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Animals : An Open Access Journal From... May 2023The use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been widely reported for reproductive imaging in humans and animals. This review aims to analyze the utility of CEUS... (Review)
Review
The use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been widely reported for reproductive imaging in humans and animals. This review aims to analyze the utility of CEUS in characterizing canine reproductive physiology and pathologies. In September 2022, a search for articles about CEUS in canine testicles, prostate, uterus, placenta, and mammary glands was conducted on PubMed and Scopus from 1990 to 2022, showing 36 total results. CEUS differentiated testicular abnormalities and neoplastic lesions, but it could not characterize tumors. In prostatic diseases, CEUS in dogs was widely studied in animal models for prostatic cancer treatment. In veterinary medicine, this diagnostic tool could distinguish prostatic adenocarcinomas. In ovaries, CEUS differentiated the follicular phases. In CEH-pyometra syndrome, it showed a different enhancement between endometrium and cysts, and highlighted angiogenesis. CEUS was shown to be safe in pregnant dogs and was able to assess normal and abnormal fetal-maternal blood flow and placental dysfunction. In normal mammary glands, CEUS showed vascularization only in diestrus, with differences between mammary glands. CEUS was not specific for neoplastic versus non-neoplastic masses and for benign tumors, except for complex carcinomas and neoplastic vascularization. Works on CEUS showed its usefulness in a wide spectrum of pathologies of this non-invasive, reliable diagnostic procedure.
PubMed: 37238045
DOI: 10.3390/ani13101615 -
Cureus Nov 2022Pyometra is an easily overlooked disease with nonspecific symptoms; however, a delayed diagnosis can lead to severe complications. An 80-year-old frail woman presented...
Pyometra is an easily overlooked disease with nonspecific symptoms; however, a delayed diagnosis can lead to severe complications. An 80-year-old frail woman presented to our hospital with a chief complaint of persistent fever for 10 days. Her blood tests showed an elevated inflammatory response, and computed tomography showed a 10-cm cystic lesion in the pelvic floor compressing the bladder. A catheter was inserted from the vagina into the uterine cavity, resulting in pus drainage and pyometra diagnosis. A pus culture was subsequently performed, which detected , a common cause of respiratory tract infections in cystic fibrosis and bloodstream infections, and. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of pyometra caused by . The patient was treated with drainage and piperacillin-tazobactam administration. Pyometra is especially prevalent in older women with impaired activities of daily living and dementia. Although fever, lower abdominal pain, and increased discharge may occur, symptoms are often nonspecific, and half of such cases are asymptomatic. Furthermore, delayed diagnosis can lead to perforation of the uterus and consequent pan-peritonitis. Thus, the diagnosis of pyometra should be considered in older women presenting with unknown fever, and imaging studies and gynecological consultation should be requested promptly.
PubMed: 36600853
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32016 -
Molecular prevalence and phylogenetic confirmation of bovine trichomoniasis in aborted cows in Iraq.Veterinary World Mar 2023Bovine trichomoniasis, caused by , is a venereal disease that is distributed in many countries, including Iraq. Compared with other abortive infectious diseases,...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Bovine trichomoniasis, caused by , is a venereal disease that is distributed in many countries, including Iraq. Compared with other abortive infectious diseases, prevalence of is expected to be relatively low in the field by veterinarians. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of in aborted cows by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and phylogenetic analysis of local isolates was documented in the National Center for Biotechnology Information as the first sequenced isolates from Iraq.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Vaginal fluids were collected from 62 aborted cows and examined by PCR. Data were reported for the following parameters: Vital signs (body temperature and respiratory and pulse rates), age (<4, 4-8, and >8 years), reproductive health status (premature calving, embryonic death, pyometra, and healthy newborn), breed (pure or crossbred), type of breeding (natural or artificial), bull-to-cow ratio (1:<10, 1:10-20, and 1:>20), contact of cow with bull(s) from other farmers (yes or no), and contact with stray animals (dogs and cats).
RESULTS
A total of 20.97% of aborted cows were positive for . Phylogenetic analysis for 10 positive local isolates demonstrated high identity with the Thai (MN560972.2) and Chinese (MH115435.1) isolates, with an identity range of 98.8%-99.5% and 98.6%-99.3%, respectively. Clinical data showed that the vital signs differed insignificantly between cows positive and negative for . Prevalence and risk of infection increased significantly in <4-year-old, early calving, embryonic death, crossbred, and naturally inseminated cows that had direct contact with bulls from other farmers, and contact with stray animals. Fetal pneumonia and death of premature calves were significant among positive aborted fetuses.
CONCLUSION
is highly prevalent in aborted cows in Iraq and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated an identity between the local and global isolates, that is, Thai and Chinese, of cats.
PubMed: 37041823
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.580-587 -
Animal Reproduction Science Aug 2023Phoenixin-14 (PNX-14) is a regulatory neuropeptide encoded by the SMIM20 gene, which has been implicated in the reproductive cycle by modulating the...
Phoenixin-14 (PNX-14) is a regulatory neuropeptide encoded by the SMIM20 gene, which has been implicated in the reproductive cycle by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Recently, we showed that PNX-14 is downregulated in bitches with cystic endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra. The objective of this study was to determine the expression of Smim20, PNX-14, and its putative receptor GRP173 in the canine ovary (both healthy and those with ovarian cysts), periovarian adipose tissue (PAT) and in the endometrium during the oestrous cycle. The expression was analysed by RT-qPCR and Western blot. In tissue sections, peptides were localised by immunofluorescent assays, and blood plasma concentrations of PNX-14 were detected by EIA. The results demonstrated increased levels of PNX in bitches in the anestrus groups compared to diestrus animals. The expression of GPR173 increased in PAT during the diestrus phase and endometrial tissue in late diestrus bitches. In the ovary, strong signals of PNX-14 and GPR173 were detected in the luteal and follicular cells. Furthermore, bitches with cystic ovaries were characterised by elevated circulating PNX levels and a significantly higher expression of PNX and GPR173 in gonadal tissues, when compared with healthy animals. Moreover, a positive correlation between PNX and progesterone in the blood of healthy bitches was noted, which changed to a negative correlation in females affected by cystic ovaries. These studies expand the knowledge regarding the expression and localization of the PNX/GRP173 system in canine reproductive organs during physiological and pathological conditions.
Topics: Female; Animals; Dogs; Neuropeptides; Peptides; Endometrial Hyperplasia; Endometrium; Adipose Tissue; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37356348
DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107282 -
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica Mar 2023Pyometra is commonly seen in intact bitches and is usually treated by ovariohysterectomy. Few studies have reported the frequency of postoperative complications,...
BACKGROUND
Pyometra is commonly seen in intact bitches and is usually treated by ovariohysterectomy. Few studies have reported the frequency of postoperative complications, particularly beyond the immediate postoperative period. Swedish national antibiotic prescription guideline provides suggestions about which antibiotics should be used and when in individuals undergoing surgery. Studies on how well clinicians adhere to these guidelines, and on the outcome for these patients, have not been evaluated for cases of canine pyometra. This retrospective study conducted at a private Swedish companion animal hospital assessed complications that developed within 30 days of pyometra surgery, and whether clinicians followed the current national guidelines in regard to antibiotic use. We also assessed whether antibiotic use affected the rate of postoperative complications seen in this cohort of dogs, where antibiotics were predominantly used in cases presenting with a more severely depressed general demeanour.
RESULTS
The final analysis included 140 cases, 27 of which developed complications. In total, 50 dogs were treated with antibiotics before or during surgery and in 90 cases, antibiotics were either not given at all or treatment was initiated postoperatively (9/90) due to a perceived risk of infection developing. Superficial surgical site infection was the most common complication, followed by an adverse reaction to the suture material. Three dogs died or were euthanised during the immediate postoperative period. Clinicians adhered to national antibiotic prescription guidelines on when antibiotics should be given in 90% of cases. SSI only developed in dogs that were not given pre- or intra-operative antibiotics, while suture reactions did not appear to be affected by antibiotic use. Ampicillin/ amoxicillin was used in 44/50 cases given antibiotics before or during surgery, including most cases showing signs of concurrent peritonitis.
CONCLUSION
Serious complications following the surgical treatment of pyometra were uncommon. Excellent adherence to national prescription guidelines was observed (90% of cases). SSI was relatively common and only seen in dogs that were not given antibiotics before or during surgery (10/90). Ampicillin/ amoxicillin was an effective first choice antimicrobial in cases requiring antibiotic treatment. Further studies are needed to identify cases benefiting from antibiotic treatment, as well as the duration of treatment needed to reduce the infection rate while also avoiding unnecessary preventive treatment.
Topics: Dogs; Animals; Female; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Retrospective Studies; Pyometra; Amoxicillin; Ampicillin; Postoperative Complications; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 36879277
DOI: 10.1186/s13028-023-00670-5 -
Australian Veterinary Journal May 2022Bovine trichomoniasis, caused by the protozoal parasite Tritrichomonas foetus, is a highly contagious venereal disease characterised by early pregnancy loss, abortion...
Bovine trichomoniasis, caused by the protozoal parasite Tritrichomonas foetus, is a highly contagious venereal disease characterised by early pregnancy loss, abortion and pyometra. Persistently infected bulls and cows are the primary reservoirs of infection in infected herds. This research investigated the prevalence of T. foetus infection in bulls from properties located across northern Australia and New South Wales. Preputial samples were collected from 606 bulls at slaughter and tested for T. foetus using the VetMAX-Gold Trich Detection Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific). The apparent prevalence of T. foetus infection varied between regions, with northern regions in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia showing a prevalence of 15.4%, 13.8% and 11.4%, respectively. There was some evidence of an association between infection and postcode (P = 0.06) and increasing bull age (P = 0.054). This study confirms that T. foetus infection is likely to be present in many beef breeding herds and contributing to lower than expected reproductive performance, particularly across northern Australia.
Topics: Abattoirs; Abortion, Veterinary; Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Female; Male; Northern Territory; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Protozoan Infections, Animal; Tritrichomonas foetus
PubMed: 35080007
DOI: 10.1111/avj.13149 -
Veterinary Sciences May 2022Despite its high frequency and clinical relevance, the pathogenesis of canine pyometra remains poorly understood. The most accepted hypothesis is that bacteria involved...
Despite its high frequency and clinical relevance, the pathogenesis of canine pyometra remains poorly understood. The most accepted hypothesis is that bacteria involved ascend from the intestinal tract, causing the uterine infection. Extraintestinal pathogenic (ExPEC) is the most frequent pathogen in canine pyometra, accounting for 57-100% of cases. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of phylogenetic groups and virulence factors in strains isolated from the uterine and rectal swabs of bitches with pyometra ( = 72) and from rectal swabs from healthy bitches fed commercial dry feed ( = 53) or a raw meat-based diet (RMBD; = 38). A total of 512 strains of were isolated and divided into five categories according to the origin of the sample: 120 isolates from the uterine content of dogs with pyometra, 102 from the feces of bitches with pyometra, 75 from the feces of bitches without pyometra, 130 feces samples from healthy dogs fed commercial feed, and 85 feces samples from healthy dogs fed a raw meat-based diet. strains belonging to the B2 phylogroup and positive for virulence factor genes associated with adhesion (fimbriae type P []) and production of toxins (α-hemolysin [] and uropathogenic specific protein []) predominated in the uterine content and rectal swabs of bitches with pyometra. Interestingly, a lower growth rate of from the B2 phylogroup was observed in dogs fed a RMBD than in those fed commercial dry feed. The present study suggests that intestinal colonization by certain types of could be a risk factor for the occurrence of pyometra in bitches and that diet can influence intestinal colonization by such strains.
PubMed: 35622773
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9050245 -
Journal of Dairy Science Jan 2022Based on the clinical stage (e.g., vaginal discharge) and bacterial species, several forms of uterine diseases (UD) exist and can be classified as different traits...
Based on the clinical stage (e.g., vaginal discharge) and bacterial species, several forms of uterine diseases (UD) exist and can be classified as different traits [i.e., different stages of endometritis (EM) and metritis (MET)], which may differ in their genetic background and causal physiological mechanisms. Consequently, the present study aimed to study (1) the effect of UD on 305-d lactation and fertility, (2) the estimation of heritabilities for UD traits using pedigree- and SNP-based relationships, and (3) genome-wide associations to detect significant SNP markers and to infer candidate genes for UD traits. The data set contained herd manager and veterinarian recorded UD traits of 14,810 first-lactating genotyped Holstein cows from 63 large-scale contract herds. Binary defined UD traits (healthy or diseased) according to the clinical stage were endometritis catarrhalis (EM I), endometritis mucopurulenta (EM II), endometritis purulenta (EM III), pyometra (EM IV), endometritis (EM_SOD; superordinate diagnosis = no specific clinical stage defined), and MET. The binary defined trait UDall included all EM and MET diagnoses. The prevalence of UDall was 26.7%. The effect of UD on 305-d lactation and fertility was estimated via linear and generalized linear mixed models. We applied linear single-trait animal models and threshold models to estimate pedigree- and SNP-based heritabilities for UD traits, and bivariate linear models for genetic correlation estimations between UDall with 305-d lactation and fertility traits. A diagnosis for UDall had significant unfavorable effects on the female fertility traits calving interval, interval from calving to first service, days open, and nonreturn rate after 90 d, but was unrelated to 305-d lactation records for production traits milk yield, protein yield, and fat yield. Heritabilities for UDall and EM stages were close to zero, displaying maximal values of 0.05 for pedigree and 0.07 for SNP-based relationship matrices. For MET, pedigree- and SNP-based heritabilities were <0.001 and 0.07, respectively. Genetic correlations ranged from 0.20 to 0.31 between UDall with 305-d milk, protein, and fat yield, and from 0.17 to 0.40 with fertility traits. The GWAS revealed 5 SNP on bovine chromosomes (BTA) 1, 8, 10, 23 for UDall, 5 SNP on BTA 26 for EM I, 1 SNP on BTA 19 for EM II, 4 SNP on BTA 2, 18, 20, 25 for EM III, and 4 SNP on BTA 4, 16, 20 for EM IV above the significance threshold. For EM_SOD, we identified 15 significantly associated SNP on 4 chromosomes, and 4 significant SNP on BTA 3, 20, 22, 28 for MET. Marker associations for UD traits were annotated to 24 potential candidate genes using the ENSEMBL database. Six of these genes were previously reported to be involved in uterine defense mechanisms or in endometritis. Further detected genes contribute to immune response mechanisms during bacterial infections. Different SNP significantly influenced different UD stages, explaining the inter-individual variations in clinical severity of uterine infections.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Female; Fertility; Genomics; Lactation; Milk; Parity; Phenotype; Pregnancy; Uterine Diseases
PubMed: 34656355
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20685 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Mar 2024Progesterone-related diabetes mellitus (PRDM) in dogs is known for its particular potential for diabetes remission. This narrative review aims to provide relevant... (Review)
Review
Progesterone-related diabetes mellitus (PRDM) in dogs is known for its particular potential for diabetes remission. This narrative review aims to provide relevant detailed information on (1) the canine estrus cycle and its impact on canine diabetes mellitus (CDM) etiology and management, (2) the role of pyometra as a further cause of insulin resistance, and (3) useful individual therapeutic and preventive strategies. PRDM is recognized due to diestrus, exogenous progestogen exposure, pregnancy, and P4-production ovarian dysfunction. Pyometra represents additional inflammatory and septic negative influence on insulin sensitivity, and its diagnosis associated with CDM is therapeutically challenging. The estrus cycle's hormone fluctuations seem to modulate peripheric insulin sensibility by influencing insulin receptor (IR) affinity and its binding capacity, as well as modulating tyrosine kinase activity. Pyometra was shown to negatively influence IR compensatory mechanisms to insulin resistance causing glucose intolerance. Spaying and pregnancy termination may cause diabetes remission in PRDM cases in a median time of 10 days (1-51). Pharmacological annulment of progesterone effects may benefit patients unable to undergo surgery; however, remission chances are virtually null. The ALIVE (Agreeing Language in Veterinary Endocrinology) project proposed new criteria for CDM diagnoses and subclinical diabetes recognition. These new concepts may increase the frequency of a PRDM diagnosis and, even more, its relevance. Spaying represents a preventive measure against pyometra and PRDM that should be individually assessed in light of its recognized benefits and harms.
PubMed: 38539988
DOI: 10.3390/ani14060890 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Aug 2020In cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH)-pyometra syndrome, toxic factors and endometrial remodeling culminate in changes characterized by exudative and degenerative...
In cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH)-pyometra syndrome, toxic factors and endometrial remodeling culminate in changes characterized by exudative and degenerative inflammatory reaction. Recent studies on hemodynamic found an increased blood flow and lower vascular resistance in uterine arteries, suggesting color Doppler ultrasound as an adjunctive tool for quantitative assessment of endometrial vascularization during pyometra. The aim of this study was to assess, through contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) exam, the vascularization in endometrial microvessels in CEH-pyometra in order to evaluate the possibility of application in this syndrome. In twelve female dogs with clinical symptoms related to pyometra, B-mode, color Doppler and CEUS exams were performed. In CEH-pyometra uteri, histopathological examination revealed severe CEH and pyometra, immunohistochemical stain with CD 34 confirmed the presence of angiogenesis. CEUS exams revealed a widespread, intense and rapidly developing homogeneous enhancement of the hyperplastic endometrium, with absence of signal only in cystic areas. All parameters of the quantitative analysis were not significantly influenced by region of interest dimension and position. CEUS has the potential to improve clinical not invasive evaluations in the CEH-pyometra syndrome and virtually in CEH-mucometra.
PubMed: 32784584
DOI: 10.3390/ani10081368