Unusual Vaginal Angiomatous Neoformation in a 3-year Old Pug

A 3-year-old female pug (8 kg bodyweight) was referred by a local veterinarian for evaluation of vaginal bleeding. Historically, the owner indicated chronic haematic vaginal discharge initiated approximately 3 months ago, overall good appetite and slight general dullness. Two months prior to the visit, the bitch had been spayed by the local veterinarian, but vaginal bleeding persisted after surgery. Following a general examination and complete blood analysis, a genital tract examination was performed and, through vaginal endoscopy, a red, smooth, and apparently broad-based vaginal mass was found. An episiotomy was performed and on surgical exploration, the bleeding site was determined to be on the surface of a mass composed of two congested, adjacent cylindrical structures, symmetric to the vaginal sagittal midline, broad-based and quite regular on the surface. The mass appeared to be well delimited from the surrounding tissue by a thin capsula, and each cylindrical structure had a tributary vessel. Ectopic and dysplastic corpora cavernosa of the clitoris characterized by angiomatous proliferation, cavernous haemangioma and vascular hamartoma were considered in the differential diagnosis. The presence of small intralesional nerves identified by S100 immunostaining was used as a diagnostic clue to classify this unusual vaginal angiomatous neoformation as vascular hamartoma.     

Spontaneous vaginal rupture in pregnant ewes

Seventeen cases of spontaneous, partial or total vaginal rupture, in pregnant ewes, involving the dislocation and herniation of the intestines and uterus, were studied. Four of them also had a uterine torsion, and three of these recovered after treatment. In the remaining 13 cases the condition of the uterus was unknown. The lesion always consisted of a dorsolateral tear in the vagina with a partial or total perforation of the wall close to the uterine cervix. The affected animals were all in normal body condition. Their average age was just under five years, and most were carrying twins. Most cases occurred approximately one week before expected lambing. None of the cases was observed to have a vaginal prolapse before the vaginal rupture. Histological examination of one case revealed scar formation in the vaginal wall close to the rupture, which appeared to be due to an earlier inflammatory process or injury. The circulatory disturbance in the reproductive organs caused by the uterine torsion potentially weakens the vaginal wall. This weakness, in combination with excessive tenesmus resulting from increased tension in the uterine ligaments, and in some cases possibly with a lower vaginal resistance due to previous scarring, may be of aetiological significance in spontaneous vaginal rupture.     

An evaluation of positive contrast vaginourethrography as a diagnostic aid in the bitch

The contribution of vagino-urethrography to the diagnosis of disorders of the lower urogenital tract in 123 bitches was evaluated. It was found to be particularly valuable in animals with urinary incontinence, vaginal discharge, dysuria and physical vaginal abnormalities. Determination of vaginal volume in 69 bitches has enabled a dosage of contrast medium to be suggested.     

Vaginal lactic acid bacteria in healthy and ill bitches and evaluation of in vitro probiotic activity of selected isolates

The concentrations of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in 42 vaginal samples from healthy and ill bitches were determined. Eight isolates belonging to the genera Lactobacillus and Enterococcus were selected and identified and their in vitro antimicrobial activity against canine pathogens and their ability to adhere to canine vaginal epithelial cells were determined. There was no correlation between the concentrations of vaginal LAB and clinical status, body temperature, vaginal pH, or age. Although the animals were either well or suffering from various illnesses, LAB were found in almost every sample, and the selected isolates showed promising probiotic-related features. These findings are significant for the design of strategies for the modulation of vaginal microbiota by vaginal LAB isolates.     

Effect of Weaning to Oestrus Interval and Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin on Vaginal Electrical Impedance During Peri‐oestrus in Sows

The influence of weaning to oestrus interval, its interaction with parity and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) on changes of vaginal impedance in sows after weaning was examined. The impedance measurements were carried out by a four‐terminal method. Sows were monitored for oestrus via exposure to a sexually mature boar. The interval from weaning to oestrus was longer in primiparous than multiparous sows (p < 0.01). A significant negative correlation was found between the interval from weaning to oestrus and parity. Repeated measures analysis showed that the interval from weaning to oestrus and parity and their interactions had a significant effect on the vaginal impedance in peri‐oestrus. The vaginal impedance during pro‐oestrus gradually decreased in all groups of sows with the weaning to oestrus interval from 4 to 8 days (p < 0.05). In the subsequent period, the vaginal impedance increased and was significantly lower from 1 to 3 days after oestrus onset in sows with the weaning to oestrus interval 7–8 days than 4–6 days. Similarly, the vaginal impedance during pro‐oestrus gradually decreased in all groups of sows with parity 1–5 (p < 0.01). In the next period, the vaginal impedance increased and was significantly lower from 2–3 days after oestrus onset in sows of parity 1 than parity 2–5. Repeated measures analysis showed that eCG treatment had a significant effect on the vaginal impedance in peri‐oestrus. Sows treated with eCG displayed the decrease and increase of vaginal impedance due to oestrus onset earlier than untreated sows. The results indicate that the weaning to oestrus interval, its interaction with parity and eCG markedly affect the vaginal impedance in sows during peri‐oestrus.     

Vaginal Ring and Round Ligament of the Uterus in the Female Cat

The peritoneum was examined for the existence of a vaginal ring and the round ligament of the uterus was dissected through the inguinal region in eleven embalmed adult female cats. In all cats, there was no evidence of a peritoneal evagination into the inguinal canal. There was no vaginal ring and no vaginal process. The round ligament of the uterus passed through the inguinal canal and disintegrated in the fascia a short distance beyond the superficial inguinal ring.     

The relationship between vaginal electrical impedence and hormone profiles during pregnancy and parturition of a white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum).

In this study, an attempt was made to use vaginal electrical impedance to predict calving in a female white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) and to determine the relationship between vaginal electrical impedance and hormonal profiles during pregnancy. The principle behind vaginal electrical impedance is that a change in the ionic balance of vaginal and cervical mucus occurs in response to changes in reproductive hormones. Three times weekly vaginal electrical impedance readings and fecal samples were collected from midgestation to calving (a 6-mo period). The extracted fecal samples were analyzed for immunoreactive estrogens, progestagens, and corticoids by RIA. Vaginal electrical impedance readings did not decrease before calving but remained consistent throughout the last 140 days of pregnancy. Fecal progestagens in the white rhinoceros decreased between day 17 and day 1 before calving, whereas estrogens increased between 4 and 2 mo before calving, with an additional increase occurring 1 mo before calving. Fecal corticoids increased 5 mo before calving, slowly declined, and increased again within 3 wk before calving. A decline in vaginal electrical impedance was noted 168 days before calving and remained at low levels for 4 wk. At the time of this decrease, the female became aggressive toward the male and began lactating. Fecal progestagens and estrogens did not change during this time; however, fecal corticoids increased as vaginal electrical impedance readings returned to normal along with her behavior and cessation of lactation. In summary, the use of vaginal electrical impedance could not predict parturition in the white rhinoceros. However, an anomaly occurred during pregnancy that was supported by vaginal electrical impedance readings, a change in female behavior, premature lactation, and a subsequent increase in fecal corticoids. The etiology of this physiological anomaly is unknown, yet it did not compromise pregnancy.     

利福昔明混悬乳剂的安全性试验

应用全身过敏性、皮肤刺激性、黏膜刺激性和乳腺刺激性试验,评定了利福昔明混悬乳剂的安全性。结果表明,致敏试验豚鼠均未出现过敏性反应。在皮肤刺激性试验中,单次敷药组家兔皮肤均未见异常变化,多次敷药组虽有1只试验兔皮肤出现了短暂性轻微红斑,但皮肤刺激反应积分平均值仅为0.2。在黏膜刺激性试验中,受试药物组有1只试验兔的阴道黏膜出现轻微的充血现象,阴道黏膜刺激反应积分平均值为0.2。乳腺刺激性试验羊乳房未见异常症状,乳腺组织未见充血、水肿和白细胞浸润等病理变化。综合评价试验结果表明,利福昔明混悬乳剂是一种安全性良好的制剂。     

Improvements of Vaginal Atrophy without Systemic Side Effects after Topical Application of Pueraria mirifica,a Phytoestrogen-rich Herb,in Postmenopausal Cynomolgus Macaques

The estrogenic efficacy of topical vaginal application of Pueraria mirifica extract (PM) on the restoration of vaginal atrophy, and the presence of any systemic side effects, were investigated in postmenopausal cynomolgus macaques. Twelve postmenopausal cynomolgus macaques, with complete cessation of menstruation for at least 5 years before start of this experiment, were divided into three groups. They received a topical vaginal application daily of 0.1 or 1% (w/w) PM cream or a conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) cream (a mixture of estrone, equilin, 17β-dihydroequilin, 17α-estradiol and 17α-dihydroequilin at 0.625 mg total estrogen/g cream) for 28 days. Estrogenic efficacy was assessed weekly by vaginal cytology assay and vaginal pH measurement, whilst the plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and sex skin coloration levels were determined at the end of each treatment period to evaluate the systemic side effects. PM significantly increased the proportion of superficial cells in a dose-dependent manner, with a similar efficacy between 1% (w/w) PM and CEE. Together with increased vaginal maturation, PM decreased the vaginal pH to acidic levels, as observed in the CEE group. PM induced no detected systemic side effects, whilst CEE decreased the plasma LH level and increased the reddish color of the sex skin during the posttreatment period. Topical vaginal treatment with PM stimulated the maturation of the vaginal epithelium without causing systemic side effects in postmenopausal monkeys. The implication is that PM could be a safer alternative to treat vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women.     

The relationships between vaginal collagen, plasma oestradiol and uterine prolapse in turkeys.

Uterine and vaginal collagen content and plasma oestradiol concentration were measured in traditional, male-line and prolapsed male-line turkeys to investigate the higher incidence of uterine prolapse in the male-line strain. The effect of exogenous oestradiol on vaginal collagen and plasma oestradiol was also tested in the traditional and male-line strains. Vaginal collagen was significantly lower in the male-line compared to the traditional-line, while it was lowest in prolapsed male-line turkeys. Plasma oestradiol concentration was higher in the traditional-line than the male-line. No difference in plasma oestradiol concentration was found between prolapsed and non-prolapsed male-line turkeys. Administration of oestradiol for 7 days significantly raised plasma oestradiol concentration but had no effect on vaginal collagen. Decreased vaginal collagen content was associated with uterine prolapse and may predispose the male-line strain to uterine prolapse. There was no evidence from these results to support an involvement of oestradiol in uterine prolapse in male-line turkeys.     

Bacterial flora of the vagina and uterus of healthy cats

Bacterial culturing was conducted on samples from the reproductive tracts of 53 clinically healthy female cats. Aerobic bacteria were isolated from 52 of 53 vaginal swab samples and from 2 of 29 uterine swab samples. Anaerobic bacteria were detected in 4 of 30 vaginal and 1 of 29 uterine cultures. The aerobic bacteria included species of Acinetobacter, Actinomyces, Corynebacterium, Escherichia, Haemophilus, Klebsiella, Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Streptococcus canis, and E coli were the most common organisms and were isolated from 56%, 52%, and 44% of the vaginal samples, respectively. Anaerobes isolated from vaginal samples included 3 species of Bacteroides and 2 isolates of Peptococcus. The single uterine anaerobe isolate was a Lactobacillus sp. The number of bacterial species isolated from each vaginal culture ranged from 1 to 8 (mean, 3). The number of colony forming units tended to vary inversely with the number of bacterial species detected in each sample.     

Nutritional factors associated with vaginal prolapse in ewes

Serum calcium, magnesium and phosphate values of ewes recently affected by vaginal prolapse were compared with unaffected ewes in four flocks. Subclinical hypocalcaemia was demonstrated in some affected and unaffected ewes in three flocks. Magnesium and phosphate values were normal. In two flocks the body condition of ewes recently affected by vaginal prolapse was variable and reflected the variation in condition found in the flock. In a third flock affected ewes had significantly lower body condition scores than unaffected ewes (P less than 0.001). Analysis of the fourth flock was not possible. Oestrogenic mycotoxins were not detected in any of the feed samples taken from these flocks. The following year the management, nutrition and energy, and the protein and calcium status of ewes in 12 flocks of greyface/mule ewes with a history of a regular high (greater than 3 per cent) or low (less than 1 per cent) prevalence of vaginal prolapse were compared. A high prevalence was not associated with any particular feedstuff. A high or intermediate (1 to 3 per cent) prevalence of vaginal prolapse was found in three of the four flocks managed as a single group and these three flocks were fed on an unrestricted basis. Body condition scoring and beta-hydroxybutyrate estimation confirmed that ewes in these flocks were overfed. The prevalence of vaginal prolapse in the flocks was not related to the serum albumin, calcium or urea of the ewes. Therefore subclinical hypocalcaemia was probably a consequence of vaginal prolapse rather than a cause.     

利福昔明子宫注入剂稳定性及其对家兔阴道黏膜刺激性研究

为研究利福昔明子宫注入剂的稳定性,从而初步确定其保质期,本试验取3批利福昔明子宫注入剂进行稳定性试验考察,包括影响因素、高温加速及长期稳定性,利用高效液相色谱法测定试验过程中利福昔明含量及有关物质的含量,从而初步确定利福昔明子宫注入剂的保质期。根据相关技术指导原则对家兔进行阴道刺激性试验。稳定性试验结果表明,根据面积归一化法计算有关物质的含量均不超过3%,注入剂的性状、沉降、粒度未发生明显变化,主成分利福昔明的含量变化在拟定标示量90.0%~110.0%范围内,从而确定本品的有效期为2年。家兔阴道刺激性试验结果显示,利福昔明子宫注入剂给药部位（阴道）和生理盐水对照组给药部位都没有出现红斑和水肿,刺激强度的评分为0;试验组和对照组的阴道黏膜没有出现明显的充血、水肿及异常分泌物流出的现象,阴道黏膜刺激指数为0.25。因此,利福昔明子宫注入剂对家兔的阴道无刺激性。本品的临床安全性良好,可进一步推广使用。     

Evaluation of the estrogenic activity of the wild Pueraria mirifica by vaginal cornification assay

The aim of this study was to evaluate the estrogenic activity of tuberous samples of phytoestrogen-rich Pueraria mirifica collected from 25 of 76 provinces in Thailand by vaginal cornification assay. Tuberous powders were prepared and administered to ovariectomized rats for 14 consecutive days at dosages of 10, 100 and 1,000 mg/kg BW respectively, and were compared with a daily treatment with 2 mg/kg BW 17beta-estradiol (E(2)). Rats treated with 10 mg/kg BW Pueraria mirifica showed no vaginal cornification. Treatment with 100 mg/kg BW Pueraria mirifica from 13 out of 25 plant samples resulted in development of vaginal cornification. The cell count percentages of the vaginal smeared cells for the treatment with the 2 plant samples that exhibited the fastest vaginal cornification revealed large variation in their estrogenic activities. Treatment with 1,000 mg/kg BW Pueraria mirifica from all plant samples produced vaginal cornification with the mean value for the period (day) of first appearance of cornified cells being 4.08 days compared to 2 days with 2 mg/kg BW E(2). The overall appearance period (day) of cornified cells during the treatment and post-treatment period with 1,000 mg/kg BW per day Pueraria mirifica was shorter than treatment with 2 mg/kg BW E(2). The results demonstrate that the plant population shows differential estrogenic activity as evaluated by vaginal cornification assay.     

应用前列腺素和阴道海绵栓促进绵羊同期发情的试验

应用氯前列醇和阴道海绵栓对280只繁殖母羊进行同期发情试验。结果表明:用阴道海绵栓试验的母羊的同期发情率为91.88%,用氯前列醇试验的母羊同期发情率98.33%,同期发情率较阴道海绵栓绵羊提高6.45%。用阴道海绵栓试验的母羊的情期受胎率为77.85%,用氯前列醇试验的母羊的情期受胎率为62.56%,两者相比,用阴道海绵栓处理的母羊情期受胎率比用氯前列醇处理的母羊受胎率提高了15.29%(P<0.01)。     

Occurrence of a vaginal septum in a foal diagnosed with pyometra

A 10-week-old Westphalian filly was presented for vaginal discharge of 14-days' duration. Examination revealed a partial vaginal septum and pyometra. Two Group B streptococcal pathogens (Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus) were isolated from the uterus. Pyometra was successfully treated using endoscopically facilitated removal of intraluminal exudate and locally and systemically administered antimicrobials. The filly was reported to be progressing well at 12 months following treatment with no further evidence of disease. Pyometra has not been previously reported in foals, and vaginal septum is evidently rare in this species. These abnormalities should be considered when young fillies develop purulent vaginal discharge.     

Vaginal Neurofibroma in a Hysterectomized Poodle Dog

A 15‐year‐old, spayed, female poodle dog was presented for evaluation of a mass of tissue prolapsed from the vulva. The dog had been hysterectomized when it was 5 years old. A vaginal mass had been removed approximately 10 months before presentation. Haematological and serum biochemistry analyses demonstrated mild leucocytosis and glycaemia. A vaginal smear was predominantly made up of parabasal cells and intermediate cells with no neoplastic cells. Thoracal and abdominal radiographic findings were unremarkable. The ovaries could not be identified using abdominal ultrasonography. A midline exploratory laparotomy identified both ovaries that were surgically excised. The vaginal mass was also removed following an episiotomy procedure. Histopathological examination of the mass demonstrated that it was a neurofibroma. Both ovaries had cystic changes. Four months after the surgery, the owner reported that the dog was clinically normal. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of a vaginal neurofibroma after an incomplete ovariohysterectomy in the dog.     

Vaginal myxoma in a Kathiawari horse

This case report describes a rare case of vaginal myxoma in a Kathiawari mare. The tumour, located on the left lateral vaginal wall, measured approximately 20 cm in diameter and resulted in dysuria, inappetance and loss of condition of the animal. Surgical enucleation of the tumour via a vaginal approach resulted in uneventful recovery of the horse. Based on the gross and histopathological observations, the tumour was diagnosed as a myxoma.     

Separation of mounting-inducing pheromones of vaginal mucus from estrual heifers

There is evidence that mucus of the female bovine genital tract contains pheromones that induce physiological and behavioral responses in other animals. To study these pheromones, vaginal mucus was collected from heifers either at estrus or during diestrus. The mucus was then applied to the hindquarters of the same animal during diestrus or to the hindquarters of herdmates during diestrus. The behaviors of the treated animal and its herdmates were then observed. To attempt to isolate the mounting-inducing substance, mucus was dialyzed or separated on ion-exchange resins. Diestrous heifers to which their own estrual mucus has been applied were nearly always mounted by herdmates (P less than .01). But, heifers to which another's estrous mucus had been applied were not mounted. This suggests that vaginal mucus contains not only estrus-related pheromones, but also individual distinctive odors. The dialyzable fraction of vaginal mucus and the neutral fraction, prepared by ion-exchange chromatography of the dialyzable solution of vaginal mucus, had a mounting-inducing activity on the herdmates, as did the application of an animal's own vaginal mucus. These findings suggest that mounting-inducing pheromones are relatively low molecular weight, neutral substances.     

Vaginal leiomyoma in a dog

The surgical treatment of vaginal leiomyoma in a seven year old Blue Heeler bitch is described. A smooth, 12 cm diameter submucosal, intraluminal, firm mass was found on vaginal examination. It appeared to arise from the left ventral vaginal wall, cranial to the clitoris but caudal to the cervix. There was no history of urinary problems and the dog was normal in all other aspects. The treatment was surgical excision of the mass via an episiotomy. Histological examination indicated a leiomyoma. The differential diagnoses, possible etiologies and control or prevention of the condition by ovariohysterectomy are also discussed.