Diagnosis and treatment of chronic vaginitis in the bitch

The diagnosis of chronic vaginitis is made primarily on the basis of the historical and physical finding of a persistent, nonhemorrhagic vulvar discharge. Licking the vulva and pollakiuria are present in some (10%) bitches with vaginitis. The diagnosis can be confirmed with vaginal cytology and vaginoscopy. Treatment for vaginitis in bitches younger than 1 year of age is justifiably conservative, because the majority of such bitches (90%) recover with or without treatment. Chronic vaginitis in bitches older than 1 year of age most often is associated with identifiable abnormalities of the genitalia (35%) or urinary tract (26%). Resolution of the vaginitis is directly related to the resolution of the other abnormalities.     

Clinical approach to vaginal/vestibular masses in the bitch.

The most common causes of vaginal/vestibular masses in the bitch are vaginal prolapse, vaginal neoplasia, and urethral neoplasia protruding into the vaginal vault. Other possible causes are clitoral enlargement, vaginal polyps, uterine prolapse, and vaginal abscessation or hematoma. Vaginal prolapse usually can be distinguished from neoplasia by the age of the patient, the time of occurrence during the estrous cycle, and the site of origin of the mass. Prolapse usually occurs in bitches under 4 years of age during proestrus, estrus, or at the end of diestrus and usually arises from the floor of the vagina, except for urethral tumors that protrude from the external urethral orifice. Appropriate diagnostic workup of bitches with vaginal vestibular masses includes complete history and physical examination, vaginal cytologic and vaginoscopic examination, retrograde vaginography or urethrocystography, serum progesterone and estradiol concentrations, and, in the case of suspect neoplasms, surgical or excision biopsy of the mass.     

Use of exfoliative cytology for diagnosis of transmissible venereal tumour and controlling the recovery period in the bitch

Transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) is a rare vaginal tumour that can be treated surgically or cryosurgically as well as by radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Vincristine has been found to be very effective for treating TVT. Since vaginal secretion or discharge may contain neoplastic cells, the cytological identification of TVT cells is possible. The present study was carried out in 12 bitches. Vaginal smears were obtained with cotton swab from the anterior vagina and TVT suspected structures. The smears were stained according to Papanicolaou and assessed by light microscopy. Additionally the general condition of the patients was evaluated by haematological and radiographic examinations. In bitches with TVT vincristine sulphate was administered intravenously at weekly intervals. The total treatment period was three to six weeks until no atypical cells were found in the smear. This was the case after an average of 3.2 +/- 1.3 applications. Tumour masses became smaller and by this non-visible from the rima vulva after 4.2 +/- 0.7 applications. During the treatment, two of the 12 bitches (16.7%) suffered from vomiting and diarrhoea while three (25%) showed neutropenia. Twelve months after completion of treatment, the bitches were examined again and vaginal smears were taken in order to control the recovery process or a possible recurrence of TVT. No atypical cells were found in any vaginal smear. By this exfoliative cytology has proved to be a safe and easy method for TVT diagnosis and for observing the recovery process.     

Aerobic Bacteria Occurring in the Vagina of Bitches with Reproductive Disorders

A retrospective survey was performed of aerobic bacterial species found in the vagina of 203 bitches with genital disorders, e.g. infertility, vaginitis, pyometra and puppy death. Escherichia coli, beta-hemolytic streptococci, Staphylococcus intermedius and Pasteurella multocida were the species most often isolated. From bitches with pyometra E. coli in pure culture was the most frequent isolate. In contrast, the majority of infertile bitches gave rise to mixed cultures, and no specific bacterial species was consistently associated with infertility. Thus, bacterial sampling from infertile bitches was concluded to be of low diagnostic value. Bacterial species isolated from the bitches having vaginitis were present in pure culture in 26.9% of the samples while nonspecific mixed cultures were obtained from 34.6% of the samples from these bitches. E. coli was the most frequently isolated bacterial species from bitches with dead puppies. However, in such cases it is important to relate the vaginal bacterial findings to autopsy findings and the results of bacteriological cultures of the pups.     

Vaginal position and length in the bitch: relationship to spaying and urinary incontinence

A study was undertaken to determine if the vagina might be a suitable site for the measurement of intra-abdominal pressure during cystometry in the bitch. The position of the cranial vagina and vaginal length were measured radiographically and the effects of spaying and urinary incontinence on these variables were evaluated in 30 continent and 30 incontinent bitches. The study used retrograde vaginourethrograms which had been obtained from animals used in a previous study. The cranial vagina was intra-abdominal on 36 of the vaginourethrograms, being least commonly intra-abdominal in incontinent bitches (11/30). Vaginal position was related linearly to vaginal length and continence status (P < 0.01), while its length was related to bodyweight (P < 0.01). Allowing for bodyweight, neutered animals had significantly shorter vaginas than entire bitches (P < 0.01). Measurement of intra-abdominal pressure with concomitant measurement of intravesical pressure is essential if accurate assessment of detrusor pressure is to be determined during cystometry. The vagina is unlikely to be a useful location from which to measure intra-abdominal pressure since any pressure-measuring catheter inserted into it may fall outside the abdominal pressure zone. This is particularly true of neutered and/or incontinent bitches, the groups in which urodynamic investigations of urinary incontinence are most frequently indicated.     

Comparative vaginal cytology of the estrous cycle of black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes), Siberian polecats (M. eversmanni), and domestic ferrets (M. putorius furo).

Vaginal cytology and vulva size were used to characterize the reproductive cycle of female black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes), Siberian polecats (M. eversmanni), and domestic ferrets (M. putorius furo). Emphasis was on black-footed ferrets because of the need to breed these critically endangered animals and on Siberian polecats because of the close taxonomic relationship to black-footed ferrets. Vaginal cytology of the 3 species of ferret is similar. Proestrus was characterized by an increasing percentage of superficial epithelial cells and enlargement of the vulva. During estrus, superficial cells were usually greater than or equal to 90% of epithelial cells in the vaginal lavage and after several days were fully keratinized. Neutrophils were more common during all stages of the estrous cycle in domestic ferrets than they were in the other species. Following copulation, percentage of superficial calls in the vagina declined and vulva swelling subsided. Large cells, probably of uterine symplasma origin, were observed in vaginal lavages following whelping or pseudopregnancy. Vaginal cytology is extremely useful in the reproductive management of black-footed ferrets and Siberian polecats. Knowledge of normal vaginal cytology could be applied to the diagnosis of female reproductive abnormalities in all 3 species.     

Canine breeding management

A prebreeding examination should be performed on animals of both sexes to ensure their optimal health at the time of breeding. At this time, the medical and reproductive histories should be reviewed to detect potential negative influences upon the reproductive tract. Serologic testing for canine brucellosis should be performed to detect and remove infected animals from the breeding program. Examination of the female reproductive tract may be limited to the caudal vagina, vestibule, and vulva. Defects that cause pain and reluctance to breed may be detected with thorough digital and visual inspection. The male reproductive tract can be examined along nearly its entire length without special techniques. Semen may be collected for initial evaluation of testicular function and fertility. Swelling of the vulva and a hemorrhagic vaginal discharge will alert the observant owner to the onset of proestrus. Vaginal cytology may be examined every few days after the observed onset of proestrus to determine the onset of estrus. Breeding should be performed by natural or artificial insemination every 2 to 4 days during estrus to achieve optimal conception rates. The bitch should not be exhibited or trained during the period of potential pregnancy. Unnecessary drugs should not be administered. A diagnosis of pregnancy may be made by abdominal palpation 28 to 30 days after the last breeding. Serum progesterone levels may be measured if pregnancy is not established to determine if ovulation occurred and if sufficient levels of progesterone are present to maintain pregnancy. Optimal breeding management techniques can often result in the maximum reproductive efficiency desired.     

Anovulvar cleft and vaginal prolapse-hyperplasia in a bitch

This report presents the case of a nine-month-old bitch with incomplete occlusion of the skin and mucosa between the anus and dorsal commissure of the vulva. This anomaly, known as anovulvar cleft, was associated with a vaginal prolapse-hyperplasia. Anovulvar cleft is a rare condition in bitches and is caused by incomplete closure of the dorsal urogenital folds. Anovulvar cleft can lead to clitoritis, abrasion, dryness and devitalisation of the smooth exposed mucosa. Surgery can correct the condition. In the present study, surgical resection of the hyperplasic vaginal tissue associated with perineoplasty using an inverted V-shaped incision showed excellent results. An ovariohysterectomy was also performed to prevent recurrence of the vaginal prolapse-hyperplasia.     

The bacterial flora of the normal canine vagina compared with that of vaginal exudates

The aerobic bacterial flora (excluding Mycoplasma spp.) of the vagina of sixty-two clinically normal bitches was determined and the species most frequently isolated, in decreasing order, were: Escherichia colt , Streptococcus 'viridans', Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus cards .
From the vaginal exudates of seventy-two bitches with vaginitis, the order of frequency was: E. coli , Strep, canis and Staph. aureus .
The only consistent difference between the bacterial flora from the two sources was the relatively higher numbers of bacteria in the vaginal exudates.     

Vaginal prolapse in a pregnant Maine coon cat: a case report

Vaginal prolapse is a condition characterised by excessive accumulation of mucosal oedema and protrusion of hyperplastic tissue through the vulva. It has been reported in ruminants and canines, but has not been characterised in felines. This report describes the history, clinical signs and treatment of a pregnant Maine coon cat with a Type III vaginal prolapse diagnosed approximately 54 days after the first day of mating. Prior to queening, the prolapse was reduced and retained using a vulvar cruciate suture. Due to the risk of dystocia and recurrence, a caesarean section with ovariohysterectomy was performed. Postoperatively, a stay suture was maintained in the vulva for 2 weeks, resulting in permanent reduction of the vaginal prolapse. To the authors’ knowledge, this case represents the first report of the successful management of vaginal prolapse in a pregnant cat.     

The normal endoscopic appearance of the caudal reproductive tract of the cyclic and non-cyclic bitch: post-uterine endoscopy

Endoscopy of the caudal reproductive tract, or post-uterine endoscopy, is a method of examining the mucosal aspect of the vagina and vestibule/vulva of the live bitch. In this study the post-uterine, or caudal, reproductive tracts of forty-five bitches of pedigree and mixed ancestry were examined endoscopically. The instrumentation and method of endoscopic examination are described. The endoscopic appearance of the mucosal aspect of the vagina, vestibule and vulva was observed during anoestrus and several phases of the sexual cycle, and in the spayed bitch. Visual records made during endoscopy were compared with the exfoliative vaginal cytology and behavioural responses. The results obtained indicate that post-uterine endoscopy is a relatively rapid and accurate method of detecting the sexual status of the bitch, and compared well with the other methods used in this study. It is suggested post-uterine endoscopy also has a value in allied investigative procedures or reproductive processes.     

Temporal sequence of events in the estrous cycle of the bitch.

Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol-17 beta, and progesteron were compared with the onset of diestrus in Beagle bitches. The LH peak occurred 8.0 (standard error (SE), 0.3) days before the onset of diestrus. Vaginal cytologic characteristics during proestrus were studied, and vaginal cornification was complete 12.1 (SE,0.2) days before the onset of diestrus. A time sequence of hormonal, vaginal cytologic, and developmental events was outlined during proestrus, estrus, and early diestrus.     

Endoscopic resection of a vaginal septum in a bitch and observation of septa in two related bitches

Abstract

CASE HISTORY: In 2008, a 3-year-old female Labrador Retriever was presented for routine breeding soundness evaluation.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: Vaginal endoscopy revealed an 8-cm long and 1-cm thick vaginal septum. Surgical resection of the septum was performed under general anaesthesia using a bipolar high-frequency resectoscope. Three months later the bitch was naturally mated and subsequently delivered five male and two female puppies without complications. Both female puppies were examined at the age of 12 and 15 months and showed a vaginal septum with a diameter of 0.3 and 0.5 cm, respectively.

DIAGNOSIS: Vaginal septa in three related bitches.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first report describing the use of a bipolar high-frequency resectoscope for vaginal surgery in dogs. The septum could be resected quickly, with preservation of surrounding structures. Furthermore, it is the first report collecting information about familial presentation of vaginal septa in female dogs. Based on this case, we suggest that consideration should be given to the possible risk of inheritance of vaginal septa before considering surgical resection and breeding of female dogs.     

Investigating uterine disease in the bitch: Uterine cannulation for cytology, microbiology and hysteroscopy

A technique for transcervical cannulation of the uterus of the bitch for the collection of samples for cytology and microbiology was developed. This technique involved passing a cannula into the uterus with the aid of an endoscope. The uterus was cannulated successfully in mature bitches (over 10 kg) 110 times in 144 attempts. Success of cannulation was influenced by the experience of the operator and ease of cannulation by the stage of the reproductive cycle, the size of the bitch and the type of cannula. Complications associated with the procedure were endometritis, vaginitis and vaginal tears. Uterine cannulation was generally possible in all bitches studied at all stages of the reproductive cycle. Techniques for the collection of samples from the uterus for cytology and microbiology and for the processing of samples for uterine cytology are outlined. Hysteroscopy was performed on seven occasions in post partum bitches and was found to be possible at least until day 17 after whelping.     

Isolation of Haemophilus somnus from dairy cattle in kwaZulu-Natal. An emerging cause of 'dirty cow syndrome' and infertility?

Haemophilus somnus was consistently isolated from vaginal discharges of dairy cows submitted from field cases of vaginitis, cervicitis and/or metritis in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands during the period July 1995 - December 2000 and from the East Griqualand area in November/December 2000. The purulent vaginal discharges, red granular vaginitis and cervicitis, and pain on palpation described in these cases was very similar to that reported in outbreaks of H.somnus endometritis syndrome in Australia, Europe and North America. In all the herds involved in these outbreaks, natural breeding with bulls was employed. Although there was a good cure rate in clinically-affected animals treated with tetracyclines, culling rates for chronic infertility were unacceptably high. Employment of artificial insemination in these herds improved pregnancy rates in cows that had calved previously, but many cows that had formerly been infected failed to conceive.     

Vaginal leiomyofibromatosis and goiter in a goat

A mature nulliparous Saanen-type goat examined for episodes of vulvar hemorrhage had coalescing nodular vaginal masses. The histopathologic diagnosis from a biopsy specimen was leiomyofibromatosis. Because of the relationship of these tumors in bitches to cystic ovaries and the nonrecurrence in bitches after excision and ovariectomy, abdominal exploration was performed. Bilaterally cystic ovaries were removed, and the vaginal tumors slowly regressed over the subsequent year, although transvaginal adhesions formed because of the extensive superficial necrosis originally present.     

阴道涂片法对母犬发情鉴定的应用研究

母犬的排卵时间变化范围较大,目前许多宠物犬主很难确定准确的配种时间,其结果往往延误适时交配。由于阴道上皮的变化是由于生殖激素,特别是雌激素的作用引起的,这种变化可以在阴道涂片上的细胞中表现出来。通过试验摸索自然发情母犬阴道角质化上皮细胞的变化规律,以进一步搞清母犬理想的交配时间。结果表明,大部分自然发情的母犬在阴道排血后第9～13天,角质化上皮细胞比例超过80%,阴道粘膜的浮冰样堆积明显。因此,根据阴道细胞学检查结果,可辅助确定母犬发情的配种时间。     

Adhesion of Corynebacterium renale and Corynebacterium pilosum to the epithelial cells of various parts of the bovine urinary tract from the renal pelvis to vulva

The various parts of the bovine urinary tract, the renal pelvis, the ureter, the urinary bladder, the urethra, the vaginal vestibule and the vulva, were examined for the capacity of the epithelial cells to bind Corynebacterium renale and C. pilosum. C. renale adhered best to the epithelial cells of the vulva, and then to those of the ureter and renal pelvis. C. pilosum also adhered best to the epithelial cells of the vulva, followed by those of the vaginal vestibule. The results indicate that the most important target tissue for these bacteria may be the vulva, and the results correlate with the fact that C. renale frequently causes pyelonephritis and ureteritis, while C. pilosum causes the same diseases less frequently and behaves like normal flora of the vaginal vestibule.     

Significance of the vaginal bacterial flora in the bitch: a review.

The literature on the bacterial flora in the vagina of the bitch is reviewed. The bacterial flora in the vagina of healthy bitches is compared with the flora of infertile bitches and bitches with vaginitis, and the role of Brucella canis as a cause of infertility is evaluated. Several investigators have recommended that bitches with reproductive disorders be treated with antibacterial drugs, but there is very little knowledge of the effect of this therapy on the bacterial flora in the vagina.     

RADIOGRAPHIC AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC CHARACTERISTICS OF PULMONARY FIBROSIS IN NINE CATS

Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive fatal interstitial lung disease that is often idiopathic, occurs in multiple species, and may be caused by a number of inciting factors. The purpose of this retrospective, multicenter study was to describe the radiographic and histopathologic characteristics of idiopathic and induced pulmonary fibrosis in a group of cats. Cats with thoracic radiographs and histopathologically confirmed pulmonary fibrosis were recruited using the American College of Veterinary Radiology list serve. A board‐certified veterinary radiologist and diagnostic imaging intern reviewed radiographs and recorded characteristics by consensus. Findings from additional imaging modalities were also recorded when available. All histopathology samples were re‐reviewed by a veterinary pathology resident. A total of nine cats met inclusion criteria. All patients had a broad range of radiographic characteristics that included broncho‐interstitial pattern, alveolar pattern, pulmonary masses, pulmonary bullae, pleural effusion, and cardiomegaly. Cats with available echocardiographic studies had characteristics that included right ventricular dilation and hypertrophy and pulmonary arterial hypertension interpreted to be secondary to primary lung disease. Cats with available CT studies had characteristics that included focally increased soft tissue attenuation, masses, and ventral consolidation that exhibited no improvement with dorsal versus ventral recumbency. Histopathology showed pulmonary fibrosis, type II pneumocyte hyperplasia, and smooth muscle hypertrophy in all patients. Epithelial metaplasia was present only in one patient. Findings from the current study indicated that cats with pulmonary fibrosis have highly variable radiographic characteristics and that these characteristics may mimic other diseases such as asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, or neoplasia.