Evidence of Spontaneous Recovery of Granulosa-Theca Cell Tumour in a Heifer: A Retrospective Report

Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in a Domestic Yak

Owners of a juvenile domestic yak elected bilateral ovariectomy to prevent future reproduction. The yak was noted to be healthy at presentation. Both ovaries were removed using a laparoscopic approach as follows: after induction and maintenance of general inhalant anesthesia, 15 degrees Trendelenburg positioning was required to view the ovaries. Ovariectomy was conducted within a surgical time of 50 minutes. Due to the small ovarian size, portal enlargement was not necessary for removal. Mild hemorrhage from the left ovarian pedicle was controlled with application of a vessel-sealing device. Postoperative complications were not encountered during hospitalization. At 12 months following surgery, the yak was healthy, and the owner was highly satisfied with the procedure. The described approach was successful for performing laparoscopic ovariectomy in a juvenile yak. Positioning for surgery was similar to other small ruminant species. Further case enrollment is needed to optimize the surgical approach and better describe clinical outcomes.

AMH: Could It Be Used as A Biomarker for Fertility and Superovulation in Domestic Animals?

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a reliable and easily detectable reproductive marker for the fertility competence of many farm animal species. AMH is also a good predictor of superovulation in cattle, sheep, and mares. In this review, we have summarized the recent findings related to AMH and its predictive reliability related to fertility and superovulation in domestic animals, especially in cattle. We focused on: (1) the dynamics of AMH level from infancy to prepubescence as well as during puberty and adulthood; (2) AMH as a predictor of fertility; (3) the association between antral follicle count (AFC) and plasma AMH level; (4) AMH as a predictor of superovulation; and (5) factors affecting AMH levels in domestic animals, especially cattle. Many factors affect the circulatory levels of AMH when considering the plasma, like nutrition, activity of granulosa cells, disease state and endocrine disruptions during fetal life. Briefly, we concluded that AMH concentrations are static within individuals, and collection of a single dose of blood has become more popular in the field of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). It may act as a potential predictor of fertility, superovulation, and ovarian disorders in domestic animals. However, due to the limited research in domestic animals, this potential of AMH remains underutilized.

Endocrinological characterization of an ovarian sex cord-stromal tumor with a Sertoli cell pattern in a Japanese Black cow

A Japanese Black cow was evaluated for prolonged post-partum anestrus and enlargement of the right ovary. Transrectal ultrasonography revealed that the right ovary was markedly enlarged and had a solid appearance, while the left ovary was small and inactive. The presumptive diagnosis was directed towards granulosa-theca cell tumour (GTCT) which was supported by markedly elevated plasma anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH; 332.0 ng/ml), oestradiol (E₂ ; 103.3 pg/ml) and immunoreactive inhibin (ir-INH; 2.1 ng/ml) in comparison with the diagnostic cut-off points for bovine GTCTs. Since the cow had been infertile and had swelling of the udder, slaughter was chosen. Histopathological examination revealed that the tumour was an ovarian sex cord-stromal tumour (SCST) with a Sertoli cell pattern. These findings suggest that plasma AMH, ir-INH and E₂ could be possible biomarkers for bovine ovarian SCST with a Sertoli cell pattern, whereas this case could not be distinguished from GTCTs based on endocrinological profile.

Transrectal guidance of the ovaries reduces operative time during bovine laparoscopic ovariectomy

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of transrectal guidance of the ovaries by an assistant on operative time during bovine laparoscopic ovariectomy. Twenty four clinically healthy Holstein dairy cows were divided randomly into two groups. In the transrectal guidance group, an assistant grasped the ovaries via the transrectal route and pulled them to a position where they could be visualized with a camera. On the other hand, the control group was operated without guidance. The time required to remove both ovaries in the guidance group was shorter than that in the control group (P<0.01). We concluded that laparoscopic ovariectomy with transrectal guidance of the ovaries can substantially shorten operative time, thereby greatly contributing to animal welfare and to reducing the burden on the operator.