Pathomorphological lesions in the ovaries of water buffaloes

Background: Buffalo breeding is common in many countries. Buffalo's milk is used in the production of mozzarella, yoghurt, ice cream, and various dairy desserts; meat is preferred in sausage production. The female buffaloes are bred to benefit from their milk and to obtain offspring. These animals, which are not suitable for feeding in barns, generally live in pastures, especially on wet land, and are very difficult to follow. Therefore, diseases occur randomly in slaughterhouses. Studies on genital system problems are very limited. Water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) are animals with economic value as many buffalo products are provided. In this respect, inspection and control of female genital disorders is fundamental to ensure good reproductive performance of female buffaloes. The aim of the study was to investigate pathomorphological lesions occurring in the ovaries of water buffaloes which were sent to slaughterhouses. Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 198 ovaries of water buffaloes were collected from various slaughterhouses located in Adapazari, Istanbul, Kocaeli, Samsun and Trabzon cities of Turkey. After macroscopic examination; tissue samples were fixed in 10 % buffered formalin, processed routinely and were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). As a histochemical staining, Masson's trichrome staining was applied to characterize the lesions. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on 10 % neutral formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded, 4-6-µm-thick sections from ovaries using progesterone receptor (PR) with streptavidin-biotin complex peroxidase (StrepABC-P) method. Histopathologically, follicular cysts (n:147) and luteal cysts (n:22) were seen. While the cyst lumens were sometimes surrounded by granulosa and/or luteal cells, most of them were limited by the connective tissue capsule structure. This capsule structure was shown in blue by Masson's trichrome staining. Hemorrhage was observed in some cystic corpus luteum, diagnosed as corpus hemorrhagicum. In addition, cysts giving papillary extension into the lumen and inflammation of some ovaries were observed. Immunohistochemically, the staining with PR antibody in ovarian cysts showed no immunolabelling around the follicular cyst, while the nuclei of some of the luteal cells forming the luteal cyst had strongly nuclear positivity and slightly cytoplasmic positivity. In the biochemical examination of the fluids obtained from cystic ovaries (n: 37), the average of estradiol was 2.84 ng/mL (min: 0.01 ng/mL, max: 4.30 ng/mL) and progesterone average is 49.09 ng/mL (min: 1.88 ng/mL, max: 254.2 ng/mL). Discussion: Ovarian cysts in buffaloes seem to be among the serious fertility problems as in cattle. Although the exact cause of ovarian cyts has not been determined yet, it is known that the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is disrupted in cyst formation in general. In this study, the mean estradiol value was within the standard range but close to the lower limit; progesterone value was above the limit. The increase in progesterone level was compatible with the pathogenesis of cyst genesis. Beside this result, staining with PR was positive in the luteal cells that formed the luteal cyst immunohistochemically. In addition, although the hemorrhages observed in the corpus luteum are considered physiological, it should not be forgotten that they can be vital if they rupture. All these results show us the animals sent for slaughtering mostly have serious genital problems threatening their fertility.

Ovarian responses and FSH profiles at superovulation with a single epidural administration of gonadotropin in the Thai-Holstein crossbreed

Abstract The conventional method of ovarian superstimulation requires multiple injections of gonadotropins which is time-consuming and may be stressful for the cows. This study was designed to determine whether a single epidural injection of FSH (EI group) would induce the superovulatory response in the Thai-Holstein crossbreed and evaluate FSH plasma hormone concentrations. Eight cows (replication = 3; n=24) were assigned to one of 2 treatments in switch back design. Control group (n=12): cows were received 400 mg FSH twice daily by intramuscularly for 4 days (80, 80, 60, 60, 40, 40, 20 and 20 mg), EI group (n=12): cows were received 400 mg FSH by single epidural injection. Data were collected in term of ovarian follicle responses, superovulatory responses, ova/embryo collection. FSH concentrations were examined using ELISA. The total follicular responses during oestrus were not different between treatments; however, the large follicles were less frequent (P < 0.01) while the medium follicle sizes were higher (P < 0.05) in the EI group. The plasma concentration of FSH in EI was dramatically increased within 2 hours before decreasing sharply thereafter (P < 0.01) and did not remain above baseline after 10 hours of administration. The embryo quality was better in the control than the EI groups (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the number of ovulation cysts in the EI group was 50%. The ovarian responses and embryo quality in the cows with cysts were worse compared with the non-cyst groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, alternative protocols decreased the superovulatory response and increased poor embryo quality in Thai-Holstein crossbred. Also, the incidence of ovarian follicular cysts is higher in the EI group.

Ovarian responses and FSH profiles at superovulation with a single epidural administration of gonadotropin in the Thai-Holstein crossbreed

The conventional method of ovarian superstimulation requires multiple injections of gonadotropins which is time-consuming and may be stressful for the cows. This study was designed to determine whether a single epidural injection of FSH (EI group) would induce the superovulatory response in the Thai-Holstein crossbreed and evaluate FSH plasma hormone concentrations. Eight cows (replication = 3; n=24) were assigned to one of 2 treatments in switch back design. Control group (n=12): cows were received 400 mg FSH twice daily by intramuscularly for 4 days (80, 80, 60, 60, 40, 40, 20 and 20 mg), EI group (n=12): cows were received 400 mg FSH by single epidural injection. Data were collected in term of ovarian follicle responses, superovulatory responses, ova/embryo collection. FSH concentrations were examined using ELISA. The total follicular responses during oestrus were not different between treatments; however, the large follicles were less frequent (P < 0.01) while the medium follicle sizes were higher (P < 0.05) in the EI group. The plasma concentration of FSH in EI was dramatically increased within 2 hours before decreasing sharply thereafter (P < 0.01) and did not remain above baseline after 10 hours of administration. The embryo quality was better in the control than the EI groups (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the number of ovulation cysts in the EI group was 50%. The ovarian responses and embryo quality in the cows with cysts were worse compared with the non-cyst groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, alternative protocols decreased the superovulatory response and increased poor embryo quality in Thai-Holstein crossbred. Also, the incidence of ovarian follicular cysts is higher in the EI group.(AU)

The effects of separate and combined use of PGF2α and GnRH hormones and the addition of beta-carotene on fertility parameters in dairy cows with ovarian cysts

Background: Ovarian cysts are commonly observed pathologies, which interfere with normal cyclic activity and adversely affect fertility in cows. Beta-carotene is effective in the reduction of reproductive problems by inducing the natural defence mechanisms of the body. There are several methods that can be used for the treatment of ovarian cysts. The separate and combined use of GnRH and PGF2α commonly uses in the treatment of ovarian cysts. Therefore, in the presented study the effects of Beta-carotene (βC) addition for the treatment of ovarian cysts either with GnRH solely or GnRH and PGF2α in combination on the fertility parameters of dairy cows were investigated.Materials, Methods & Results: Seventy-six Holstein Friesian cows having ovarian cysts diagnosed by ultrasonography (USG) were divided into three groups. Cows in Group I (GI, n = 27), were injected with GnRH (Buserelin acetate, 5 mL, im), PGF2α (Tiaprost-trometamol, 5 mL, im) and βC (20 mL/cow, into 4 regions by im route). In Group II (GII, n = 25) GnRH (Buserelin acetate, 5 mL, im) and PGF2α (Tiaprost-trometamol, 5mL, im) were administrated while GnRH (Buserelin acetate, 5 mL, im) solely in Group III (GIII, n = 24). Cysts were monitored via USG, and blood samples were collected on the on day of treatment (day 0) and on the 7th and 14th days following the administrations. Cows shoving oestrous were inseminated and pregnancy diagnoses were performed on the 40th day following insemination. Treatment results showed that there were statistically no significant differences between GI and GII (P > 0.05). Only numerical difference obtained in time from therapy to pregnancy and overall pregnancy index (P > 0.05). Overall pregnancy rate (85 %), first service pregnancy rates (40 %) and overall pregnancy index (2.11) in GI were found significantly higher than GIII (53.3 %; 20 %; 4.12) [P 0.05).[...]

The effects of separate and combined use of PGF2α and GnRH hormones and the addition of beta-carotene on fertility parameters in dairy cows with ovarian cysts

Background: Ovarian cysts are commonly observed pathologies, which interfere with normal cyclic activity and adversely affect fertility in cows. Beta-carotene is effective in the reduction of reproductive problems by inducing the natural defence mechanisms of the body. There are several methods that can be used for the treatment of ovarian cysts. The separate and combined use of GnRH and PGF2α commonly uses in the treatment of ovarian cysts. Therefore, in the presented study the effects of Beta-carotene (βC) addition for the treatment of ovarian cysts either with GnRH solely or GnRH and PGF2α in combination on the fertility parameters of dairy cows were investigated.Materials, Methods & Results: Seventy-six Holstein Friesian cows having ovarian cysts diagnosed by ultrasonography (USG) were divided into three groups. Cows in Group I (GI, n = 27), were injected with GnRH (Buserelin acetate, 5 mL, im), PGF2α (Tiaprost-trometamol, 5 mL, im) and βC (20 mL/cow, into 4 regions by im route). In Group II (GII, n = 25) GnRH (Buserelin acetate, 5 mL, im) and PGF2α (Tiaprost-trometamol, 5mL, im) were administrated while GnRH (Buserelin acetate, 5 mL, im) solely in Group III (GIII, n = 24). Cysts were monitored via USG, and blood samples were collected on the on day of treatment (day 0) and on the 7th and 14th days following the administrations. Cows shoving oestrous were inseminated and pregnancy diagnoses were performed on the 40th day following insemination. Treatment results showed that there were statistically no significant differences between GI and GII (P > 0.05). Only numerical difference obtained in time from therapy to pregnancy and overall pregnancy index (P > 0.05). Overall pregnancy rate (85 %), first service pregnancy rates (40 %) and overall pregnancy index (2.11) in GI were found significantly higher than GIII (53.3 %; 20 %; 4.12) [P < 0.05]. No significant difference was observed in progesterone (P4) levels between the groups (P > 0.05).[...](AU)

Cytoskeletal proteins in the follicular wall of normal and cystic ovaries of sows / Proteínas do citoesqueleto na parede folicular de ovários normais e císticos de porcas matrizes

The expression of cytoskeletal proteins was evaluated immunohistochemically in 36 normal ovaries sampled from 18 sows and 44 cystic ovaries sampled from of 22 sows, was evaluated. All sows had history of reproductive problems, such as infertility or subfertility. The immunohistochemically stained area (IHCSA) was quantified through image analysis to evaluate the expression of these proteins in the follicular wall of secondary, tertiary, and cystic follicles. Cytokeratins (CK) immunoreactivity was strong in the granulosa cell layer (GC) and mild in the theca interna (TI) and externa (TE) of the normal follicles. There was severe reduction of the reaction to CK in the GC in the cystic follicles, mainly in the luteinized cysts. The immunoreactivity for vimentin was higher in the GC from normal and cystic follicles in contrast with the other follicular structures. In the luteinized cysts, the IHCSA for vimentin was significantly higher in TI and in both observed cysts, the labeling was more accentuated in TE. Immunohistochemical detection of desmin and -SMA was restricted to the TE, without differences between the normal and cystic follicles. The results of the current study show that the development of ovarian cysts in sows is associated to changes in the expression of the cytoskeletal proteins CK and vimentin.(AU)

A expressão de proteínas do citoesqueleto foi avaliada por imuno-histoquímica em ovários normais e císticos de porcas matrizes. Amostras de 36 ovários normais (18 porcas) e de 44 císticos (22 porcas) foram avaliadas. Todas as matrizes apresentaram histórico de problemas reprodutivos, como infertilidade ou subfertilidade. As áreas coradas por imuno-histoquímica (IHCSA) foram quantificadas por avaliação de imagens avaliando a expressão dessas proteínas na parede folicular de folículos secundários, terciários e císticos. A imuno-reatividade para citoqueratina (CK) foi forte na camada de células da granulosa (GC) e discreta nas tecas interna (TI) e externa (TE) dos folículos normais. Houve redução acentuada da reação de CK na CG dos folículos císticos, principalmente nos cistos luteinizados. A reação para vimentina foi mais intensa na CG dos folículos normais e císticos em comparação com outras estruturas foliculares. Nos cistos luteinizados, a IHCSA para vimentina foi significativamente maior na TI e, em ambos os cistos observados, a marcação foi mais acentuada na TE. A marcação de desmina e actina alfa de músculo liso foi restrita a TE, sem diferenças entre os folículos normais e císticos. Os resultados do presente estudo mostram que o desenvolvimento de cistos ovarianos em porcas matrizes está associado a alterações na expressão das proteínas do citoesqueleto CK e vimentina.(AU)

Cisto ovariano em vacas de leite: incidência, resposta à aplicação de GnRH e desempenho reprodutivo / Ovarian cysts in lactating dairy cows: incidence, response to GnRH, and reproductive performance

A incidência de cistos ovarianos, a resposta ao tratamento com GnRH e os efeitos da ocorrência de cisto no desempenho reprodutivo e na taxa de descarte foram determinados em vacas lactantes da raça Holandesa. Vacas lactantes (n=333) foram avaliadas semanalmente por ultrassonografia a partir da quarta semana pós-parto, visando à detecção de corpos lúteos (CL) e de folículos ovarianos maiores que 10mm. Na sétima semana pós-parto, as vacas foram classificadas: em ciclando (n=248; presença de CL em um dos exames ultrassonográficos); em anestro (n=54; ausência de CL e de folículos >25mm) e com cisto (n=31; ausência de CL e presença de estruturas >25mm), quando foram distribuídas em: grupo-controle (n=16; sem tratamento) e grupo-tratamento (n=15; vacas que receberam uma aplicação de GnRH). A taxa de cura foi de 60,0 por cento no grupo das vacas tratadas e de 87,5 por cento no grupo-controle. As vacas com cistos apresentaram maior intervalo parto-primeira inseminação artificial (P<0,05; 91,4±8,3 vs. 77,8±2,5), maior número de serviços por concepção (P<0,05; 4,4±1,2 vs. 3,6±1,5), maior intervalo parto-concepção (P<0,05; 214,8±25,9 vs. 174,9±7,7) e maior taxa de descarte (P<0,05; 41,2 vs. 21,8 por cento) do que as vacas ciclando. Vacas diagnosticadas com cisto na sétima semana pós-parto apresentaram recuperação espontânea, embora o intervalo parto-concepção e a taxa de descarte tenham sido maiores para essas vacas.(AU)

The incidence of ovarian cysts, response to GnRH treatment, and effects on reproductive performance and culling rate of Holstein cows were determined. Ovaries of lactating cows (n=333), were weekly monitored by ultrasound, beginning at fourth week postpartum, to determine the presence of corpus luteum (CL) and follicles greater than 10mm. In the seventh week the cows were classified as cycling (n=248; presence of corpus luteum (CL) in one of the ultrasound evaluations); anovulatory (n=54; absence of CL and follicles less than 25mm), and cystic (n=31; absence of CL and presence of structures greater than 25mm). The cysts cows were distributed in two groups in the seventh week: control group (n=16; without treatment) and treatment group (n=15; cows received one GnRH injection). The recovery rate was 60.0 percent in treated cows and 87.5 percent in control cows. The cystic cows had longer average interval from parturition to first AI (P<0.05; 91.4±8.3 vs. 77.8±2.5), higher number of services per conception (P<0.05; 4.4±1.2 vs. 3.6±1.5), longer interval parturition to conception (P<0.05; 214.8± 25.9 vs. 174.9±7.7), and higher percentage of culled cows (P<0.05; 41.2 percent vs. 21.8 percent), than cycling cows. Cystic cows without treatment had the same recovery rate as cows treated with GnRH. Cystic cows had longer intervals from parturition to conception, and higher culling rate.(AU)

Ovarian cysts in a bitch / Cistos ovarianos em uma cadela

A case report of ovarian and paraovarian cysts in a 9 year old female German Shepherd dog. A purulent vaginal discharge was observed, and suspected to be pyometra. The cysts were lound during the ovariohysterectomy.  

RESUMO Relato de um caso de cistos ovarianos e paraovarianos em cadeia da raça Pastor Alemão, com 9 anos de idade. O animal apresentava corrimento vaginal purulento que levou à suspeita de piometra e, sondo indicada a ovariohisterectomia, por ocasião do ato cirúrgico foram encontrados os cistos.    

Ovarian cysts, rectal palpation and ultra-rectal ultra- sonography diagnosis in sows: literature review and two clinical report studies / Diagnóstico de cistos ovarianos pela palpação de ultra-sonografia transretal em fêmeas suínas: relato de dois casos clínicos

Physiopathology and semiology concepts were reviewed and two clinical reports, one of them not showing symptoms, were described for the USP swine herd at Pirassununga, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Ovarian cysts in both ovaries were detected by rectal palpation in the sow showing infertility, irregular heat, vulva and clitoris edema. Ovarian cysts in the left ovary were noticeable through rectal palpation in the sow that showed no symptoms. Ovarian cysts visualization and characterization size and degree of lutheinization was possible using ultra-sonography. Post-mortem macro evaluation of the lesion confirmed these observations.

Foram abordados alguns conceitos sobre a fisiopatologia e a semiologia de cistos ovarianos em fêmeas suínas, descrevendo-se dois casos clínicos, um sintomático e outro assintomático. No caso sintomático, observou-se infertilidade, cios irregulares, edema de vulva e clitóris aumentado de volume. À palpação retal, constataram-se cistos em ambos os ovários da fêmea com sintomas e um cisto no ovário esquerdo da assintomática. A ultra-sonografia possibilitou visualizar, assim como avaliar com precisão o grau de luteinização e o tamanho dos cistos. A necrópsia confirmou os achados da palpação e ultra-sonografia transretal.