How to perform ovariectomy through a colpotomy

Bilateral ovariectomy of mares is performed most commonly to eliminate or diminish unwanted behaviour, create a teaser mare, sterilise a mare so that it can be registered in its breed association, or produce a recipient mare for embryo transfer. A practical technique of bilateral ovariectomy that can be easily performed without the mare sedated and without a surgical facility is ovariectomy through a colpotomy. Ovariectomy through a colpotomy is less expensive than ovariectomy using other approaches because it is performed with the mare standing, can be performed quickly and the only specialised instrument required is a chain écraseur. Complications of ovariectomy performed through a colpotomy are uncommon when the mare is correctly prepared for the procedure and when proper precautions are taken during and after the procedure.     

Bilateral ovariectomy as a treatment for chronic pyometra in four horses

The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the use of bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy without hysterectomy for chronic pyometra in horses. Four client-owned horses were included, each having chronic pyometra that was unresponsive to treatment. Bilateral laparoscopic ovariectomy was performed on the horses under standing sedation. A final uterine lavage was performed either 24 hours before or after surgery, with no further treatment of the uterus. No complications were encountered during surgery or post-operatively, and each horse had resolution of the pyometra without recurrence of clinical signs over at least 3 years. All owners were satisfied with the procedure. Following histopathology, one horse was found to be a true hermaphrodite, with one vestigial testis and one ovotestis. Ovariectomy alone was an effective treatment for four horses with chronic pyometra, without complications. Ovarian steroids and abnormal uterine or cervical conformation are important influences in the pathogenesis of pyometra, and removal of the hormone source via ovariectomy should be considered to avoid a more invasive surgery and the potential complications associated with ovariohysterectomy in horses.     

Granulosa cell tumours in the mare: A review of 52 cases

Granulosa cell tumour (GCT) is reported to be the most common ovarian neoplasm in the mare. A multicentre retrospective study evaluating the medical records of horses undergoing ovariectomy for treatment of a GCT was undertaken, documenting the presenting clinicopathological features, treatment and outcome. Follow‐up information was obtained by telephone questionnaire. Fifty‐two mares were included. Most presented with behavioural/reproductive abnormalities, including stallion‐like behaviour (50%), aggression (31%), prolonged oestrus or nymphomania (19%), and persistent anoestrus (8%). Most (93%) affected ovaries had a multilocular appearance when examined ultrasonographically. Only 60% of horses with histopathologically confirmed GCTs demonstrated elevations in serum inhibin concentrations. Twenty‐five percent of horses had histopathologically confirmed bilateral GCTs. Ninety‐four percent of horses that underwent ovariectomy were discharged from the hospital. Standing laparoscopic ovariectomies had a lower complication rate (34%) than other surgical methods. Long‐term complications were uncommon (11%). In conclusion, histopathologically confirmed GCTs can occur in the presence of normal serum inhibin concentrations. The high prevalence of bilateral GCTs indicates that thorough evaluation of the contralateral ovary is necessary. Surgical ovariectomy for treatment of GCTs has favourable short‐ and long‐term outcomes. Standing laparoscopic ovariectomy may be associated with a lower complication rate than other surgical methods.     

Uterine Activity after Induction of Hypocalcaemia in the Ovariectomized Camel (Camelus Dromedarius)

Al-Eknah, M.M., Homeida, A.M., Dafalla, E.A., Galil, A.K.A. and Al-Tahir, A.Y., 1997. Uterine activity after induction of hypocalcaemia in the ovariectomized camel (Camelus dromedarius). Veterinary Research Communications, 21 (1), 45-50.Bilateral ovariectomy was performed in three parous, non-pregnant camels. Intrauterine and intra-abdominal pressure changes were recorded using balloon-tipped catheters. Uterine contractions were induced and maintained in the ovariectomized camels by daily intramuscular injections of 5 mg oestradiol benzoate throughout the experimental period. The frequency of uterine contractions varied from 6 to 9 per minute, whereas the amplitude varied from 2 to 3 kPa in all the animals. Inducing hypocalcaemia to a level of 0.5 mmol/L by Na2EDTA reduced the amplitude of the contractions to below 1 kPa (p<0.001). The frequency of the contractions was not affected.     

Instrument associated complication of a laparoscopic ovariectomy

The case reported here describes the retrieval of the end of a pair of laparoscopic forceps that became separated from the instrument shaft during a laparoscopic ovariectomy. This case details the procedures used to locate and remove the foreign body from the abdominal cavity. No complications associated with the intra‐abdominal foreign body occurred and the mare was discharged the following day.     

Clinical Technique: Dorsal Ovariectomy in Rodents

Dorsal ovariectomy is a quick and simple procedure to perform on rodent patients. This procedure can be used to both prevent and treat many common diseases of the female rodent reproductive tract. It has also been shown to prevent mammary and pituitary tumors in rats. Although this article describes how to perform a dorsal ovariectomy in rats, this procedure is applicable for use in other rodent species too.     

Luteoma in two mares treated by ovariectomy

A 15-year-old Paint mare (Case 1) and a 15-year-old Arabian mare (Case 2) were presented for aggressive and undesired behaviour. Reproductive evaluation revealed, initially, an enlarged ovary with a smaller/normal sized contralateral ovary in each case. Granulosa cell tumour (GCT) panel testing revealed elevated inhibin B in both cases and elevated anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels only in Case 1 determined from currently established reference ranges. Based on a presumptive diagnosis of GCT, bilateral standing ovariectomy was elected for both mares. In each case neoplastic tissue consistent with luteoma was detected only on histological examination in the smaller/normal sized left ovary; the right ovary appearing normal. Long-term follow-up was performed 1 year and 5 years post-operatively by telephone. The owners were satisfied with the outcome and each patient demonstrated resolution of aggressive stallion-like behaviour. Each case returned to the owners' intended use. In conclusion, luteoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis for ovarian neoplasms in horses related to behavioural abnormalities, even in normal-sized ovaries.     

Laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs: comparison between laparoendoscopic single-site and three-portal access

This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and therapeutic safety of laparoendoscopic single-site ovariectomy (LESS-OVE) and 3-portal laparoscopic ovariectomy (Lap-OVE) in dogs. Ten female mixed breed dogs were included in the study. Dogs were divided into group 1 (LESS-OVE; n = 5) and group 2 (Lap-OVE; n = 5). All procedures were performed by laparoscopic-skilled surgeons, and the anesthetic protocol was the same for all patients. In both groups, the ovarian vascular pedicle and ligaments were transected using a bipolar vessel sealer/divider device. The mean total surgical time was slightly longer in LESS-OVE (36.6 ± 3.5 min) than Lap-OVE (32.0 ± 3.0 min); however, the differences were not significant. Perioperative complications were not reported in any group. Both laparoscopic techniques were shown to be equally feasible and safe for patients. However, surgeons found LESS-OVE to require more skill than Lap-OVE. Therefore, additional studies should be conducted to evaluate this novel approach in clinical veterinary practice, and a proper laparoscopic training program for veterinary surgeons should be developed.     

Maintenance of pregnancy in ovariectomized Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

Bilateral ovariectomy (Ovx) was carried out on day 20 of pregnancy in Mongolian gerbils ( Meriones unguiculatus ). The body weights of all groups tended to decrease on the day after the operation, and the decrease was significant in the group that was ovariectomized and given vehicle (Ovx + vehicle group). The body weight in this group never recovered until autopsy on day 24, which is normally 1 day before parturition. No fetuses survived to the time of autopsy in any of the animals of the Ovx + vehicle group. Daily administration of 4 mg of progesterone (P₄) prevented the termination of pregnancy in Ovx animals, but 1 mg did not. Treatment with estradiol 17β (E₂) in addition to 4 mg of P₄ tended to result in a lower rate of fetal survival than that of the Ovx group treated with 4 mg of P₄ alone. With regard to fetal weight, treatment with 4 mg of P₄ resulted in the same weight as in the sham-operated controls, but the addition of 0.2 or 1 μg of E₂ to the 4 mg of P₄ resulted in a significantly lower weight than that of fetuses in the 4 mg of P₄ group. The present study suggests that adequate maintenance of pregnancy in ovariectomized gerbils can be achieved by daily treatment with 4 mg of P₄ alone. Moreover, treatment with 0.2 or 1 μg of E₂ in addition to 4 mg of P₄ caused a deterioration in the maintenance of gestation, in contrast to the effects in rats, mice and hamsters.     

Clients' Perspectives on the Effects of Laparoscopic Ovariectomy on Equine Behavior and Medical Problems

Because laparoscopic surgery eliminates the side effects of general anesthesia, the success and therefore the use of laparoscopic surgery continues to broaden. Laparoscopic ovariectomy, once only used to treat medical problems such as granulosa cell tumors, is now being expanded to treat behavioral problems in mares. Thirty-five mares with behavioral or medical problems were treated with ovariectomies, and their owners were later contacted and questioned concerning the effect of ovariectomy on their mares.Behavioral improvement was seen in 83% (19/23) of mares treated for behavior-related problems. Aggression problems improved in 86% (12/14) of cases, general disagreeable demeanor improved in 81% (17/21), and excitability improved in 75% (12/16) of cases in which these behaviors were previously observed. Kicking and biting improved in 73% (8/11), problems in training improved in 72% (13/18), and frequent urination and problems with other horses improved in 64% (7/11 and 9/14, respectively) of cases.Owners with nonovariectomized mares also were contacted to compare the normal progression of mare behavior over time with the behavioral change in ovariectomized mares. A statistically significant change in behavior of ovariectomized mares over nonovariectomized mares was seen in the categories of decreased aggression (P < .01), decreased training problems (P < .025), decreased frequency of problem behaviors (P < .001), and improved overall behavior (P < .01).In cases in which medical problems such as granulosa cell tumors, ovarian cysts, and cycle-related colic were treated with ovariectomy, all of the clients were very satisfied with the treatment, whereas clients attempting to treat cycle-related laminitis were dissatisfied.     

Laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares using a polyamide tie-rap

OBJECTIVE: To describe use of a polyamide tie-rap to ligate the mesovarium during standing laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: Ten mares. METHODS: Bilateral ovariectomy was performed in 10 mares. Standing laparoscopic ovariectomy was performed using 3 portals in the paralumbar fossa. A commercial polyamide tie-rap was prepared as a loop and marked with 4 colored lines close to the buckle, to enable us to check whether the loop was tightened securely. The ovary was grasped with forceps and after the mesovarium was minimally transected cranially and caudally, the loop of the tie-rap was inserted in the abdomen and placed around the mesovarium. It was firmly tightened, until at least 3 of the 4 marks were visible, then the end of the tie-rap was cut. The ovary was transected and removed through an enlarged 3rd portal. The contralateral ovary was removed similarly through the opposite paralumbar fossa. Repeat laparoscopy was performed in 8 mares, 2, 3, 4, and 12 weeks later. RESULTS: None of the mares had postoperative discomfort. On repeat laparoscopy, there was complete encapsulation of the stump and tie-rap after 3-4 weeks. In 2 mares, an adhesion between the left stump and the mesentery of the descending colon was observed. CONCLUSION: Ligation of the mesovarium can be easily and safely performed using a polyamide tie-rap during standing laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Standing laparoscopic ovariectomy using a polyamide tie-rap is a safe, technically easy and reliable surgical procedure in the mare.     

去卵巢及雌激素替代治疗后家兔海马nNOS阳性神经元的形态结构及分布变化

用SABC免疫组织化学技术,观察家兔海马各区nNOS阳性神经元在去卵巢及雌激素替代治疗后的形态结构及分布变化,为雌激素类药物防治绝经后老年性痴呆症提供理论依据。结果表明,家兔海马各区都有nNOS阳性神经元分布;去卵巢后海马nNOS阳性神经元的形态结构及分布变化有区域差异性:与假手术对照组相比,在海马CA1区、CA3区、齿状回(DG)阳性神经元数量明显减少(P0.05),而在CA2区数量明显增多(P0.05)。CA1、CA3区和DG的阳性神经元胞体截面积明显变小,最长突起长度明显变短,第一级突起数变少,与假手术组有显著差异(P0.05)。CA2区阳性神经元胞体截面积明显变小(P0.05),最长突起长度、第一级突起数增多,但差异不显著(P0.05);nNOS阳性神经元的4种指标在雌激素替代治疗组与假手术组之间无显著差异(P0.05)。结果提示:雌激素可能通过影响海马nNOS的表达来影响脑的学习和记忆功能。     

Comparison of haemodynamic changes during two surgical methods for neutering female dogs

The aim was to investigate if intraoperative registrations of blood pressure and heart rate could be used to estimate surgical trauma. In a prospective clinical trial, registrations in eight dogs neutered by laparoscopic ovariectomy (LOE) were compared with eight dogs subjected to open ovariohysterectomy (OHE). For comparisons phases were used: phase zero = steady state after induction of anaesthesia; phase one = opening of abdomen; phase two = severing of ovarian pedicles; and, phase three = abdominal closure. During LOE, mean systolic blood pressure increased by 7 mm Hg (p = 0.05) and 15 mm Hg (p = 0.01) from phase zero to phase one and two, respectively, and during OHE by 3 mm Hg (ns) and 29 mm Hg (p < 0.0001), respectively. The increase from phase one to phase two differed between groups (p = 0.03). Heart rate did not change. Frequent intraoperative measurements of blood pressure appear a promising method for evaluating surgical trauma.     

Treatment of haemoperitoneum secondary to ruptured granulosa cell tumours in two mares

This report describes two cases of successful surgical management of granulosa cell tumours (GCT) in mares presenting with haemoperitoneum (HP). Controlled abdominal drainage was initially attempted in Case 1 but was not successful. A ventral midline exploratory laparotomy allowed removal of a haemorrhaging 13 kg GCT. The mare made a full recovery and returned to normal work as a driving pony 11 months post-operatively. In Case 2 controlled abdominal drainage was followed by standing left flank laparoscopic visualisation of the bleeding ovary and transection of the ovarian pedicle by electrocautery. The GCT was then removed via a ventral midline incision due to its large size. Haemoperitoneum can be associated with GCTs and in some cases is severe enough to prompt emergency treatment. Stabilisation of the patient and removal of the haemorrhaging GCT can lead to a successful outcome.     

Effects of dietary macronutrient profile on apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility and fecal microbiota,fermentative metabolites,and bile acids of female dogs after spay surgery

Obesity and estrogen reduction are known to affect the gut microbiota and gut microbial-derived metabolites in some species, but limited information is available in dogs. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary macronutrient profile on apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility, fecal microbiota, and fecal metabolites of adult female dogs after spay surgery. Twenty-eight adult intact female beagles (age: 3.02 ± 0.71 yr, BW: 10.28 ± 0.77 kg; BCS: 4.98 ± 0.57) were used. After a 5-wk baseline phase (week 0), 24 dogs were spayed and randomly allotted to one of three experimental diets (n = 8 per group): 1) control (CO) containing moderate protein and fiber (COSP), 2) high-protein, high-fiber (HPHF), or 3) high-protein, high-fiber plus omega-3 and medium-chain fatty acids (HPHFO). Four dogs were sham-operated and fed CO (COSH). All dogs were fed to maintain BW for 12 wk after spay and then allowed to consume twice that amount for 12 wk. Fecal samples were collected at weeks 0, 12, and 24 for digestibility, microbiota, and metabolite analysis. All data were analyzed using repeated measures and linear mixed models procedure of SAS 9.4, with results reported as a change from baseline. Apparent organic matter and energy digestibilities had greater decreases in HPHF and HPHFO than COSH and COSP. Increases in fecal acetate, total short-chain fatty acids, and secondary bile acids were greater and decreases in primary bile acids were greater in HPHF and HPHFO. Principal coordinates analysis of weighted UniFrac distances revealed that HPHF and HPHFO clustered together and separated from COSH and COSP at weeks 12 and 24, with relative abundances of Faecalibacterium, Romboutsia, and Fusobacterium increasing to a greater extent and Catenibacterium, Bifidobacterium, Prevotella 9, Eubacterium, and Megamonas decreasing to a greater extent in HPHF or HPHFO. Our results suggest that high-protein, high-fiber diets alter nutrient and energy digestibilities, fecal metabolite concentrations, and fecal gut microbiota, but spay surgery had minor effects. Future research is needed to investigate how food intake, nutrient profile, and changes in hormone production influence gut microbiota and metabolites of dogs individually and how this knowledge may be used to manage spayed pets.     

银杏叶提取物对大鼠大脑皮质中凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2和Bax表达量的影响

为探讨银杏叶提取物（EGb）对去卵巢大鼠神经细胞的保护作用及其机制，采用免疫组织化学SP法检测了假手术大鼠、去卵巢大鼠和去卵巢后用EGb治疗大鼠的大脑皮质中凋亡相关蛋白Bcl～2和Bax的表达量。结果，与假手术大鼠相比，摘除双侧卵巢的大鼠大脑皮质中Bcl-2阳性细胞的数目和表达强度极显著下降（P〈0．01），Bax阳性细胞的数目和表达强度极显著增加（P〈0．01）；用EGb对摘除双侧卵巢的大鼠治疗后，其Bcl-2阳性细胞的表达强度极显著增加（P〈0．01），而Bax阳性细胞的数目极显著下降（P〈0．01），Bax阳性细胞的表达强度也显著下降（P〈0．05）。结果表明，摘除双侧卵巢后大鼠因缺乏内源性雌激素而导致大脑皮质中凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2和Bax的表达量发生了改变，而EGb能通过上调Bcl-2和下调Bax蛋白的表达对神经细胞起保护作用。     

The interaction between plant lectins and the small intestinal epithelium: A primary cause of intestinal disturbance

Summary

The literature concerning the effects of plant lectins on the small intestinal epithelium is reviewed. It appears that after oral intake, intact plant lectins can reach the small intestinal lumen. Their binding to the mucosal surface evokes an increased synthesis of glycoproteins and a degeneration of the intestinal epithelium. The epithelial alterations may result in hyperregenerative villus atrophy and endogenous nitrogen loss. These changes ultimately can lead to less efficient feed conversion, diminished growth, scouring, wasting and death. The possible significance of plant lectins in digestive disturbances in farm animals is suggested.