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Leps AS, Klein B, Schneider M, Meyer C, Šoba A, Simon C, Dyachenko V, Siesenop U, Verspohl J, Goericke-Pesch S. The Canine Vaginal Flora: A Large-Cohort Retrospective Study. Vet Sci 2024; 11:55. [PMID: 38393073 PMCID: PMC10892940 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11020055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbiological examinations are frequently performed as part of breeding management examinations in the bitch, but also in case of (suspected) reproductive tract problems. As most bacteria are opportunistic pathogens, evaluation of bacterial findings is challenging for veterinarians. Besides, breeders might request antimicrobial treatment in breeding bitches, fearing conception failure-even without medical indication. Considering the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance, gaining deeper insights into the bacterial findings from the vagina of healthy and (suspected) reproductive-diseased bitches might contribute to the knowledge of the canine aerobic vaginal flora and consequently improve the responsible use of antibiotics. We analyzed results from bacteriological cultures of 23,254 vaginal swabs sent in to three commercial laboratories in Germany between 2015 and 2021, where standard aerobic microbiological examination was carried out. We found a variety of 319 bacterial species that mostly grew in mixed cultures of two or more bacterial species. Commonly found species were Escherichia coli, beta-hemolytic Streptococci, coagulase-positive Staphylococci, Pasteurellales, and aerobic sporulators, as well as other Streptococcus spp. Our results showed a large diversity of the canine vaginal flora in healthy and (suspected) reproductive-diseased bitches. They largely support earlier findings of small studies on the physiological canine vaginal flora, emphasizing that solely the results of a bacterial evaluation should not be the base for antimicrobial treatment. Instead, bacterial findings should be evaluated with the results of a clinical gynecological examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sophia Leps
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine—Clinic for Small Animals, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 15, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Babette Klein
- Laboklin GmbH & Co. KG, 97688 Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Christine Simon
- Biocontrol, Biosciencia Healthcare GmbH, 55218 Ingelheim, Germany
| | - Viktor Dyachenko
- Biocontrol, Biosciencia Healthcare GmbH, 55218 Ingelheim, Germany
| | - Ute Siesenop
- Institute for Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jutta Verspohl
- Institute for Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sandra Goericke-Pesch
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine—Clinic for Small Animals, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 15, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
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Hinderer J, Lüdeke J, Riege L, Bartel A, Kohn B, Müller E, Arlt SP. Thyroid hormones in canine pregnancy and lactation. Theriogenology 2023; 203:43-52. [PMID: 36966584 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
It is believed that thyroid function has a significant effect on fertility and fetal development in mammals. So far, however, only few studies have been published about potential effects of the reproductive cycle stage on thyroid hormone concentrations in dogs. Therefore, over the course of 122 pregnant and non-pregnant cycles in healthy bitches, Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free Thyroxine (fT4), total Thyroxine (tT4) and Progesterone (P4) were measured six times to assess the influence of the cycle stage and pregnancy on hormone concentrations. The aim was to evaluate established reference intervals for the thyroid hormones in a female study population. Of the 122 bitches, 98 became pregnant. Blood samples were collected during estrus, three times in pregnancy, during lactation and after weaning, or at equivalent times during and after estrus in non-pregnant dogs. No differences between pregnant and non-pregnant animals in any of the thyroid hormones were found. Hormone concentrations, however, differed significantly between the six samplings (p < .01). TSH initially declined during pregnancy, then rose again. The mean concentration of all dogs exceeded the overall upper reference limit of 0.70 ng/mL during lactation. Concentrations of tT4 and ft4 increased during the first third of pregnancy and then subsequently declined. The overall reference limits for tT4 were 0.47-3.20 μg/dL, and for fT4 4.86-29.60 pmol/L, but the reference intervals varied between the sampling dates. The observed patterns may reflect that maternal tT4 and fT4 seem to have important effects during early pregnancy, including a pronounced negative feedback effect on TSH. The initial increase and subsequent decline of tT4 and fT4 concentrations during the course of pregnancy is in accordance with findings in humans and may support the development of fetal thyroid function. The observed peak of TSH concentrations during lactation suggests that the demand for thyroid hormones in this phase is largest. Even if the underlying causes and mechanisms of thyroid regulation are not fully understood, the results of this study show relevant changes of hormone concentrations in the course of the sexual cycle and pregnancy. In that regard, cycle stage needs to be considered when assessing thyroid function in bitches.
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Nogueira Aires LP, Gasser B, Silva P, Del’Aguila-Silva P, Yamada DI, Carneiro RK, Bressianini Lima B, Padilha-Nakaghi LC, Ramirez Uscategui RA, Spada S, Russo M, Rossi Feliciano MA. Ovarian contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and Doppler fluxometry in bitches during the postovulatory estrus and corpora lutea formation. Theriogenology 2022; 194:162-170. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Aires LPN, Gasser B, Silva P, Del Aguila Da Silva P, Silveira MV, Carneiro RK, IwaoYamada D, Padilha-Nakaghi LC, Uscategui RAR, Spada S, Russo M, Feliciano MAR. High-definition ultrasonography in the evaluation of the reproductive tract of bitches during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 234:106870. [PMID: 34673364 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The aim was to sonographically evaluate the reproductive tract of bitches during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle using High Density (HD) ultrasonic techniques. Females (n = 8) were evaluated at five different times throughout the follicular phase, as determined by vaginal cytology and blood progesterone concentrations. Ultrasonic exams were performed using the ACUSON S2000/SIEMENS device utilizing a multifrequency HD transducer (5.5-18 MHz). Videos of the ovaries were obtained and recordings were evaluated using a DICOM viewer software for counting and measuring the ovarian structures, which were assigned to groups based on diameter in mm: G1: ≤ 1; G2: from 1.01 to 3.5; G3 from 3.51 to 5.5; G4: from 5.51 to 10. There was a greater uterine thickness with the progression of the follicular phase (P < 0.05). Six distinct regions were identified in the uterine wall. The ovarian dimensions increased (P < 0.05) as stage of the follicular phase advanced. There was fluid detected around the ovaries after ovulation. There was a characteristic fat tissue hyperechogenicity around the ovaries at all timepoints. There was a difference in the number of ovarian structures of each dimension group at each time there were assessments (P < 0.05). There was a difference in diameter of the largest ovarian structure and in average value of wall thickness at all timepoints when there were evaluations (P < 0.05). The HD ultrasonography technique provides for excellent image resolution, allowing for a more precise characterization of the bitch's reproductive structures and changes occurring during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Paulo Nogueira Aires
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, 14884-900 Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Beatriz Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila Silva
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila Del Aguila Da Silva
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, 14884-900 Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcus Vinícius Silveira
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Kretzer Carneiro
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Diego IwaoYamada
- Hospital Carlos Fernando Rossato, College Dr. Francisco Maeda - FAFRAM, Ituverava, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciana Cristina Padilha-Nakaghi
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, 14884-900 Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Andrés Ramirez Uscategui
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; Institute of Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys (UFVJM), Unaí, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Stefano Spada
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco Russo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Marcus Antônio Rossi Feliciano
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, 14884-900 Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil; Diagnostic Imaging Sector, Department of Large Animals Clinic, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Production and Reproductive Management. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2021; 51:905-919. [PMID: 34059263 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Programs breeding high-quality dogs are now able to use newer technologies in order to maximize use of genetic material and improve the efficiency of the production program. Missed estrus cycles and failure to conceive are costly in canine production programs, and parameters should be established to help minimize these failures. This article outlines lessons learned over the last 20 years in a medium-sized production program and also reviews other current production programs. Common pitfalls are discussed, including the implications of each, as well as management strategies to help avoid pitfalls.
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Melandri M, Barella G, Alonge S. Assessment of the optimal age for a preventive ultrasonographic screening of the uterine health in bitches. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:1182-1187. [PMID: 31187907 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Studies about prevalence of uterine pathologies in bitches are scarce. Although correlation between age and uterine disorders was documented, the most suitable age for a preventive sonographic screening has not been proposed yet. Present study aimed to estimate the eligible age for an ultrasonographic screening of uterine abnormalities in dogs. Data regarding ultrasound examination and clinical records of non-pregnant intact females were retrospectively analysed. The age of each bitch was expressed as age ratio (actual/maximum age expected for the respective breed). The cut-off age ratio was determined by a ROC curve for overall uterine abnormalities. Frequencies of different abnormalities below and over the cut-off derived from the ROC curve were calculated and statistically analysed by chi-Square and OR. Prevalence of three categories of ultrasonographic findings was as follows: cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) 18%; uterine collections (UC) 10.5%; masses (M) 1.3%. By the cut-off age ratio (0.325), derived by ROC curve (AUC = 0.91; SP 84.23%; SE 79.2%; PPV 83.4%; NPV 80%), 228 cases were divided into two subgroups: bitches over (exposed group: n.83) and below cut-off (control group: n.145). All abnormalities resulted more frequent in exposed group: OR was 24.96 (p < 0.0001: 71.1% over vs. 9% below cut-off) for overall abnormalities; 13.68 (p < 0.0001: 40.9% vs. 4.8%) for CEH; 6.13 (p < 0.002: 21.7% vs. 4.1%) for UC; 12.65 (p = 0.09: 3.6% vs. 0%) for M. Cystic endometrial hyperplasia represents the most common finding in adult bitches, followed by UC. A preventive sonographic screening for uterine abnormalities should start from 33% of expected longevity to preventively select animals requiring further evaluations.
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Barstow C, Wilborn RR, Johnson AK. Breeding Soundness Examination of the Bitch. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2018; 48:547-566. [PMID: 29699831 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
A breeding soundness examination is a vital part of any breeding program. These examinations are not performed as frequently in the bitch as they are in the male dog. They allow clinicians to identify any problems at an early stage in a bitch's breeding career and to screen for any genetic abnormalities. A thorough physical examination and accurate history guide the choice of which diagnostics tests are most useful. Ultrasound, culture, cytology, and biopsies (surgical and nonsurgical techniques) are discussed. Knowing which stage of the cycle to perform these diagnostics yields the most information and increases the chance of a successful outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Barstow
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University, 1220 Wire Road, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
| | - Robyn R Wilborn
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University, 1220 Wire Road, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Aime K Johnson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University, 1220 Wire Road, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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Dockweiler JC, Cossic B, Donnelly CG, Gilbert RO, Buckles E, Cheong SH. Infertility associated with the absence of endometrial progesterone receptors in a bitch. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 52:174-178. [PMID: 27862412 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A three-year-old intact female Old English sheepdog was presented for evaluation of infertility. A uterine biopsy was performed during dioestrus, and the microscopic appearance was inconsistent with progesterone stimulation; the glands were sparse, simple and failed to show coiling, while the glandular epithelium was cuboidal instead of columnar. There was very little evidence of glandular activity. Due to the inappropriate appearance of the glands for the stage of the cycle, immunohistochemistry for progesterone receptors was performed. No progesterone receptor-positive immunoreactivity was identified in the endometrial luminal epithelium, glandular epithelium or stroma. Weak intranuclear immunoreactivity was identified within the smooth muscle cells of the myometrium. The absence of progesterone receptors within the endometrial glands is the most likely explanation for the abnormal appearance of the endometrium and for this bitch's infertility. To our knowledge, this is the first report of endometrial progesterone receptor absence in a bitch.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Dockweiler
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - B Cossic
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - C G Donnelly
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - R O Gilbert
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - E Buckles
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - S H Cheong
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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Prevalence of ultrasound-determined cystic endometrial hyperplasia and the relationship with age in dogs. Theriogenology 2016; 86:976-980. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Batista PR, Gobello C, Rube A, Corrada YA, Tórtora M, Blanco PG. Uterine blood flow evaluation in bitches suffering from cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and CEH-pyometra complex. Theriogenology 2015; 85:1258-61. [PMID: 26810829 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2015] [Revised: 10/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Doppler ultrasound is a useful diagnosis tool to evaluate uterine blood flow in different canine reproductive states. The aim of this study was to describe and compare uterine blood flow in bitches suffering from cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and CEH-pyometra complex (CEH-P). Ninety diestrous bitches were clinically, hematologically, and ultrasonographically classified into four groups: (1) clinical signs, leukocytosis, CEH, and uterine luminal contents (CEH-P, n = 31); (2) asymptomatic bitches with CEH and uterine contents (CEH-C, n = 15); (3) asymptomatic bitches with CEH without uterine contents (CEH, n = 16); and (4) normal diestrous bitches (ND, n = 28). The widest cross-sectional diameter and uterine wall thickness (W) of uterine horns were measured using two-dimensional ultrasound. Peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity of uterine arteries were measured by Doppler ultrasound in all the bitches. Peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity were higher in CEH-P than in CEH-C, CEH, and ND (P < 0.01); although both parameters did not show differences among the latter three groups (P > 0.1). Conversely, resistance index (RI) reported lower values in CEH-P than that in the other three groups (P < 0.01), being ND higher (P < 0.01) than both CEH-C and CEH which did not differ between themselves (P > 0.1). When all the bitches were considered, correlation between RI and cross-sectional diameter was r = -0.69 (P < 0.01) and between RI and uterine wall thickness was r = -0.02 (P > 0.1). It is concluded that the uterine artery blood flow velocity of bitches suffering from pyometra was higher, not only from normal bitches, but also from females with endometrial hyperplasia. Furthermore, endometrial hyperplasia, accompanied or not by luminal contents, had a higher blood flow velocity than normal uterus. Hemodynamic parameters appear as useful markers to differentiate uterine pathologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- P R Batista
- Cardiology Laboratory, Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FVS-NULP), La Plata, Argentina; CONICET, Argentina.
| | - C Gobello
- CONICET, Argentina; Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Basic Sciences Department, FVS-NULP, La Plata, Argentina
| | - A Rube
- Cardiology Laboratory, Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FVS-NULP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Y A Corrada
- CONICET, Argentina; Teaching Hospital, Clinics Department, FVS-NULP, La Plata, Argentina
| | - M Tórtora
- Cardiology Laboratory, Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FVS-NULP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - P G Blanco
- Cardiology Laboratory, Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FVS-NULP), La Plata, Argentina; CONICET, Argentina; Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Basic Sciences Department, FVS-NULP, La Plata, Argentina
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