Treatment of Behavior and Impotence Problems
The treatment of behavior and impotence problems will always begin with observing what the problem is along with the stallion owner and handlers. If impotence involves a failure to get an erection, then a blood sample should be drawn and testosterone levels determined. Giving testosterone to a stallion who is difficient in testosterone is not effective. The administration of testoterone will cause a decrease in intra-testicular testosterone and lead to decreased sperm production (for explanation review hormonal control in the stallion). If low libido is the problem, it can sometime be corrected by giving GnRH (0.5 mg, I.M.) 30 minutes prior to collection. However most stallions with low testosterone that have erectile problems also have reduced sperm counts. If money is no object, GnRH infusion pumps can be mounted on a stallion and GnRH administered in small pulses throughout the day.
To treat most behavior and impotence problems requires retraining of the stallion and lots of patience. The stallion must be exposed to only positive situations during a retraining period. A variety of training aids might be used depending on the problem the stallion has. For example if the stallion becomes easily distracted, blinders may be used to help the stallion focus on the mare. Stallions that have been injured during breeding may need to be collected on a phantom. A stallion that fails to have an erection may need to be exposed to a variety of estrus mares in order to find one which may stimulate him. Only mares in true standing estrus should be used. Use of an artificial vagina that can maintain temperature for long periods of time will likely be required to collect semen as it may take a long time to get an errection and the stallion to mount a mare or phantom. In general plan to spend 1 - 3 hours a day in 15 minute intervals for up to 3 months to retrain a stallion. During retraining it is important that the stallions stall not be used for veterinary procedures or shoeing. His stall needs to be a safe area for the stallion.
There are some drugs that may be given to induce ejaculation of stallions that are unable to ejaculate for various reasons. Treatment with Imipramine followed by Xylazine (chemical ejaculation) is successful only 60% and should be used as a last resort.
Effects of