THERMOGRAPHY OF THE BOVINE SCROTUM

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 46  (11) , 2388-2392
Abstract
Thermographic patterns of the bovine scrotum were established in 15 clinically normal bulls and were compared with patterns in 10 bulls with scrotal and testicular diseases. Thermography of a normal scrotum was characterized by a symmetrical and constant thermal pattern with a temperature gradient of 4.degree. to 6.degree. (C) from the base to the apex of the scrotum. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the temperature from the base to the apex of the scrotum (39.94 .+-. 0.60 C to 30.11 .+-. 0.91 C). Lack of thermal symmetry was seen in bulls with unilateral lesions. Inflammation of one testicle increased ipsilateral scrotal infrared emission temperature 2.5.degree. to 3.degree. (C) above that in the contralateral side. If both testes were inflamed and hypermic, there was an overall increase in scrotal temperature of at least 3.degree. (C), and a reduction in temperature gradient of 2 to 3.degree. (C) from the base to the apex of the scrotum. Area temperatures in bulls with chronic testicular degeneration with fibrosis were reduced.