Fetal mummification in a mare

A single mummified fetus was removed from the uterus of a 23-year-old mare that had been bred approximately 30 months previously. The mare had received supplemental progestin therapy for approximately 150 days after ovulation. This case represents the longest recorded occurrence of fetal mummification in the mare. Progestion administration may have contributed to the initial retention of the fetus in the uterus.     

Risk factors for stillbirth and foetal mummification in four Brazilian swine herds

The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors of stillbirth and foetal mummification in 565 farrowings of four commercial pig farms in Brazil. Stillborn piglets were observed in 31.3% of the litters and the stillborn risk was 5.6%. Mummified foetuses occurred in 42.1% of the litters and the mummification risk was 3.4%. The potential risk factors were included in multivariable logistic regression models as categories: herd (1–4); parity (1, 2–5 and >5); litter size (<10, 10–12 and >12 piglets); farrowing length (≤3 or >3 h); presence of mummified foetuses (yes or no); farrowing induction (yes or no); use of oxytocin (yes or no); use of vaginal palpation (yes or no); body condition score (<3, 3 and ≥4), and placental production index (PPI) (≤5 or >5) which was measured as the ratio of total foetal weight to total placental weight. Duration of farrowing and use of farrowing induction, oxytocin or vaginal palpation were not included in the model that investigated the risk factors of foetal mummification. Two models were used to investigate the risk factors of stillbirth, one with and the other without the inclusion of farrowing length. When compared to sows of parity 2–5, sows of parity >5 had 1.7- and 1.6-times higher odds (P < 0.05) for stillbirth in the models with and without the inclusion of farrowing length, respectively. In both models, sows with more than 12 piglets/litter had 3.6-times higher odds of stillbirth occurrence compared to sows with less than 10 piglets (P < 0.05). Sows with prolonged farrowing (>3 h) had 2.0-times higher odds of stillbirth occurrence than sows with short farrowing (P < 0.05). Sows with more than 12 piglets/litter had 14.5-times higher odds of mummification compared to sows with less than 10 piglets (P < 0.05). Sows of parities 1 and >5 had 3.5- and 2.0-times, respectively, higher odds of mummification in comparison to sows of parity 2–5 (P < 0.05). Sows with low PPI had 1.7-times higher odds of mummification compared to those with high PPI (P < 0.05). A large litter, a high-parity and a prolonged farrowing increased the risk of stillbirth. The probability of having a mummified foetus was increased in very young and older sows, when having a large litter and a litter with a less efficient placenta.     

The effect on reproductive performance of porcine parvovirus infection in a susceptible pig herd

An acute episode of reproductive failure occurred following natural introduction of porcine parvovirus to a susceptible herd of 48 breeding sows. Serological data gave a close estimate of the time that infection spread through the herd, and enabled a correct forecast of the reproductive failure that followed. Severe fetal mummification was seen over a three-week period. Epidemiological data is presented strongly linking in utero parvovirus infection with the mummification that occurred, and the significance of this data is discussed in connection with the present knowledge of transplacental porcine parvovirus infection.     

Uterine torsion diagnosed in a mare at 515 days' gestation

A pregnant mare with a history of prolonged gestation (～515 days) and suspected diagnosis of fetal mummification was examined. Rectal palpation revealed that the left broad ligament of the uterus was dorsal and medial to the right uterine ligament and it was not possible to observe the cervix during vaginal examination. Transabdominal ultrasound revealed fluid in the uterus, fetal membranes and the uterine walls defined and thickened. Free fluid was not seen in the peritoneal cavity. Laboratory tests (blood cell count and clinical chemistry) were normal. Based on clinical history, physical examination and ultrasound findings, a chronic uterine torsion with fetal death was diagnosed and the mare was subjected to exploratory celiotomy. The uterus was strongly adhered to the peritoneum of the ventral abdominal wall and there were multiple adhesions to the colon. Hysterotomy was performed to remove the fetus and to permit repositioning of the uterus. When the fetus was removed, a large devitalised grey tissue area of the right ventral uterine horn was observed. Multiple adhesions prevented a rescue hysterectomy and euthanasia of the patient was performed. During the necropsy, a 180° cranial cervix clockwise uterine torsion was observed. This rare case of uterine torsion appears to be the most chronic case reported in the equine literature.     

Abortion of a mummified fetus associated with short uterine body in a mare

A mummified fetus was aborted at 284 days of gestation from a Quarter Horse mare with a history of consecutive abortions. The abortion occurred 12 days after administration of supplemental progestogen had been discontinued. Results of a breeding soundness evaluation revealed that this mare had a short uterine body. Other abnormalities were not discovered. This condition may have been responsible for repeated abortions in this mare, and may represent a cause of fetal mummification other than twin pregnancy in mares.     

Actions ecbolique et hormonale de la prostaglandine F2a synthétique lors de momification foetale chez deux vaches Holstein

Ecbolic and Hormonal Action of Synthetic Prostaglandin F(2)a in Fetal Mummification in Two Holstein CowsThe effects of treatment with synthetic prostaglandin F(2)a (500mug i.m.) to correct cases of fetal mummification in two Holstein cows are described.     

The use of cloprostenol for the termination of pregnancy and the expulsion of mummified fetus in cattle

Misalliance and mummification are two indications for treatment with cloprostenol. Of 56 animals mated accidentally that were treated with 0-5 mg cloprostenol, 12 were more than 150 days pregnant and of those, nine required more than one treatment. The animals treated early in pregnancy aborted promptly and completely whereas two, considered to be 200 days pregnant at the first treatment, failed to respond at all. There were no reports of retained fetal membranes or any adverse side effects. Eight cases of fetal mummification were also submitted for treatment. All aborted within three to five days, the fetus being removed manually per vaginam in each case. Serial blood progesterone assays indicated that successful treatment was associated with leutolysis in all cases. It was concluded that cloprostenol may successfully be used for the treatment of misalliance and mummification of the fetus.     

Radiological investigation of an over 2000-year-old Egyptian mummy of a cat

A radiographical study of a cat mummy from the Egyptian collection of the National Archeological Museum in Parma, Italy was carried out in order to evaluate the content and to describe how cats were wrapped and mummified. The mummy contained the complete skeleton of a 4-5-month-old cat. Radiology revealed the position of the cat's body; it was wrapped to occupy the smallest space possible. In order to better position the cat, the ribs of the thorax were compressed cranio-caudally and the fore limbs were then positioned very close to the thorax. The hind limbs were flexed close to the lumbar spine and the tibio-tarsal joints were subluxated to allow the repositioning of the tarsal, metatarsal and phalanx bones cranio-caudally near the tibiae. A coccygeal vertebra was fractured in order to reposition the tail as close as possible to the body. Atlanto-occipital subluxation and a fracture/hole was present in the occipital region of the skull: whether this was made for draining skull contents as a mummification process and/or to euthanase the cat remains open for discussion.     

Prenatal and preweaning deaths caused by pseudorabies virus and porcine parvovirus in a swine herd

Sequential outbreaks of pseudorabies virus and porcine parvovirus infections were documented at a swine farm in southern Minnesota. Data for the prevalence of mummified fetuses born and the preweaning mortality were recorded over a 3-year-period. The farm was a farrow-to-finish facility, with breeding females housed in 4 groups according to their stage of pregnancy. The herd consisted of approximately 130 breeding females in December 1981, and expanded to 220 females during the 12 months of 1982. Excluding the outbreaks, the mean preweaning mortality was 20.43% (SE 1.59) and the number of mummified fetuses per litter was 0.19 (SE 0.01). An outbreak of porcine parvovirus infection caused the preweaning mortality and number of mummified fetuses to increase to 50% and 4.10 per litter, respectively. Two outbreaks of pseudorabies 27 months apart, caused the preweaning mortality to increase to 95% and 82%, and the number of mummified fetuses to increase to 0.96 and 1.25 mummified fetuses per litter, respectively. The increase in mummification was observed 1 month after the increase in preweaning mortality caused by pseudorabies virus infections, whereas the increase in mummification and preweaning mortality was simultaneous with porcine parvovirus infections.     

Neospora caninum and complex vertebral malformation as possible causes of bovine fetal mummification

Bovine neosporosis, caused by Neospora caninum is a leading cause of abortion in cattle. We postulated that neosporosis could lead to fetal death and mummification. Fifteen mummified fetuses were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the mutation in the bovine SLC35A3 gene that causes complex vertebral malformation (CVM) and the pNC-5 gene which identifies N. caninum infection. DNA was extracted from the mummified fetuses and the sex of the mummies was determined by PCR. The CVM mutation was not detected in the mummified fetuses, but 4 fetuses were positive for N. caninum infection. The ages of the mummies with N. caninum infection were 100, 113, 123, and 131 days. Twelve of the 15 mummified fetuses were male. To our knowledge, this is the first detection of N. caninum as a possible cause of bovine fetal mummification.     

Staphylococcus-associated abortions in ewes with long-term central venous catheterization

Forty-two ewes had an intravenous catheter sewn in place in a prepared area over the jugular vein and beginning at 60 days of gestation received an infusion 3 times daily. The infusion consisted of sterile saline or sterile saline containing arginine. Twenty-six ewes in both control and treatment groups aborted between 81 days of gestation and term. Fetuses from 16 ewes that aborted were examined. Most were autolyzed or had early mummification. Macroscopic placentitis and noncollapsing lungs were noted. Large numbers of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus were isolated from fetal abomasal content, lungs, brains, or placentas. Histologically, suppurative placentitis with necrosis and pulmonary aspiration of meconium and amniotic debris often with suppurative bronchopneumonia were observed in abortuses. Four ewes euthanized and examined after abortion had suppurative endometritis. Three ewes had severe, chronic, jugular thrombophlebitis from which coagulase-positive Staphylococcus was isolated. The fourth ewe had mild phlebitis, and Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from both the catheter and the blood. Catheter-associated staphylococcal abortion was diagnosed.     

Encephalomyelitis, reproductive failure and corneal opacity (blue eye) in pigs, associated with a paramyxovirus infection

A new clinicopathological disorder associated with a paramyxovirus infection in pigs is described. Central nervous system manifestations and corneal opacity are the main features in piglets two to 21 days old. Older pigs seem to be more resistant and only corneal opacity is commonly observed. In pregnant sows the virus appears to be responsible for reproductive disturbances such as stillbirth, mummification and a return to oestrus. The changes are mainly microscopic and characterised by a non-suppurative encephalomyelitis, interstitial pneumonia and anterior uveitis with corneal oedema. Experimental infection of one-day-old piglets with the virus reproduced clinical signs similar to those described in naturally infected piglets. The virus was recovered from the tonsils, lung and brain of the experimentally infected piglets between the fourth and 20th day after infection.     

Fecal estrone sulfate profile of a sow showing abnormal pregnancy with fetal mummification

Fecal and plasma E1S of a sow with mummified fetuses, was compared with normal delivery cases. Fecal and plasma fluctuation patterns in E1S were similar. In the sow with fetal mummification both fecal and plasma E1S concentration rapidly decreased after day 80-90 compared to normal farrowing sows. This coincided with the estimated time of fetal death.     

猪细小病毒SX株的分离鉴定

从发生蓝耳病的猪场采集流产、死胎病料中分离出了一株病毒,适用传代细胞后,该病毒能够在ST细胞上生长并引起明显的呈拉网状和细胞脱落的细胞病变(CPE),能够凝集0.5%的豚鼠红细胞,经猪细小病毒阳性血清中和后不能引起细胞病变(CPE),也失去了血凝特性;用特异荧光抗体染色可见细胞核内出现特异性荧光.采用特异性PPV NS1基因的引物进行扩增,得到了大小约为2.18 kb的片段,测序并与猪细小病毒相应序列进行比较,同源性为99%以上,鉴定该病毒为猪细小病毒,命名为PPV-SX.说明目前有部分猪繁殖障碍是由猪细小病毒和PRRS共同感染而致.     

Haematic Mummification in a Mare With Twin Pregnancy

Mummification occurs when the fetus dies during the second or third trimester of gestation and remains in the uterine cavity because of the persistence of the corpus luteum or existence of another live fetus. Generally, the mummified fetus and fetal membranes undergo desiccation. The hematic process is similar, but the fetus appears like melted chocolate and becomes lodged between the uterus and chorion. This report describes the treatment of dystocia in a mare with twin pregnancy, with one fetus having undergone hematic mummification. Although difficult to diagnose, the possibility of a second fetus should be investigated in mares with dystocia.     

Inhibited development of Ostertagia spp. and Cooperia spp. in naturally acquired infections in calves

Abstract

Aujeszky? disease is predominantly a nervous disease of piglets, weaners, and fatteners in which the mortality may vary from 540%. Respiratory disease is also a feature of infection with certain strains of the virus. Infection of pregnant sows may cause abortion, stillbirths, and mummification, and infertility may result in both boars and sows. Traditionally the serum neutralisation test has been used as an indicator of past infection with Aujeszky s's disease virus (ADV). However, cell-mediated immunity has recently been shown to play an important role in recovery and protection from infection with ADV and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity can be used as an alternative diagnostic test for detection of antibody. A number of inactivated, and live, avirulent vaccines are now available for control of the disease but their use is contraindicated in countries such as New Zealand which have a low prevalence of infection. Where possible early eradication is the best policy to follow.     

猪细小病毒 LAMP检测方法的建立

猪细小病毒（PorcineParvoviru，PPV）属于细小病毒科细小病毒属，通常感染初产母猪后会发生流产、不孕、产死胎、畸形胎、木乃伊胎及弱仔等病状。该病广泛存在于世界各地并在大多数猪场流行，中国PPV的感染也很广泛，因此本研究针对VP2基因作为靶序列设计引物，旨在建立一种可快速、灵敏、特异地检测PPV的LAMP检测方法。     

Use of ultrasonography in reproductive management of sheep and goat herds

Real-time ultrasound evaluation of small ruminants offers an unparalleled range of information regarding pregnancy status, number of fetuses, and gestational age. The advantages of real-time ultrasonography are its sensitivity and accuracy of various diagnoses, its speed, and its safety. Overall flock reproductive management is facilitated through the timely acquisition of information with ewes culled, rebred, or preferentially fed, according to pregnancy status. Breeding dates of pasture-bred does can be assigned with sufficient accuracy to allow parturition induction at term without risk of severe immaturity in kids. Diagnoses other than pregnancy, such as pyometra, nydrometra, fetal resorption, and fetal mummification also can be made using real-time ultrasonography.     

Bovine leptospirosis: experimental serovar hardjo infection

Almost the full range of clinical signs observed in pregnant cattle naturally infected with Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo was observed in this experimental study in which 22 heifers were infected by intraplacentome inoculation with serovar hardjo strains. These features included abortion, mummification, stillbirth, premature and term birth of weak calves and full-term birth of live apparently healthy calves. Leptospires were demonstrated in all but three calves by culture and or immunofluorescence.     

Hypertrophic osteopathy in a dog with a chronic lung abscess

A 2-year-old dog was examined because of gradual lameness of all 4 limbs and weight loss. Hypertrophic osteopathy was diagnosed. Radiography revealed a mass in the caudal lobe of the right lung. At necropsy, the mass was determined to be a chronic abscess. Corynebacterium pyogenes was cultured from the lesion. Although hypertrophic osteopathy in dogs is commonly associated with a thoracic lesion, most often neoplastic, the chronic lung abscess in this dog might have been formed as a result of a paralaryngeal abscess that was treated 3 months before the onset of the lameness.