[Recurrent vaginitis and cystitis due to a vagina and cervix duplex in a bitch - a case report]

Incomplete merging of the Müllerian ducts may result in vaginal septa or even completely separate vaginal canals. It may also cause cervical malformation. In most cases, there are only rudimentary vaginal septations. Only a few reports describing completely separated vaginal canals (vagina duplex) and a cervix duplex in dogs have been published. This article reports the case of a bitch presented with recurrent vaginitis and cystitis. The symptoms always appeared following the dog's heat. The bitch had been pre-treated by a prior veterinarian as well as in a prior clinic. When presented in the clinic, a vaginal septum was suspected based on digital vaginal examination. Ultrasonographic examination and urinalysis allowed for the diagnosis of bacterial cystitis, which was subsequently treated with antibiotics. The bitch was presented again for vaginal endoscopy, transection of the vaginal septum, and ovariohysterectomy. Both vagina duplex and cervix duplex were diagnosed. Due to the extensive dimensions of the findings, the altered tissue was not resected. No more bacteria were detected in a repeated urine analysis. After spaying, the bitch showed no recurrence of symptoms of cystitis or vaginitis.

In captive rhesus macaques, cervicovaginal inflammation is common but not associated with the stable polymicrobial microbiome

Vaginal inoculation of rhesus macaques (RM) with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) has been used to study the biology of HIV transmission. Although the results of vaginal SIV transmission experiments could be affected by vaginal inflammation, studies to date have been conducted without regard to levels of pre-existing genital inflammation present in RM. We collected cevicovaginal secretions (CVS) from 33–36 RM during the mid menstrual cycle (day 10–20) at 2 time points approximately 8 months apart and characterized the mRNA and protein levels of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and interferon-stimulated genes. There was extreme variability in the levels of inflammatory mediators (IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF, IL-1b, IP-10, MIG, IL-12 and IL-17). In most animals, the mRNA levels of the inflammatory mediators were similar in the 2 CVS samples collected 8 months apart, suggesting that genital inflammation is stable in a subset of captive female RM. At both time points the cervicovaginal microbiota had low levels of Lactobacillus and was relatively diverse with an average of 13 genera in the samples from the first time point (median 13, range 7–21) and an average of 11.5 genera in the samples from the second time point (median 11, range 5–20). Many of the macaques had similar microbiota in the samples collected 8 months apart. However, we found no correlation between specific bacterial genera and the mRNA or protein levels of the inflammatory mediators in the genital tract of RM in this study. It seems likely that results of published vaginal SIV transmission experiments in RM have been influenced by pre-existing inflammation in the animals used for the experiments.

Six novel gammaherpesviruses of Afrotheria provide insight into the early divergence of the Gammaherpesvirinae

The Afrotheria represent an early branching of placental mammals. Only two herpesviruses from Afrotheria have been previously identified, and the genus Proboscivirus in the subfamily Betaherpesvirinae has been proposed for them. Six novel gammaherpesviruses were identified in four species in the superorder Afrotheria by detection and analysis of their DNA polymerase genes. Elephantid herpesvirus 3 (ElHV3) and Elephantid herpesvirus 4 (ElHV4) were identified from conjunctival swabs from Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). ElHV3 was also found in a vaginal swab from one elephant with vaginitis. Elephantid herpesvirus 5 (ElHV5) was identified from vaginal swabs of two Asian elephants with vaginal plaques. Elephantid herpesvirus 6 was discovered in a conjunctival swab from an African elephant (Loxodonta africana). Procavid herpesvirus 1 (PrHV1) was found in spleen and conjunctival swabs of rock hyrax (Procavia capensis). Trichechid herpesvirus 1 (TrHV1) was identified from skin and buffy coats of Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). ElHV3 and ElHV4 form a distinct cluster, and ElHV5, ElHV6, TrHV1, and PrHV1 form a second cluster. These viruses may have codiverged with their host species. Phylogenetic analysis of these novel herpesviruses suggests that two separate groups of gammaherpesviruses may have codiverged with the Afrotheria.

Quantitative detection of Chlamydia psittaci and C. pecorum by high-sensitivity real-time PCR reveals high prevalence of vaginal infection in cattle

Bovine vaginal cytobrush specimens were analyzed for the presence of Chlamydia spp. by a high-sensitivity, high-specificity quantitative PCR. The 53% prevalence of low-level Chlamydia psittaci and C. pecorum genital infection detected in virgin heifers suggests predominantely extragenital transmission of Chlamydia in cattle and conforms to the high seroprevalence of anti-Chlamydia antibodies.

Isolation of Haemophilus somnus from dairy cattle in kwaZulu-Natal. An emerging cause of 'dirty cow syndrome' and infertility?

Haemophilus somnus was consistently isolated from vaginal discharges of dairy cows submitted from field cases of vaginitis, cervicitis and/or metritis in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands during the period July 1995 - December 2000 and from the East Griqualand area in November/December 2000. The purulent vaginal discharges, red granular vaginitis and cervicitis, and pain on palpation described in these cases was very similar to that reported in outbreaks of H.somnus endometritis syndrome in Australia, Europe and North America. In all the herds involved in these outbreaks, natural breeding with bulls was employed. Although there was a good cure rate in clinically-affected animals treated with tetracyclines, culling rates for chronic infertility were unacceptably high. Employment of artificial insemination in these herds improved pregnancy rates in cows that had calved previously, but many cows that had formerly been infected failed to conceive.

Frustrating case presentations in canine theriogenology

The practice of small animal theriogenology is rewarding, but frustrations exist concerning technologic advances as compared with other species. Reproductive clinicians striving to practice good quality medicine readily identify topics of common concern: causes that are not identified or therapeutics that are not available or applicable. Improved collaboration among theriogenologists specializing in small animal practice is evidenced by growing attendance at national and international scientific meetings, increased scientific publications, and internet communications.

Isolation, purification and characterization of the virus responsible for vaginitis, in cows, associated with infertility

A virus isolated from vaginal exudate of cows with vaginitis showed molecular weight around 92 to 143 x 10(3) KD, density between 1.168 and 1.203 g/ml and physical, chemical and morphological properties characteristic of virus belonging to the herpes group. This virus was not reagent with the fluorescent antibodies of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) or Parainfluenza-3 (PI-3) viruses, frequently detected in cows with vaginitis.

[Infectious burdens of reproduction of female dogs]

The results of gynecological investigations in 142 bitches were evaluated and the complexity of infectious affections is discussed. High proportions of infectious cases were found in cases of limitation of fertility (67.5%), in vaginal discharge in the estrus (60.8%), in cases of mastitis/pseudopregnancy (61.5%) and in mortality of newborn puppies. St. aureus and E. coli were often isolated. There is a high etiological correlation in epidemiology of diseases of the reproductive tract in the single bitch and especially in kennel bitches.

Vaginal septa in dogs: 15 cases (1983-1992)

Medical records of 15 dogs with vaginal septa, examined between April 1983 and December 1992, were reviewed. Overall prevalence of vaginal septation at the hospital during the study period was 0.03%. Thirteen breeds were represented; mean age at the time of initial examination was 2.4 years. Owners' original complaints included inability to breed naturally, dysuria, urinary incontinence, infertility, recurrent vaginitis, ambiguous external genitalia, and dystocia. One dog did not have clinical signs associated with the vaginal septum. In 11 of the 15 dogs, the septum could be palpated during digital vaginal examination. The septum could be seen in 6 of the 7 dogs in which vaginoscopy was performed. Twelve of the 15 dogs underwent positive-contrast vaginography; in all 12, the septum could be easily seen. Four of the 15 dogs underwent removal of the septum, with or without episiotomy, and 4 others were ovariohysterectomized. One dog was bred by means of artificial insemination and became pregnant. The remaining 6 dogs were lost to follow-up.

Vaccination against bovine herpes mammillitis virus infections in guinea pigs

Bovine herpes mammillitis virus or bovine herpesvirus type 2 (BHV-2) causes ulcerative lesions on the teats and udders of infected cows. Since no commercial vaccine is available for this disease, we investigated certain experimental BHV-2 vaccines against this virus in infected guinea pigs. Vaginally infected guinea pigs get severe, self-limiting vaginal infections characterized by erythema and swelling and the production of measurable vaginal virus titers. Two vaccine approaches were investigated: vaccination with wild-type (WT) virus by the subcutaneous route, and vaccination either subcutaneously or intravaginally with a thymidine kinase (TK) deficient (TK-) virus. The TK- strain was prepared by passage of BHV-2 in the presence of the potent TK-dependent antiviral agent 1-(2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-methyluracil (FMAU). The antiviral activity of FMAU against the virus in plaque reduction assays changed from 0.05 to 2 microM at the same time that the TK activity of the mutant virus decrease to 7% of WT virus TK activity. Subcutaneous vaccination of guinea pigs with WT and TK- viruses did not induce vaginal infection. Primary vaginal infection (vaccination) with the TK- virus led to greatly reduced lesion severity compared to vaginal infection with the WT virus. However, the amount of vaginal virus titers recovered during these primary infections was similar for both TK- and WT viruses, indicating that both viruses had equal infecting potential. Thirty days after vaccination the animals were re-infected intravaginally with WT virus. The vaccinated animals showed dramatically reduced lesion severity and low recoverable virus titers compared to age-matched nonvaccinated animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aerobic bacteria occurring in the vagina of bitches with reproductive disorders

A retrospective survey was performed of aerobic bacterial species found in the vagina of 203 bitches with genital disorders, e.g. infertility, vaginitis, pyometra and puppy death. Escherichia coli, beta-hemolytic streptococci, Staphylococcus intermedius and Pasteurella multocida were the species most often isolated. From bitches with pyometra E. coli in pure culture was the most frequent isolate. In contrast, the majority of infertile bitches gave rise to mixed cultures, and no specific bacterial species was consistently associated with infertility. Thus, bacterial sampling from infertile bitches was concluded to be of low diagnostic value. Bacterial species isolated from the bitches having vaginitis were present in pure culture in 26.9% of the samples while nonspecific mixed cultures were obtained from 34.6% of the samples from these bitches. E. coli was the most frequently isolated bacterial species from bitches with dead puppies. However, in such cases it is important to relate the vaginal bacterial findings to autopsy findings and the results of bacteriological cultures of the pups.

Thrombocytopenia associated with administration of trimethoprim/sulfadiazine in a dog

A diagnosis of trimethoprim/sulfadiazine-induced, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia in a dog was made, using a novel in vitro assay for thrombolytic activity. The assay quantifies thrombolytic activity by measuring the amount of platelet fragments in normal canine platelets before and after incubation with plasma from the thrombocytopenic dog. This report confirms previous reports of the development of thrombocytopenia after administration of trimethoprim/sulfadiazine, and describes a new assay that, after further validation, may be useful in the diagnosis of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia when an adequate sample of platelets cannot be obtained for quantification of platelet-associated IgG.

Significance of the vaginal bacterial flora in the bitch: a review

The literature on the bacterial flora in the vagina of the bitch is reviewed. The bacterial flora in the vagina of healthy bitches is compared with the flora of infertile bitches and bitches with vaginitis, and the role of Brucella canis as a cause of infertility is evaluated. Several investigators have recommended that bitches with reproductive disorders be treated with antibacterial drugs, but there is very little knowledge of the effect of this therapy on the bacterial flora in the vagina.

Normal vaginal aerobic and anaerobic bacterial flora of the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)

The most common bacterial species isolated from the vaginas of 37 healthy rhesus macaques were Streptococcus viridans, coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Mobiluncus curtisii ss. curtisii, Corynebacterium renale-like organisms, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Gardnerella-like organisms, and other Corynebacterium species. The vaginal flora of the rhesus macaque differs from that previously reported for five other primate species. A two-year retrospective review of clinical cases of vaginitis and metritis found Escherichia coli and coagulase positive Staphylococci to be the most common pathogens isolated.

Diagnosis and treatment of chronic vaginitis in the bitch

The diagnosis of chronic vaginitis is made primarily on the basis of the historical and physical finding of a persistent, nonhemorrhagic vulvar discharge. Licking the vulva and pollakiuria are present in some (10%) bitches with vaginitis. The diagnosis can be confirmed with vaginal cytology and vaginoscopy. Treatment for vaginitis in bitches younger than 1 year of age is justifiably conservative, because the majority of such bitches (90%) recover with or without treatment. Chronic vaginitis in bitches older than 1 year of age most often is associated with identifiable abnormalities of the genitalia (35%) or urinary tract (26%). Resolution of the vaginitis is directly related to the resolution of the other abnormalities.

Apparent zearalenone intoxication in a dairy herd from feeding spoiled acid-treated corn

High-moisture corn was treated with a propionic acid preservative and stored in a 40,000 bushel steel bin. This corn heated and spoiled in storage and subsequently was retreated with the preservative. The out-of-condition corn was used as an ingredient in the ration for a dairy herd of cows and replacement heifers. The finished feed was cultured for fungi and assayed for mycotoxins. Results were 750,000 Fusarium spp colonies/g of feed, and 1.5 mg zearaleonone and 1.0 mg deoxynivalenol/kg of feed. Frequent episodes of behavioral estrus of 2 to 5 d duration, that were not synchronized with the ovarian cycle, were observed. Cows in the second and third trimester of pregnancy also has episodes of behavioral estrus. Idiopathic vaginitis was diagnosed. Mammary development occurred in the prepubertal heifers. Cows bred in true estrus were found in true estrus 35 to 55 d later. All of the heifers with precocious mammary development were subsequently culled from the herd because of sterility.

Vaginal disorders

Chronic vaginitis is the most common vaginal disorder. Dogs with vaginitis show no signs of systemic illness but often lick at the vulva and have purulent or hemorrhagic vaginal discharges. Vaginitis is most commonly secondary to a noninfectious inciting factor such as congenital vaginal anomalies, clitoral hypertrophy, foreign bodies, trauma to the vaginal mucosa, or vaginal tumors. Inspection of the caudal vagina and vestibule both visually and digitally will often reveal the source of vaginal irritation. Vaginal cytology is used to establish the stage of the estrous cycle as well as distinguish uterine from vaginal sources of discharge. Vaginal cultures are used to establish the predominant offending organism associated with vaginal discharges and may be used as a guide for selection of a therapeutic agent. Vaginitis is best managed by removing the inciting cause and treating the area locally with antiseptic douches. Congenital malformations at the vestibulovaginal or vestibulovulvar junction may prevent normal intromission. Affected bitches may be reluctant to breed naturally because of pain. Such defects are detected best by digital examination. Congenital vaginal defects may be corrected by digital or surgical means. Prolapse of tissue through the lips of the vulva may be caused by clitoral hypertrophy, vaginal hyperplasia, or vaginal tumors. Enlargement of clitoral tissue is the result of endogenous or exogenous sources of androgens. Treatment of this condition includes removal of the androgen source and/or surgical removal of clitoral tissue. Vaginal hyperplasia is detected during proestrus or estrus of young bitches. Hyperplastic tissue will regress during diestrus. Tissue that is excessively traumatized and/or prolapse of the entire vaginal circumference may be removed surgically. Ovariohysterectomy may be used to prevent recurrence. Vaginal tumors are detected most often in older intact bitches. Such tumors are generally of smooth muscle or fibrous tissue origin and benign. Surgical excision of the tumor combined with ovariohysterectomy is usually curative.

A study of a herpesvirus isolated from dairy cattle with a history of reproductive disorders

Three strains of herpesvirus were recovered from cows with vulvovaginitis. The three isolates (85/BH 16TV, 85/BH 17TV, 85/BH 18TV), when compared by cross serum neutralization (SN) tests, were found to be antigenically identical. They were serologically distinct from infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus and Bovid herpesvirus 2 (BHV2), while they cross reacted with bovine herpesvirus DN-599. Besides the serologic aspects, the three isolates appeared to share common biological, physical and morphological properties with the newly recognized bovine herpesviruses, of which DN-599 is a representative strain.

Studies on bovine herpesviruses. Part 1. Isolation and characterization of viruses isolated from the genital tract of cattle

Herpesviruses, previously isolated from cattle (Theodoridis, 1978), were further studied and provisionally placed in the bovid herpesvirus 4 (BHV-4) group. Major differences were found between IBR-IPV (BHV-1) and BHV-4 virus strains. In MDBK cells, all BHV-4 strains started growing at the edges of the culture, the process progressing slowly until destruction of the cells was complete by the 10th day. BHV-4 strains failed to induce neutralizing antibodies in cattle, goats and rabbits. Only the addition of mineral oil adjuvant induced neutralizing and complement fixing antibodies in goats. BHV-1 strains, in contrast, produced very potent antisera in all these systems. Cross-neutralization tests indicated the existence of 2 distinct serological groups representing BHV-1 and BHV-4. The BHV-4 strains appear to be interrelated and they could not be grouped. A BHV-1 strain showed fixation of complement with the antisera of 6 BHV-4 strains. Electron micrographs showed an accumulation of nucleocapsids in the cytoplasm and an early release of virus particles due to cell destruction. Variation in incubation temperature had a significant effect on the particle formation. At lower temperatures, the number of enveloped particles in the cytoplasm increased. On the basis of the characteristics uncovered in this study, it is possible that all the BHV-4 strains represent one and the same virus which has undergone certain biological changes, thus illustrating a phenomenon which appears to be a characteristic of the herpesviruses.

Lesions of contagious equine metritis in mares

Twenty-three mares were infected with contagious equine metritis organism by intrauterine inoculation, and necropsied after intervals of two to 116 days. Severe diffuse subacute salpingitis was seen in one mare, and mild multifocal subacute salpingitis was common. Severe diffuse endometritis and cervicitis initially were acute and became more severe, subacute and predominantly plasmacytic by 14 days, then declined but persisted as mild diffuse or multifocal inflammation for the rest of the experimental period. Vaginitis arose in parallel but resolved after 70 days. There were no lesions in the clitoral fossa or clitoral sinus.

Pathology of the female reproductive tract in the koala, Phascolarctos cinereus (Goldfuss), from Victoria, Australia

Lesions occurred in the female genital tract of 10 of 16 (63%) koalas, Phascolarctos cinereus, examined in Victoria. Inflammation of the uterine horns was seen in all 10 affected koalas; six of these had vaginitis and eight also had salpingitis. Cystic dilation of the ovarian bursa, occasionally with hydrosalpinx, was seen in six koalas with concurrent inflammatory lesions of the lower tract. Cystic lesions were considered to have developed as chronic sequelae to previous inflammation in the ovarian bursa. Lesions were not found in the ovaries. Lesions in the urinary tract lesions were noted in four koalas with genital tract pathology. The significance of these findings in relation to the reproductive success of the koala population on Phillip Island is discussed.

The genital Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma flora of healthy and diseased dogs

The genital mycoplasma and ureaplasma flora was compared in 136 dogs with varied reproductive histories. Mycoplasmas were recovered from 88% of vulvovaginal swabs, 85% preputial swabs and 72% semen samples. Isolation rates were slightly higher from dogs that were infertile or had evidence of genital disease but the differences from those that were fertile or clinically normal were statistically significant only in the male. Ureaplasmas were recovered from half the females sampled. Higher, but not statistically significant isolation rates (75%) were made from infertile females with purulent vulvar discharge versus those that were clinically normal and fertile (40%). In the male dog there was a significantly higher incidence of ureaplasmas in the prepuce of infertile animals (69%) than those that were fertile (0%) (p less than or equal to 0.05). Semen isolations although not significantly higher in infertile males, were all made from ejaculates, with subnormal motility, low sperm counts and/or a high percentage of midpiece and tail abnormalities (bent or tightly coiled).

Contagious equine metritis: effect of intrauterine inoculation of contagious equine metritis agent in pony mares

Actively growing culture of contagious equine metritis (CEM) bacteria or infective exudate (or both) were inoculated intrauterine in pony mares. A direct relationship was observed between (i) appearance and duration of cervicitis and vaginitis and (ii) vaginal exudate. Clinical signs appeared 1 to 3 days after mares were inoculated and lasted 7 to 23 days. In the acute phase of infection, all uterine and cervical samples yielded CEM bacteria. In the asymptomatic stage of infection, CEM bacteria were not isolated from uterine and cervical samples; however, in 33%, 28%, and 20% of the pony mares, CEM bacteria were present in clitoral fossa, clitoral sinus, and urethral vestibule, respectively, Sampling during early estrus increased the bacterial isolation rate to 57% in mares that were previously negative; however, 3 days later, CEM bacteria could not be isolated from 62% of the positive mares. The results of repeated exposure experiments indicated the presence of local antibodies, as no CEM bacteria could be recovered at 2, 7, and 15 days after reexposure with a small number of bacterial cells (8.4 x 10(5) cells). The CEM bacteria were isolated from all mares reexposed with a large number of bacterial cells (7.2 x 10(8)) at 2 days after second inoculation and from 50% at 7 days. However, all of the mares were negative by day 15 after reexposure, indicating increased resistance to CEM bacteria.

The irritancy of chlorhexidine gluconate in the genital tract of the mare

Uterine irrigation was carried out in eight Welsh pony mares using 50 ml of chlorhexidine gluconate solution diluted to give active ingredient concentrations of 0.25 per cent to 2 per cent. Treatment was repeated up to twice in mares showing no adverse effects and irritancy of treatment judged on clinical symptoms and uterine biopsy. Results indicated the inadvisability of using a higher concentration than 0.25 per cent. Three daily applications of a diluted surgical scub solution containing 2 per cent chlorhexidine gluconate to the penis of an arab stallion failed to produce symptoms or irritation. An in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration test performed with the contagious equine metritis organism confirmed its high sensitivity to both chlorhexidine gluconate preparations.

Factors influencing the fertility of a cattle population

The many factors which may influence the fertility of a cattle population are reviewed. The following subjects are discussed: the bull, the method of insemination, the cow, the conditions of herd management and chance. Particular attention is paid to factors related to the conditions of herd management. These are the climate, the season, the size of the herd, the housing system, the choice of a bull, hygiene at the time of calving, the interval between parturition and the first insemination, detection of oestrus, the time of insemination during oestrus, nutrition, selection and the culling of cows. In the discussion, the effect which the various factors may have on fertility is illustrated by a case in point.

Preliminary characterization of viruses isolated from cases of epididymitis and vaginitis in cattle

Twelve slow-growing virus isolates propagated in tissue culture from cattle with epididymitis and vaginitis were identified as herpes viruses by virtue of their biological, physicochemical and morphological characteristics. None of the 12 virus strains proved to be serologically related to the infectious pustular vulvo-vaginitis-infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IPV-IBR) virus, but a further 3 strains included in this study were identical with IPV-IBR virus. Three of the slow-growing virus strains caused a mild anterior vaginitis when deposited in the vagina of heifers. A pool of 10 slow-growing viruses plus a strain of IPV-IBR virus produced anterior and posterior vaginitis in a heifer. the results are discussed in the light of the original description of vaginitis in the "epivag" syndrome.

Gynecologic pathology in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta). II. Findings in laboratory and free-ranging monkeys

The most prevalent findings in reproductive tracts of 38 laboratory and 17 free-ranging Rhesus female monkeys were vaginitis, cervicitis, metritis, pelvic endometriosis and uterine adenomyosis. Several monkeys had cervical dysplasia and one had a serous cystadenoma. The findings in the two groups were similar although prevalence for several diseases differed. There was a significant relationship between the occurrence of vaginitis, metritis, adenomyosis and endometriosis and gravidity, time since last pregnancy, number of matings, hysterotomies, reproductive ability and reproductive status.

[Vaginitis in the bitch (author's transl)]

During a period of two and a half years (2 1/2), sixty-two patients wre submitted to the Department of Veterinary Obstetrics and Gynaecology, where a diagnosis of vaginitis was established. These patients often were young large dogs. Most of the females showed a vaginal discharge, although some bitches were only very attrative to males. There were no complaints concerning the general physical condition of the patients. On clinical examination, the vulva was found to be swollen. Exudation was also frequently observed, externally (vaginoscopy). Ninety per cent of the patients showed normal haemograms. On bacteriological examination, streptococci, E. coli and pasteurellae were often isolated. As a rule the bitches were treated locally (deeply intravaginal), the choice of the drug depending on the results of bacteriological examination. Another bacteriological examination was made after treatment. An inquiry was made into the results of treatment in these sixty-two dogs, wherever possible. On the other hand, the prognosis in those bitches in which bacteriological examination is negative at the time of discharge from the department is likely to be better than it is in those in which bacteriological examination is still positive at that time. The extent to which vaginitis may influence fertility is not known at the time of writing. The differential diagnosis of vaginitis and endometritis may present difficulties.

The "herd approach" to bovine reproductive disorders. Part I: The diagnosis and management of infectious infertility

The authors describe the methods employed by the Artificial Insemination Section of the Division of Veterinary Services in collaboration with the Reproduction and Bacteriology Section of the Veterinary Research Institute, Onderstepoort when herds are examined for infertility. A "herd" rather than an "individual animal" approach is advocated and certain infectious causes of infertility are discussed.

Transmission and attempted isolation of the etiologic agent associated with lymphofollicular hyperplasia of the canine species

From 18 donor dogs of different breeds and ages, follicular lesions of the third eyelid (plica senilunaris conjunctiva) and genitalia were surgically removed, trypsinized, and inoculated on monolayers of HeLa, rabbit kidney, and canine kidney cell cultures. Blind passages of the lesion material were made every 96 hours for 10 to 15 cell culture passages. Cellular suspensions prepared from the lesions were grown in test tubes and passaged 3 times at 10-day intervals between passages. All cultures were observed each day for cytopathic effect. Transmission studies were made by (1) inoculating normal pups with cellular suspensions of the lesions from an infected dog and an infected pup, (2) placing normal pups in contact with infected ones for contact transmission, and (3) inoculating normal animals with cell suspensions prepared from inoculated monolayers. Cytopathic changes were not seen in any of the cell culture monolayers. All transmission attempts were successful, in that characteristic lesions comparable in appearance to those seen in natural infections were produced in susceptible pups. The lesion material from an infected pup was found to be infective for a normal pup after 6 passages in tissue culture (primary rabbit kidney cells) despite absence of cytopathic effect.

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis-infectious pustular vulvovaginitis viral isolates from cattle with epididymitis and vaginitis

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis-infectious pustular vulvovaginitis (IBR-IPV) viral isolates were obtained from cattle affected with epididymitis-vaginitis. Isolation of virus from the diseased animals indicated that the genital form of IBR-IPV virus infection exists in Kenya and that epididymitis-vaginitis may be associated with IBR-IPV virus. Serums prepared from cattle having the genital form of the disease did not always have detectable antibody titers.