Freezing of canine semen in an animal-free protein extender

The aims of this study were to study the prevalence of oviduct abnormalities of buffaloes, investigate bacteria accompanying hydrosalpinx, pyosalpinx and salpingitis. In addition, the study was designed to investigate the correlation between bacterial infection of the uterus and oviduct lesions in buffaloes. Bacteriological examinations were performed on hydrosalpinx, pyosalpinx and salpingitis. Hydrosalpinx was found in 28 (6.9%) cases of which 20 (71.4%) were found unilaterally and 8 (28.6%) bilaterally. Pyosalpinx was recorded in 12 (2.9%). Three cases (0.7%) of oviducts filled with blood were recorded. Obstruction of oviducts was recorded in 5 (1.2%). Adhesions between mesosalpinx and perisalpingeal tissues were observed in 7 (1.7) cases. One case of double oviduct was found in the left side of the tract examined. The most prevalent bacteria recovered from hydrosalpinx were Corynebacterium hemolyticum and Actinomyces bovis, 42.8% and 28.6%, respectively. No correlation was noticed between bacteria isolated from the uterus and hydrosalpinx. The most prevalent bacteria recovered from pyosalpinx were Escherichia coli, Archanobacterium pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, 33.3%, 26.7% and 16.7%, respectively. Higher rates of leukocyte infiltration (P < 0.01) were observed in the uterine discharge and pyosalpinx than hydrosalpinx. In a conclusion, the current study disclosed that oviductal lesions seem to be an important problem in buffalo cows. In addition, there is no correlation between bacteria isolated from uterus and hydrosalpinx. There is a high correlation between bacteria isolated from uterus and pyosalpinx and salpingitis. The occurrence of pyosalpinx and salpingitis is mainly due to bacterial infection. Bacterial isolates from pyosalpinx and salpingitis might be related to ascending infection from the uterus.     

Bacterial Isolates Associated With Dystocia And Retained Placenta In Iraqi Buffaloes

The present study was conducted on 50 recently calved Iraqi Buffalo cows. Depending on the kind of parturition, buffalo cows were divided into two main groups, the first group had normal unassisted parturition (NP) (26 animals) and the second group with certain periparturent complications (PPC) (24 animals). After 24 h of parturition, these two groups were further subdivided into two groups as cows expel their foetal membranes in <24 h postpartum and referred as non‐retained placenta (NRP) while cows that did not expel their foetal membrane after 24 h referred as retained placenta (RP). Sampling for bacteriology, uterine discharge for polymorphonuclear cells per cent and blood samples for polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) and the enzyme creatine kinase activity were performed at 6, 24 and 48 h postpartum. In PPC group, the most prevalent bacteria after 6 h of calving were Escherichia coli, β‐haemolytic Streptococci and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Total bacterial isolates in the uterus of buffaloes with RP in PPC group after 24 and 48 h were 129 and 183 respectively. Among the isolates, Archanobacterium pyogenes, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Prevotella melaninogenicus and Staphylococcus aureus were the most prevalent isolates after 48 h of RP buffaloes in PPC group. Polymorphonuclear neutrophil were significantly (p < 0.01) increased in the uterine discharge than in blood in buffaloes with RP in both PPC and NP groups. In conclusion, uterine contamination occurs as a result of postpartum ascending contamination by non‐specific environmental organisms. The presence of Lactobacillus sp. in the uterus indicated a healthy uterus. Peripartum complications followed by retention of foetal membranes with the dominance of E. coli in the uterine lumen might favour the colonization of other bacteria including facultative anaerobic and strictly anaerobic in the uterine wall of buffaloes.     

A Study of Endometritis Causing Repeat Breeding of Cycling Iraqi Buffalo Cows

The objectives of this study were to determine the non‐specific aerobic and anaerobic bacterial causes of endometritis causing repeat breeding of cycling Iraqi buffalo cows at Nineveh province, validate diagnostic criteria for endometritis and to evaluate the treatment efficiency of using systemic or intra‐uterine infusion of antibiotics for the treatment of endometritis. Data were collected from 60 buffalo cows with history of repeat breeding in different herds. All buffaloes were subjected to detailed clinical examination including external inspection, vaginoscopy and transrectal palpation of the cervix, uterus and ovaries. Swabs for bacteriology and biopsies for histopathology were collected from the uterine lumen from each cow. Character, odour and estimation of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) of the vaginal mucus were scored. Blood samples were collected from cows for creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) measurement. Treatment conducted using oxytetracycline with tylosin in local intrauterine infusion or systemically with hormonal treatment. The most pre‐disposing factor for uterine infection was retained placenta (13.3%). The most prevalent bacteria in uterine lumen were E. coli (23%), Archanobacterium pyogenes (13%) and Staphylococcus aureus (10%) were mostly isolated from buffaloes with repeat breeding. Vaginal mucus character score was associated with the bacterial growth density score. The difference in PMN was highly significant (p < 0.01) in animals with repeat breeding than control groups. In addition, PMNs was significantly (p < 0.01) correlated r = 0.894 with the character of vaginal discharge. High level of PMNs observed in buffaloes infected with A. pyogenes. Buffalo cows with endometritis had higher CK (321.47 ± 39.06 vs 162.01 ± 16.41 U/l) and AST (133.93 ± 12.43 vs 97.01 ± 6.86 U/l) activities (p < 0.05) than control‐heifers, but no significant difference was observed between buffalo cows with endometritis in CK (321.47 ± 39.06 vs 208.33 ± 5.84) and AST (133.93 ± 12.43 vs 156.17 ± 9.65) activities than control‐pluriparious. It could be concluded that A. pyogenes was the only non‐specific uterine pathogen directly associated with severe endometrial lesions. Vaginoscopy examination combined with palpation of uterus increase the accuracy of diagnosing endometritis and cytogenic examination of uterine discharge is more reliable method of establishing the presence or absence of uterine inflammation in buffalo cows. Animals with repeat breeding (endometritis) showed clinical cure and improved pregnancy in all treatment groups with no significant difference. The use of oestradiol in repeat breeder cases has no effect in improving neither clinical cure rate nor pregnancy rate.     

A Study on Postpartum Metritis in Iraqi Buffalo Cows: Bacterial Causes and Treatment

The objectives of the present study were to determine the relationship between bacteriological findings, clinical signs and histopathological changes in postpartum metritis. Evaluation of the treatment efficiency of using systemic or intra‐uterine infusion of antibiotics with some hormonal preparations for the treatment of postpartum metritis. Data were collected from 50 buffalo cows with history of calving of more than 1 month. All buffaloes were subjected to detailed clinical examination including external inspection, vaginoscopy and transrectal palpation of the cervix, uterus and ovaries. Swabs for bacteriology and biopsies for histopathology were collected from uterine lumen from each buffalo included in the present study. Bacteria identified using API systems following aerobic and anaerobic cultures. Vaginal mucus scored for character, odour and estimation of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs). Treatment conducted using oxytetracycline in local intrauterine infusion or systemically with hormonal treatment including prostaglandinF2α (PGF2α) and oestradiol benzoate. Results revealed that the most predisposing factor for postpartum uterine infection was retained placenta and toxic puerperal metritis. The most prevalent bacteria in uterine lumen were Escherichia coli, Archanobacterium pyogenes, Bacteroides fragilis and Fusobacterium necrophorum the most prevalent bacteria in buffaloes with postpartum metritis. A. pyogenes and F. necrophorum were an important pathogens causing severe uterine inflammation as found in histopathological examinations. Buffaloes with postpartum metritis showed good clinical cure when oxytetracycline injected systemically with PGF2α. Intrauterine infusion of oxytetracycline had no advantage for the treatment of uterine infection in buffalo cows with postpartum metritis. PGF2α improved clinical cure of buffaloes with postpartum metritis.     

Uterine, cervical and vaginal microflora of the normal bitch throughout the reproductive cycle

Samples for microbiological culture were collected from the uterus of bitches using transcervical uterine cannulation (31 samples, 23 bitches) and from the uterus, cervix and vagina post mortem (19 bitches) at all stages of the reproductive cycle. Samples were cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and for aerobic mycoplasmas. Bacteria were always found in the uterus during prooestrus and oestrus (12 positive in 12 cultures) and rarely at other stages of the reproductive cycle: during anoestrus (one in 14) and other stages (none in 24). When microorganisms were detected at three sites post mortem, those found in the cervix and vagina were always of the same species as those found in the uterus. In six out of 13 instances, microorganisms were found in the cervix or vagina when none were found in the uterus. The mean number of isolates, number of bacteria seen in uterine cytology and bacterial growth were greater (P < 0–005) during oestrus and pro-oestrus than at other stages. Bacteria isolated from the uterus, in order of frequency, were Escherichia coli, Haemophilus species, α-haemo-lytic streptococci, Corynebacterium species, Streptococcus canis, Alcaligenes faecalis, Bac-teroides species, Pasteurella species and Proteus mirabilis. No mycoplasmas were cultured from the samples. This study indicates that the uterus of the normal bitch has a uterine microflora during pro-oestrus and oestrus that is similar to that of the vagina and cervix.     

Gross abnormalities,bacteriology and histological lesions of uteri of dairy cows failing to conceive or maintain pregnancy

AIM: To describe the gross pathology, bacteriology and histopathology of the reproductive tracts of dairy cows that failed to conceive or maintain pregnancy.

METHODS: The reproductive tracts of 105 cows that were not pregnant at the end of the seasonal breeding programme were retrieved following slaughter. The tracts were examined grossly, both horns of the uterine lumen were swabbed for bacteriology, and tissue was collected from each horn and the body of the uterus for histopathology. Grossly enlarged uteri and tracts containing purulent vaginal content were excluded. Histopathology was performed on three sections of uterine tissue from each of three cows in which no gross pathological changes were detected and from which no bacteria were isolated, from three cows in which no gross pathology was detected but from which bacteria were isolated, and from three cows in which gross pathological changes were detected but from which no bacteria were isolated.

RESULTS: Thirty-six (34%) cows had one or more gross lesions which involved the ovary, uterine tube, uterus or vagina. Bacteria were isolated from the uteri of 22 (21%) cows. Isolates included Arcanobacterium pyogenes (n=1), Escherichia coli (n=1), Fusobacterium spp (n=1), Haemophilus somnus (n=5), Streptococcus acidominimus (n=12), S. bovis (n=2), S. uberis (n=1) and S. salivarious (n=1). In only five cows were both gross pathology and bacteria detected. There was no relationship between the isolation of bacteria and the diagnosis of gross pathology of the uterus. There were no differences in the degree of histopathological changes in the uteri from the three groups of cows examined, and lesions present were minor.

CONCLUSIONS: Gross pathological changes and intra-uterine bacteria were found in 34% and 20% of cows, respectively, but the correlation between the two was poor. Histopathological changes were unremarkable, suggesting the bacteriological findings were coincidental, that causative agents of infertility were not present at the time of examination, or that unrelated causes such as nutritional anoestrus may have been responsible for the failure of some cows to conceive.     

Association between postpartum pyrexia and uterine bacterial infection in dairy cattle

The temperature of 90 dairy cattle was recorded for the first 10 days after parturition and the animals were categorised as either normal (< 39.7 degreesC) or pyrexic. Swabs were collected from the uterine lumen seven, 14, 21 and 28 days after parturition for aerobic and anaerobic culture; bacteria were identified and their growth was scored semiquantitatively. Blood samples were collected three times a week for the estimation of the concentrations of acute phase proteins. The cows' temperatures were often above the accepted normal range, but it was not a good indicator of the number of bacteria in the uterus. However, pyrexia was correlated with the presence of specific uterine pathogens (P < 0.05) and in particular with Prevotella species (P < 0.01). The pyrexic animals had a higher plasma concentration of the acute phase protein (alpha1-acid glycoprotein (P < 0.05). Although pyrexia is an indicator of postpartum inflammation, additional clinical signs are necessary to identify uterine bacterial infection.     

Interaction of Intact Porcine Spermatozoa with Epithelial Cells and Neutrophilic Granulocytes during Uterine Passage

New insemination techniques allow a tremendous sperm reduction for successful artificial insemination (AI) if highly diluted semen is deposited in the tip of the uterine horn and close to the utero‐tubal junction. High sperm losses are known to occur during uterine passage and it was the general question whether specific binding mechanisms are involved. Upon arrival in the uterus, spermatozoa are confronted with mainly two different cell types: uterine epithelial cells (UEC) and neutrophilic granulocytes (polymorphonuclear neutrophil, PMN). As cell–sperm interactions can hardly be observed in vivo, an ex vivo system was established to study the interaction between spermatozoa and the UEC. Uterine segments (10 cm) from freshly slaughtered synchronized juvenile gilts were inseminated for 60 min at 38°C. Thereafter spermatozoa were recovered, counted flow cytometrically and examined for changes in viability and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Significantly less spermatozoa with a functioning MMP and intact plasma membranes could be retrieved (55 ± 7%), while the number of damaged spermatozoa hardly changed (93 ± 12%), indicating retention of viable sperm cells in the uterine lumen. The interactions between porcine PMN and spermatozoa (motile, immotile, membrane‐damaged) were studied in coincubation assays in vitro. The binding of membrane‐damaged sperm cells to PMN was virtually non‐existent (3 ± 2%). Viable and motile spermatozoa attached to PMN without being phagocytosed within 60 min (45 ± 3%), whereas binding to sodium fluoride (NaF)‐immobilized spermatozoa was reduced to 20 ± 2%. The binding of viable sperm to PMN is most likely not lectin‐dependent; although both viable cell types were shown to express a broad range of different lectin‐binding sugar residues, none of the lectins tested was able to selectively block PMN‐sperm binding significantly. The results of the study suggest that viable spermatozoa are already subject to selective processes within the uterus before further selection is initiated at the utero‐tubal junction and in the oviductal isthmus.     

Scanning electron microscopy of pathologic changes in the epithelial surfaces of the uterus and uterine tubes of cows

Genital tracts from 15 cows with catarrhal and purulent inflammation of the uterus and uterine tubes, cystic hyperplasia of the endometrium, or hydrosalpinx were evaluated by the use of scanning electron microscopy to determine epithelial changes associated with these conditions. Uterine epithelium was revealed to be easily damaged, even in the course of mild inflammation, whereas epithelium of the uterine tube was more resistant.     

Significance of nitric oxide concentration in plasma and uterine secretes with puerperal endometritis in dairy cows

Endometritis is an inflammation of the endometrial lining of the uterus without systemic signs, which is associated with chronic postpartum infection of the uterus with pathogenic bacteria. Nitric oxide (NO) is an inflammatory mediator that among other effects causes smooth muscle relaxation and mediated cytoimmunity and inflammation toxicity. To see if the nitric oxide concentration in plasma and uterine secrets is related with postpartum endometritis, NO concentrations in plasma and uterine secrets were measured in dairy cows with puerperal endometritis (clinical endometritis (n = 60) and subclinical endometritis (n = 58)). Cows with clinical or subclinical endometritis showed higher concentrations of NO in both plasma and uterine secrets when compared with normal cows and the highest concentrations of NO in plasma and uterine secrets were found in dairy cows with clinical endometritis. Expression level of NOS2 mRNA in endometrial biopsies from cows with puerperal endometritis was also higher and the highest expression of NOS2 mRNA was found in cows with clinical endometritis. The results showed that concentrations of NO in plasma and uterine fluid are related with the degree of endometritis which may be useful to diagnose the endometritis in dairy cows.     

Laparoscopic Application of PGE2 to the Uterine Tube Surface Enhances Fertility in Selected Subfertile Mares

Topical application of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) gel to the surface of the uterine tubes via a laparoscopic procedure improved embryo recovery rates or pregnancy rates in 28 subfertile mares suspected of uterine tubal pathology. Gelatinous masses may occlude the lumen of the uterine tube and prevent sperm from reaching the site of fertilization or prevent embryos from reaching the uterus. PGE₂ is secreted by the early equine embryo, promoting passage of the embryo into the uterus; topical administration of PGE₂ onto the surface of the uterine tube has been shown to stimulate early transport of the embryo into the uterus. Embryos were produced or a pregnancy was obtained from 24 of the 28 barren mares treated with direct laparoscopic application of 0.2 mg of PGE₂ to their uterine tubes. Mares had been barren for an average duration of 1.9 ± 0.6 years and an average of 6.9 ± 3.8 estrous cycles prior to treatment, without donating an embryo or becoming pregnant. Seventeen of 20 mares bred as embryo donors produced one or more embryos with an average of 2.1 ± 1.9 embryos collected per mare (0.45 embryos per cycle) after PGE₂ treatment. Seven of 8 mares bred to carry their own pregnancy became pregnant within the first two cycles following PGE₂ treatment. These 8 mares were bred an average of 5.6 ± 1.8 cycles without a pregnancy prior to treatment. The laparoscopic PGE₂ procedure was performed during various stages of the estrous cycle; the stage varied among treated mares.     

Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial flora in the postpartum mare

Equine postpartum uterine bacterial contamination was studied. Thirteen mares were examined at foaling, at foal heat and again at the second estrus if not bred at foal heat (n=7). Twenty-three percent (3/13) of the mares showed no uterine bacterial contamination immediately post partum. This was increased to 77% (10/13) by foal heat and 100% (7/7) by the second post-partum estrus. Few anaerobic bacteria were isolated and were quickly eliminated. Anerobic bacteria do not appear to be a problem in the postpartum mare. The mare is capable of quickly eliminating postpartum uterine bacterial contamination. Endometrial etiology was shown to be a good screening test for uterine bacterial contamination in the postpartum mare.Bacterial endometritis has long been recognized as a major cause of infertility in the mare.⁵,⁸,¹² Bacterial culture techniques over the years have been improved as have the interpretation of such results. It is generally agreed upon that the isolation of bacteria by itself is insufficient evidence of disease.³,¹⁶,¹⁷,¹⁹,²⁵ Certain bacteria, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia, are known to be the major bacterial pathogens responsible for most of the cases of endometritis.⁷,¹⁸,²⁶ Isolation of bacteria in pure culture also is considered to be clinically significant; mixed cultures probably indicate insignificant contamination.²,²¹ The clinician also must consider the quantity of organisms isolated.¹,³,⁷,¹⁹,²⁶ Most pathogens occur in large numbers with heavy growth noted when cultured. In addition to kinds and quantity of bacteria isolated from the uterus, there also must be evidence of inflammation detected by physical examination of the genitalia, endometrial cytology and/or endometrial biopsy.⁴,⁹,¹⁴,¹⁵,²⁵,²⁷,²⁸The presence and significance of anaerobic bacteria in the mare's uterus has not been throughly addressed. It has been documented that aerobic and anaerobic bacteria play a significant role in postpartum uterine infections in the cow.²⁰Fusobacterium necrophorum and Corynebacterium pyogenes apparently have a synergistic effect to increase the severity of postpartum uterine infections in the cow.²⁰,²³ Anerobic bacteria, as well as mycoplasmas and viruses, have been suggested as possible causes of endometritis in the mare when evidence of inflammation is present but no aerobic bacteria are isolated.⁷,¹⁴,²¹,²⁷The purpose of this study was to document aerobic and anaerobic bacterial contamination of the uterus in the postpartum mare. Endometrial cytology was investigated to determine if there was a relationship between the presence of bacteria in the postpartum uterus and an inflammatory response.     

Presence of Bacteria on the External Genitalia of Healthy Stallions and its Transmission to the Mare at the Time of Breeding by Live Cover

The current field study used thoroughbred stallions and mares from central Kentucky to investigate the occurrence of potentially pathogenic bacteria on the stallion's external genitalia, based on cultures, and investigated the occurrence of bacteria and type of isolate in the mare's uterus after breeding by live cover to stallions with or without positive bacterial cultures. Fifteen thoroughbred stallions and 206 mares from two central Kentucky thoroughbred farms were used during the 2010 and 2011 breeding seasons. Samples for bacteriological evaluation were taken from the prepuce and postejaculate urethra (n = 201) of stallions. Uterine swabs (n = 264) were collected 12-18 hours postbreeding. For statistical analyses, a chi-squared test was used to test the relationship between stallion culture results and postbreeding uterine culture results, as well as the effect of bacterial types found on the stallion cultures with bacterial types found on the postbreeding uterine cultures. Of stallion cultures, 22.4% were positive for potentially pathogenic bacteria, with Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (51.1%) being the most common isolate. Uterine cultures resulted in a 29.2% positive rate for potentially pathogenic bacteria, with S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus (90.9%) being the most common. There was no difference (P > .05) in the occurrence of bacteria or type of isolate found on uterine cultures after breeding stallions with or without positive cultures. In conclusion, potentially pathogenic bacteria found on the stallion's external genitalia did not affect the occurrence and type of bacterial isolate found in the mare's uterus after breeding by live cover.     

The Pathology of Unilateral Pyometra in the Bitch

Abstract— —Twelve cases of Unilateral Pyometra are described with particular reference to the pathology of the genital tract.
As a result of this study, it was concluded that the disparity in size between the two uterine horns was due to interference with drainage from one horn. The causes of obstruction of the uterine lumen are discussed, in particular, torsion of the uterus and stenosis of the lumen which is of significance in all forms of pyometra.
One case that might be described as true Unilateral Pyometra was observed.     

动物子宫局部免疫系统及孕体识别

介绍了动物子宫局部免疫系统在不同生理阶段的状况和子宫识别孕体的机理.健康、未孕的动物子宫内最主要的白细胞亚型是T淋巴细胞、巨噬细胞和中性粒细胞,这些细胞的迁移和分布明显受发情周期的影响.配种引起多形态嗜中性白细胞(PMNs)流入子宫,可以消除生殖道内的病菌和多余的精子,从而可提高繁殖性能.目前,人们主要从MHCⅠ抗原在子宫的表达和生殖道内的细胞因子两方面来解释子宫识别孕体的机理.总之,动物子宫局部免疫系统是一个新兴的研究领域,在取得初步进展的同时,尚存在许多疑问和争议.     

Detection of Coxiella burnetii, the agent of Q fever, in oviducts and uterine flushing media and in genital tract tissues of the non pregnant goat

The aim of the present study was the detection and quantification of Coxiella burnetii DNA in the flushing media (oviducts and uterine horns) and genital tract tissues of non pregnant goats from 20 goats chosen at random from 86 goats originating from 56 different breeding herds in south-west France. The serological prevalence rate of C. burnetii in the study population was 70.3%.The DNA of C. burnetii was identified using conventional PCR in the flushing media from the oviducts and uterus in 8/20 goats (40%) and in genital tract tissues (oviduct, uterus and ovary) in 5/20 goats (25%). This study clearly shows for the first time that the media used to flush the oviducts or uterine horns, collected using the standard embryo harvesting technique in goats, are susceptible to infection with C. burnetii. The 16 conventional PCR-positive samples were also analyzed using real-time PCR. The bacterial load of the oviduct and uterine flushing media varied from 2.9 × 10⁴ to 7.5 × 10⁶ bacteria per flushing medium, while the bacterial load of the tissue samples varied from 1.0 × 10² to 1.5 × 10⁵ bacteria per mg of tissue. The infection of genital tract flushing media and tissues is a risk factor for the transmission of C. burnetii from donor to recipient during embryo transfer or to the embryo and fetus when gestation is pursued to term.     

Predisposing factors,diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of persistent endometritis in postpartum cows

A certain level of endometrial bacterial infection and inflammation is involved in bovine uterine involution during the puerperal period. Factors that hamper normal uterine involution expose the uterine environment to pathological conditions, causing different endometritis levels. The lack of proper diagnostic tools extends the time to conception. Efforts have been made to elucidate the postpartum uterine environment, including bacterial flora, changes in transient endometrial inflammation, and the pathophysiology of endometritis, to improve bovine reproductive performance. E. coli and Trueperella pyogenes in the uterus are likely to cause persistent infection, and Mycoplasma bovigenitalium infection is associated with dystocia and cytological endometritis in postpartum dairy cows. Due to the widespread use of cytobrush as a diagnostic tool for bovine subclinical endometritis (SE) that enables quantification of the degree of inflammation, we found that endometritis at week 5 postpartum was associated with delayed first ovulation. Approximately 30% of open cows have SE during the postpartum period, and cows with low blood glucose during prepartum have a high risk of developing SE. Additionally, cows with purulent vaginal discharge do not always have endometritis but only vaginitis and/or cervicitis. Intrauterine infusion of polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine (PVP-I) improves fertility and promotes endometrial epithelial cell regeneration after inducing transient uterine inflammation, suggesting that PVP-I could be a good alternative to antibiotics. In conclusion, prepartum management to prevent glucose deficiency, prompt diagnosis to identify causative agents and intrauterine inflammation levels, and appropriate treatment to minimize antimicrobial resistance is beneficial for tackling endometritis and improving reproductive performance in bovine herds.     

Oxytocin receptors in dioestrous and anoestrous canine uteri

The aim of the study was to localize oxytocin receptors (OTR) and measure mRNA expression of OTR in the canine uterus with and without the influence of progesterone. Uterine samples were taken from nine anoestrous and eight dioestrous bitches during ovariohysterectomy. Histological changes were evaluated in haematoxylin and eosin (HE)‐stained samples. Purified polyclonal antibody for OTR was used in immunohistochemistry to localize receptors in uterine layers. Relative mRNA concentration of OTR was evaluated with real‐time PCR from full‐thickness uterine samples taken from the middle horn and the body. Myometrial smooth muscle cells, endometrial luminal epithelium (LE) and deep and superficial glandular epithelium were positively stained for oxytocin receptors in non‐pregnant animals. No significant difference in staining intensity was detected between uterine middle horn and body. However, the staining intensity of LE was significantly higher in dioestrous than in anoestrous uteri (p < .05). Leucocytes and endothelium of blood vessels were also positively stained for OTR. Real‐time PCR showed no significant differences in OTR mRNA expression between the middle horn and the body of the uterus, or between anoestrous and dioestrous uterus. No correlation was noted between OTR mRNA expression and blood progesterone concentration. In conclusion, despite the apparent inactivity, the uterus of the non‐pregnant bitch expresses OTR. The distribution or relative expression of OTR does not differ between uterine horn and body in dioestrus or anoestrus except in LE. LE may have more oxytocin‐dependent activity during dioestrus than anoestrus.     

Gross abnormalities, bacteriology and histological lesions of uteri of dairy cows failing to conceive or maintain pregnancy

AIM: To describe the gross pathology, bacteriology and histopathology of the reproductive tracts of dairy cows that failed to conceive or maintain pregnancy. METHODS: The reproductive tracts of 105 cows that were not pregnant at the end of the seasonal breeding programme were retrieved following slaughter. The tracts were examined grossly, both horns of the uterine lumen were swabbed for bacteriology, and tissue was collected from each horn and the body of the uterus for histopathology. Grossly enlarged uteri and tracts containing purulent vaginal content were excluded. Histopathology was performed on three sections of uterine tissue from each of three cows in which no gross pathological changes were detected and from which no bacteria were isolated, from three cows in which no gross pathology was detected but from which bacteria were isolated, and from three cows in which gross pathological changes were detected but from which no bacteria were isolated. RESULTS: Thirty-six (34%) cows had one or more gross lesions which involved the ovary, uterine tube, uterus or vagina. Bacteria were isolated from the uteri of 22 (21%) cows. Isolates included Arcanobacterium pyogenes (n = 1), Escherichia coli (n = 1), Fusobacterium spp (n = 1), Haemophilus somnus (n = 5), Streptococcus acidominimus (n = 12), S. bovis (n = 2), S. uberis (n = 1) and S. salivarious (n = 1). In only five cows were both gross pathology and bacteria detected. There was no relationship between the isolation of bacteria and the diagnosis of gross pathology of the uterus. There were no differences in the degree of histopathological changes in the uteri from the three groups of cows examined, and lesions present were minor. CONCLUSIONS: Gross pathological changes and intra-uterine bacteria were found in 34% and 20% of cows, respectively, but the correlation between the two was poor. Histopathological changes were unremarkable, suggesting the bacteriological findings were coincidental, that causative agents of infertility were not present at the time of examination, or that unrelated causes such as nutritional anoestrus may have been responsible for the failure of some cows to conceive.     

Comparison of Surgical and Medical Treatment of 49 Postpartum Mares with Presumptive or Confirmed Uterine Tears

Objective— To determine outcome after medical or surgical treatment of postpartum mares with confirmed or presumptive uterine tears. Study Design— Case series. Methods— Postpartum mares were included if foaling had occurred within 7 days and uterine tear was confirmed surgically or, in medically treated mares, by palpation or presumed based on peritonitis. Information (age, breed; physical examination, laboratory and abdominocentesis findings; treatment, survival rates, length of hospital stay, treatments costs, and breeding performance after discharge) was obtained from the medical records (1990–2007). The influence of variables was compared between medical and surgical treatment, and between survivors and nonsurvivors. Results— For 49 mares, survival was 75%, with no significant difference between medical (11/15; 73%) or surgical (26/34; 76%) treatment. Admission variables, treatment cost, duration of hospital stay, and likelihood of foaling after discharge were not significantly different between treatment groups. Nonsurvivors were significantly more likely to have gastric reflux, higher heart rate, anion gap, lower total CO₂, and leukocyte count, compared with survivors. Tears were significantly (P=.018) more likely to occur in the right uterine horn than in other parts of the uterus. Conclusions— Uterine tears occur more commonly in the uterine horns, more so the right horn, and survival is similar with surgical or medical treatment of uterine tears in postpartum mares. Clinical Relevance— Medical treatment may be a reasonable alternative to surgical treatment for uterine tears, although the severity of tear that can resolve with medical treatment is unknown, and medical therapy can be as expensive as surgical treatment.