prostatic diseases: diagnostic advancements, imaging techniques, and treatment protocols. (3) Andrology challenges: semen collection, handling, and storage protocols. (4) Semen analysis: standardization and novel parameters. (5) Testicular and scrotum pathologies: disease mechanisms, diagnostic tools, and clinical management. (6) Penile and foreskin disorders.

Prof. Dr. Daniele Zambelli
Dr. Giulia Ballotta
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • dogs
  • prostate
  • benign prostatic hyperplasia
  • prostatic disease
  • semen evaluation
  • semen cryopreservation
  • testicular function
  • testis

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

21 pages, 300 KB  
Review
Impact of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants on Semen Quality in Dogs
by Sławomir Zduńczyk, Anna Domosławska, Monika Jamioł and Marta Kankofer
Animals 2025, 15(21), 3169; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15213169 - 31 Oct 2025
Viewed by 612
Abstract
This review focuses on the biochemical mechanisms of oxidative damage to sperm, the role of antioxidants, as well as the clinical consequences of supplementation for the improvement of sperm fertility. There is growing interest in dog breeding and in methods of maintaining semen [...] Read more.
This review focuses on the biochemical mechanisms of oxidative damage to sperm, the role of antioxidants, as well as the clinical consequences of supplementation for the improvement of sperm fertility. There is growing interest in dog breeding and in methods of maintaining semen quality for natural mating or artificial insemination (AI). Canine sperm are sensitive to oxidative damage. Semen contains endogenous, enzymatic, renewable, and non-enzymatic, and non-renewable antioxidants. However, the excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or depletion in antioxidative defense may lead to oxidative stress, causing damage to sperm cells and a decrease in fertility. The possible way to maintain sperm cell fertility potential is supplementation of diet and/or semen extenders with antioxidants. It seems that oral antioxidant supplementation improves the oxidative status and quality of semen and may have a positive effect on the fertility of male dogs with reproductive problems. Many studies point to the potential role of antioxidant supplementation in extenders in protecting canine sperm from oxidative damage during processing. However, only a few studies have assessed the fertilization capacity of supplemented sperm after AI. Intensive studies, including the examination of pro- and antioxidative properties of dog semen as well as the role of antioxidant supplementation to dogs and semen extenders, should be performed, as it is a serious market and breeders need. The results should be related not only to semen analysis but pregnancy rate as the best marker of fertility. Nevertheless, the use of antioxidants in the supportive treatment of fertility disorders in male dogs to improve semen quality and their addition to dog semen extenders to preserve sperm fertility appears to be reasonable. Full article
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