68 NON-SPECIFIC OR GENERAL DISEASES 



terminates near its neck by emptying into the seminal vesicles. 



The seminal vesicles are two membranous pouches situated 

 just al)ove the bladder. They act as receptacles for the seminal 

 lluid. Two short ducts, the ejaculatory, carry the seminal fluid 

 from the seminal vesicles to the urethra. 



The j)rostate gland is situated near the origin of the 

 urethra. Cowper's (jlands lie along the course of the urethra 

 and n(>ar the origin of the penis. These glands empty their 

 secretions into the uretln-a and dilute the seminal fluid. 



The penis is the male organ of copulation. It originates 

 at the arch of the ischium and extends forward between the 

 thighs. It may be divided into fixed and free portions. The 

 free portion is lodged in the prepuce or sheath, but at the time 

 of erection protrudes from it. 



Sterility, Impotency. — Fecundation does not always follow 

 intercourse of the male and female. Im})otency in the male and 

 sterility in the female frequently occur. 



The causes are quite varied. A nonnal copulation may be 

 impossible because of injuries to, and deformities of the parts 

 and tumor growths. Deformed genital organs and obstructions 

 of the OS by growths and scar tissue are causes of sterility in 

 the female. 



Failure to breed is commonly caused by faulty methods of 

 feeding and care. Over-feeding and insutHcient exercise may 

 result in the body tissues becoming loaded with fat. This may 

 cause a temporary sterility, but if persisted in, as is frequently 

 the case in show animals, the sterility becomes jDcrmanent be- 

 cause of the genital glands failing to secrete ova and spermatozoa, 

 or the lack of vitality of the male and female elements. Old 

 age and debility from disease or poor care may induce loss of 

 sexual desire and an absence of, or weakened spermatozoa in the 

 seminal fluid. The refusal of the male to serve certain females 

 is sometimes noted. 



Tuberculosis may affect the ovaries and cause permanent 



