Complete uterine prolapse without uterine mucosal eversion in a queen

A five‐year‐old female cat weighing 3 kg was presented by the owner after noticing a large pink, bilobed mass protruding through the vulva during labour. The cat was in good condition, with appropriate lactation, and the newborn kittens were nursing normally. The uterus was not reverted or invaginated at examination, and there was rupture of the mesovarium, mesometrium and uterine‐vaginal connection around the cervix. Manual reduction of the prolapsed uterus was not possible because of torn ligaments. A coeliotomy was performed to remove the ovaries, and the apex of the uterine horns was passed by the vaginal route. The remaining part of the mesometrium was disconnected, and the prolapsed uterus was removed. The queen and kittens were discharged from the hospital on the second day after surgery. An unusual feature of this case is that the prolapse was complete, without eversion of any part of the uterus through a vaginal tear.     

Use of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography in Chronic Pathologic Canine Testes

Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound with sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles was performed in seven healthy dogs without a history of reproductive pathology and with histologically confirmed normal testes and in 42 dogs with chronic scrotal anomalies. All dogs underwent orchiectomy and histological examination. Enhancement patterns and perfusion parameters (peak intensity and regional blood flow) of testes of healthy dogs and testes with chronic lesions were compared. Fourteen non‐pathologic and 60 pathologic testes were considered. Forty testes were neoplastic (24 interstitial cell tumours, 9 seminomas, 7 Sertoli cell tumours), 20 were non‐neoplastic (16 testicular degenerations, 2 chronic orchitis, 1 testicular atrophy, 1 interstitial cell hyperplasia). In healthy dogs, the contrast medium flow had a rapid homogeneous wash‐in and wash‐out, with a short peak phase. With contrast ultrasound, testes that were inhomogeneous with a hyperenhancing pattern were associated with neoplasia (sensitivity: 87.5%, specificity: 100%). Lesions with persistent inner vessels and a hypo‐to‐isoechoic background were significantly associated with seminomas (sensitivity: 77.8%, specificity: 100%). Testes with non‐neoplastic lesions were characterized by a scant/moderate homogeneous enhancement. Perfusion parameters were higher in neoplastic lesions. Contrast ultrasound was a feasible diagnostic tool in the assessment of testicular lesions, with hyperenhancement being an important feature in the diagnosis of malignancy.     

Isolation,proliferation and characterization of endometrial canine stem cells

In the last decade, progenitor cells isolated from dissociated endometrial tissue have been the subject of many studies in several animal species. Recently, endometrial cells showing characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been demonstrated in human, pig and cow uterine tissue samples. The aim of this study was the isolation and characterization of stromal cells from the endometrium of healthy bitches, a tissue that after elective surgery is routinely discarded. Multipotent stromal cells could be isolated from all bitches enrolled in the study (n = 7). The multipotency of cells was demonstrated by their capacity to differentiate into adipocytic, osteocytic and chondrocytic lineages. Clonogenicity and cell proliferation ability were also tested. Furthermore, gene expression analysis by RT‐PCR was used to compare the expression of a set of genes (CD44, CD29, CD34, CD45, CD90, CD13, CD133, CD73, CD31 CD105, Oct4) with adipose tissue‐derived MSC. Stromal cells isolated from uterine endometrium showed similar morphology, ability of subculture and plasticity, and also expressed a panel of genes comparable with adipose tissue‐derived MSC. These data suggest that endometrial stromal cells fulfil the basic criteria proposed by the “Mesenchymal and Tissue Stem Cell Committee of the International Society for Cellular Therapy” for the identification of mesenchymal stem cells. Although endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (EnMSC) showed a lower replicative ability in comparison with adipose tissue‐derived MSC, they could be considered a cell therapeutic agent alternative to adipose tissue or bone marrow‐derived MSC in dog.     

Ultrasonography and Cystic Hyperplasia–Pyometra Complex in the Bitch

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex is the most frequent and important endometrial disorder encountered in bitches. The pathogenesis of the disease is related to the activity of progesterone [Feldman and Nelson, Canine and Feline Endocrinology and Reproduction (1996) W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia]. Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) is an abnormal response of the bitch's uterus to ovarian hormones [De Bosschere et al. Theriogenology (2001) 55, 1509]. CEH is considered by many authors to be an exaggerated response of the uterus to chronic progestational stimulation during the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle, causing an abnormal accumulation of fluid within the endometrial glands and uterine lumen (De Bosschere et al. 2001). The resulting lesions of pyometra are due to the interaction between bacteria and hormones. The aim of this study was to evaluate if transabdominal uterine ultrasonography can be a useful and reliable diagnostic method to confirm Dow's [Veterinary Record (1958) 70, 1102] and De Bosschere's histopathological classification of CEH-pyometra complex. The study was carried out on 45 bitches with pyometra, 10 purebreds and 35 crossbreeds, 1-15 years old, 20% of which had whelped at least once. None of these animals had received exogenous oestrogen or progesterone treatment. On admission the 45 animals were in the luteal phase of the oestrus cycle. Clinical signs, blood parameters, uterine ultrasonography, bacterial swabs and uterine histopathological results were recorded. Results suggest that ultrasonographic examination is a useful and reliable tool for the diagnosis of cystic endometrial hyperplasia.     

Cytobrushing of the oral mucosa as a possible tool for early detection of testudinid herpesvirus in Horsfield’s tortoises with nonspecific clinical signs

Forty-five Horsfield’s tortoises (Testudo horsfieldii; syn. Agrionemys horfieldii, Russian tortoise) belonging to different owners had decreased appetite and respiratory issues. Twenty-nine tortoises had epiphora, dyspnea, and white necrotic diphtheroid oral plaques (group G1). Ten of the remaining 16 tortoises had serious dehydration, appetite disorder, and depression (G2). The last 6 tortoises had only decreased appetite and moderate conjunctival discharge (G3). During the physical examination of all 45 tortoises, a cytologic sample and an oral swab for herpesvirus and Mycoplasma agassizii PCR testing were taken. In 20 of 29 specimens from G1, in 8 of 16 from G2, and 0 of 6 from G3, the cytologic exam revealed intranuclear acidophilic inclusion bodies, multinucleate cellular syncytia, and further abnormalities caused by herpesviral infection. Moreover, all 45 tested subjects were found to be positive for testudinid herpesvirus 1; 2 were positive for M. agassizii. This prospective study suggests that Horsfield’s tortoises with such signs would benefit from this screening procedure, given that it was effective in a significant proportion of infected and symptomatic animals, and no negative effects were seen.     

Reproductive efficiency of a new modified boar semen extender for liquid storage

In the present study the Authors developed a new modified boar semen extender for short-term liquid storage, based on the use of amikacin sulphate and fructose rather than gentamicin and glucose. The new extender (ME-S) was evaluated and compared in vitro to commercial ones (CRONOS^™, TRIXcell^™) and to a modified extender designated for long term storage (ME-L) for progressive motility. Progressive motility was not different (P>0.05) among extenders until 120 h of storage, as differences among extenders became significant (P<0.05) at 144 and 166 h. Motility data across time were better for ME-S than TRIXcell^™ (P<0.05). No differences were observed about the morphology and membrane integrity (ORT) among the new extender (ME-S) and the commercial ones. Following the results of the in vitro comparison, an artificial insemination field trial was performed for reproductive efficacy. In this trial ME-L was not used because it was not completely reliable yet. A total of 1011 sows were bred: 506 with ME-S and 505 with a commercial one (CRONOS^™). The pregnancy rate for ME-S was 93.68% (474 pregnant sows), as the commercial extender resulted in 452 pregnancies (89.5%). The statistical comparison was significant (P<0.05) and the number of live piglets born showed an increase of 52.     

Early diagnosis of pregnancy in sows by ultrasound evaluation of embryo development and uterine echotexture

Two operators attempted to detect pregnancy ultrasonographically in 196 sows daily from 15 to 25 days after insemination; 20 unbred sows were also investigated. The probe was applied transcutaneously on the right abdominal wall near the last three mammary glands. During each examination, the embryos were visualised and their transverse and longitudinal dimensions were measured. Pregnancy was confirmed by an ultrasonographic detection of embryos five days after the first ultrasound diagnosis and finally 30 to 32 days after insemination. The accuracy of diagnosis was less than 83 per cent on days 15, 16 and 17 but improved to more than 90 per cent from day 18 onwards. The uterine echotexture was studied in seven sows at oestrus and 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 and 25 days after insemination. The echotexture was more homogeneous from days 15 to 25 after insemination than at oestrus.     

Colour Doppler ultrasound imaging of blood flows variations in neoplastic and non‐neoplastic testicular lesions in dogs

Testicular tumours are the most common neoplasms in male dogs accounting for approximately 90% of all tumours affecting the genitourinary tract. Gray‐scale ultrasonography in combination with colour and power Doppler imaging has been well accepted as an accurate technique for assessing scrotal lesions and vascularization of the testis. Colour Doppler sensitivity for low blood flows appears promising in the study of testicular disorders. The aim of this study was to assess if colour and power Doppler ultrasound is a good tool for the investigation of testicular lesions in dogs, to report the sonographic features of lesions and to measure colour and power Doppler parameters such as resistive index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), hypovascularization and hypervascularization (VI) determining if they can be used to distinguish testicular neoplasms from the wide spectrum of non‐neoplastic pathological findings. In this study, 50 male dogs of various breeds, aged between 7 and 14 years, presented with testicular disorders were selected. RI and PI were calculated. Mean RI values for neoplastic, inflammatory and degenerative lesions were 0.54, 0.45 and 0.58, respectively. Mean PI values were 0.62, 0.55 and 0.63, respectively. Hypovascularization and hypervascularization of the lesion were evaluated throughout the vascularity index (VI). Vascular signals in neoplasms were significantly intensified around and inside the mass if compared with those measured during inflammatory and degenerative lesions. VI markedly increased in solid tumours. Pathological testes were removed; macroscopical, histological and immunoistochemical evaluations were carried out. Colour Doppler showed increased intralesional and peripheral flows in all neoplastic lesions analysed. No flows were detected around cysts.     

Relationship between body fat and body condition score and their effects on estrous cycles of the Standardbred maiden mare

Standardbred maiden mares are generally stressed and in poor physical condition because of their incorrect management at the end of their racing careers. The purpose of this study was to identify an objective assessment that, similar to body condition score (BCS) determination, is easy to measure and able to confirm or improve fattening status assessment, as well as to ascertain whether a relationship with reproduction efficiency exists in subjects destined for a first-time insemination program. The authors assessed 29 Standardbred maiden mares (7 ± 2 years old) during the breeding season. On January 15 (day 0), the same operator performed the following on all subjects: the first gynecological and ultrasound examination, a BCS assessment (range 0 to 5), and an adiposity objective assessment (i.e., measurement of fat thickness by ultrasound scan). At day 0, all mares were in seasonal anestrous. On ovulation day, all subjects exited the study. Both techniques were shown to be significantly and reciprocally correlated (r = 0.976; P < 0.01) to the first seasonal ovulation in maiden mares (−0.772 and −0.805, respectively, for fat thickness and BCS; P < 0.01). Based on the results obtained, regression equations for the prediction of days to the first seasonal ovulation (y) were created. The best predictive equation was the following: \( {\hbox{y}} = {26}.{714}\;{{\hbox{x}}^3} - {2}0{2}.{44}\;{{\hbox{x}}^2} + {446}.0{4}\;{\hbox{x}} - {195}.{65}\left( {{R^2} = 0.{783};\;{\hbox{SE}} = {17}\;{\hbox{d}};P < 0.0{1}} \right) \), with an independent BCS variable. In conclusion, this study suggests that increasing the plane of nutrition (i.e., flushing), starting approximately 3 weeks before the breeding season, stimulates ovarian activity in stressed maiden mares.

     

Use of aglepristone for the treatment of P4 induced insulin resistance in dogs

Insulin resistance (IR) in dogs is suspected when hyperglycemia is present despite administration of insulin doses greater than 1.0 to 1.5 UI/kg. IR is caused by increases in counter regulatory hormones concentrations (glucagon, glucocorticoids, catecholamines and growth hormone). This study was conducted to investigate the use of aglepristone (RU 46534), a P₄ receptor antagonist, for the treatment of IR diabetes mellitus in bitches during the luteal phase. All animals were treated with porcine insulin zinc suspension (Caninsulin) and aglepristone (Alizin) 10 mg/kg subcutaneously at day 1, 2, 9 and 17 from diagnosis. At day 5, no significant variation in glycemia was shown. At day 12 and 20, serum glucose concentrations were significant lower (p < 0.05). From day 12 the insulin dose was reduced to 0.8 IU BID. Insulin was reduced in the following weeks and glycemia was controlled.