Prolonged interval between parturition of normal live pups in a bitch

On day 64 after artificial insemination, a six-year-old primiparous briard bitch whelped three live pups between 05.00 and 08.00. It was presented at 11.00 on the same day with failure to complete parturition. On ultrasound examination, a normal live fetus was observed and the bitch was treated with oxytocin three times during the day (1.0, 2.0 and 2.0 iu intramuscularly), with no effect. The following day, a higher dose of oxytocin (5.0 iu) was administered intramuscularly at 11.00, after a uterine ultrasound examination confirmed viability of the fetus. At 18.00 of the same day, the bitch whelped the fourth normal live pup, 37 hours after initiation of parturition and 34 hours after expulsion of the last fetus. Effectiveness of oxytocin and normal versus prolonged parturition due to uterine inertia are discussed.     

Laboratory and Clinical Evaluation of a Feia Method for Canine Serum Progesterone Assay

The evaluation of progesterone (P4) concentration is a valuable tool in assessing physiological reproductive events and reproductive disorders in bitches. A reliable and rapid (preferable, point of care) determination of P4 is advisable in most cases. Aims of this study were to evaluate a fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) for canine serum P4 concentration by (i) the agreement with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), (ii) the association with vaginal cytology and (iii) the accuracy in the prediction of the parturition date calculated from the estimated day of ovulation. Serum samples were collected from client‐owned bitches presented between 2011 and 2014 for the evaluation of their oestrous cycle, pregnancy or reproductive disorders. The agreement between FEIA and LC/MS/MS, evaluated on 19 samples, was statistically significant (R² = 95.7%, p < 0.001), although FEIA showed significantly higher values than LC/MS/MS (p < 0.05). In the different phases of oestrous cycle, as determined by vaginal cytology, P4 concentrations (by FEIA) were statistically different (p < 0.05): anoestrus (n = 7) 0.38 ± 0.14 ng/ml, proestrus (n = 14) 1.04 ± 0.67 ng/ml and oestrus (n = 72) 6.8 ± 7.26 ng/ml. Mean pregnancy length from the estimated day of ovulation was 62.9 ± 1.8 days. In 13 of 22 (59.1%), 19 of 22 (86.3%) and 21 of 22 (95.5%) bitches pregnancy lasted 63 ± 1, 63 ± 2 and 63 ± 3 days, respectively. Three pregnancies were outside the 61–65 days range (60, 60 and 67 days). In conclusion, the FEIA method employed can be considered reliable and, in association with vaginal cytology, effective in evaluating the canine oestrous cycle.     

Accuracy of the prediction of parturition date through ultrasonographic measurement of fetal parameters in the queen

Veterinary Research Communications -     

Biodegradation combined with ozone for the remediation of contaminated soils

The effectiveness of the SS-SBR (Soil Slurry – Sequencing Batch Reactor) process for the remediation of soils contaminated by several organic pollutants has been evaluated. Experimental tests have been performed on two different soils, a spiked one and an industrial aged soil. The spiked soil, artificially contaminated, has been prepared trying to simulate the pollution of an industrial aged soil in terms of number and kind of contaminants. PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) and phenols degradation has been particularly investigated because they are considered persistent and recalcitrant. Concerning the spiked soil, removal efficiencies higher than 95% in 6 to 9 weeks have been found for all the pollutants, except for five-rings PAHs; however, these compounds were partly removed in 11 to 13 weeks. Good results have been achieved also for the industrial aged soil with a maximum removal of about 80% in 7–8 weeks. To enhance the pollutants degradation, trying to obtain a faster remediation, the biological treatment has been combined with a chemical oxidation with ozone. The best degradation effectiveness of the combined process has been obtained applying the ozonation after few days of the biological treatment. Therefore, a combined biological and chemical treatment allowed to markedly improve the remediation of contaminated soils.     

Effect of day of transfer and treatment administration on the recipient on pregnancy rates after equine embryo transfer

Veterinary Research Communications -     

Clinical Use of Twice Daily Injections of Buserelin Acetate to Induce Ovulation in the Mare

Veterinary Research Communications -