Testicular Biopsy and Aspiration

Testicular biopsy may be performed to assess areas of suspected pathology and to evaluate testicular function by monitoring morphologic aspects of spermatogenesis. There are three methods to obtain testicular tissue for diagnostic purposes: incisional (wedge) biopsy, split needle biopsy, and fine needle aspiration. These three methods are discussed in this chapter. An automated split needle biopsy is usually the technique of choice due to ease of use and minimal trauma caused to the testicle. Fine needle aspiration is performed with the stallion standing and sedated with xylazine, romifidine, or detomidine plus butorphanol tartrate.