Metodologias ativas no ensino de Teriogenologia de Animais de Companhia / Active methodologies for teaching Theriogenology in Small Animals

A tendência em aprendizado baseado em evidências tem proporcionado o desenvolvimento de métodos alternativos de ensino, onde os discentes de posse de conhecimentos básicos são conduzidos ao aprendizado da disciplina. Dessa forma, é possível observar evolução no aprendizado prático, crescimento teórico na área e mais segurança na execução dos procedimentos. Por meio de modelos confeccionados em diferentes materiais, como garrafas pet, modelos em silicone, em bexigas, os estudantes podem praticar técnicas sem que haja o estresse de um erro colocar a vida do animal em risco, proporcionando um aprendizado mais prazeroso, e segurança para realizar os procedimentos nos animais.(AU)

The trend towards evidence-based learning has led to the development of alternative teaching methods, where students with basic knowledge are led to learn the subject. In this way, it is possible to observe evolution in practical learning, theoretical growth in the area and more security in the execution of procedures. Through models made of different materials, such as plastics bottles, silicone models, students can practice techniques without the stress of a mistake putting the animal's life at risk, providing a more pleasant learning experience and safety to perform procedures on animals.(AU)

Ultrasonographic aspects of the uterus and ovaries of bitches during the estrous cycle paper review / Aspectos ultrassonográficos do útero e ovários de cadelas durante o ciclo estral revisão de literatura

The ultrasonographic exam is of great value in animal reproduction and veterinary obstetrics, because it allows gestational diagnosis and monitoring, as well as the evaluation of the female reproductive system, providing diagnosis of the reproductive state and estrous phase of females. One of the techniques that has been employed in the field of theriogenology is the Doppler Mode, which allows qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the hemodynamics of reproductive organs. Several studies were carried out in attempt to elucidate the ultrasonographic aspect of the uterus and ovaries of bitches during the different phases of the estrous cycle in B mode and Doppler mode. The objective of the present study is to review the information present in the literature regarding the sonographic changes of the reproductive organs of bitches during the different hormonal phases.(AU)

O exame ultrassonográfico tem grande importância na reprodução animal e obstetrícia veterinária, pois permite o diagnóstico e acompanhamento gestacional, bem como a avaliação do sistema reprodutor, proporcionando o diagnóstico do status reprodutivo e fase do ciclo estral. Uma das técnicas ultrassonográficas que vêm sendo empregadas no ramo da teriogenologia é o modo Doppler, que permite avaliações qualitativas e quantitativas da hemodinâmica dos órgãos da reprodução. Diversos estudos foram realizados na tentativa de elucidar o aspecto ultrassonográfico do útero e dos ovários das cadelas durante as diferentes fases do ciclo estral ao modo-B e ao modo Doppler. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo revisar as informações presentes na literatura a respeito das mudanças ultrassonográficas dos órgãos reprodutores da cadela durante as diferentes fases hormonais.(AU)

Ultrasonographic aspects of the uterus and ovaries of bitches during the estrous cycle – paper review / Aspectos ultrassonográficos do útero e ovários de cadelas durante o ciclo estral – revisão de literatura

The ultrasonographic exam is of great value in animal reproduction and veterinary obstetrics, because it allows gestational diagnosis and monitoring, as well as the evaluation of the female reproductive system, providing diagnosis of the reproductive state and estrous phase of females. One of the techniques that has been employed in the field of theriogenology is the Doppler Mode, which allows qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the hemodynamics of reproductive organs. Several studies were carried out in attempt to elucidate the ultrasonographic aspect of the uterus and ovaries of bitches during the different phases of the estrous cycle in B mode and Doppler mode. The objective of the present study is to review the information present in the literature regarding the sonographic changes of the reproductive organs of bitches during the different hormonal phases.

O exame ultrassonográfico tem grande importância na reprodução animal e obstetrícia veterinária, pois permite o diagnóstico e acompanhamento gestacional, bem como a avaliação do sistema reprodutor, proporcionando o diagnóstico do status reprodutivo e fase do ciclo estral. Uma das técnicas ultrassonográficas que vêm sendo empregadas no ramo da teriogenologia é o modo Doppler, que permite avaliações qualitativas e quantitativas da hemodinâmica dos órgãos da reprodução. Diversos estudos foram realizados na tentativa de elucidar o aspecto ultrassonográfico do útero e dos ovários das cadelas durante as diferentes fases do ciclo estral ao modo-B e ao modo Doppler. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo revisar as informações presentes na literatura a respeito das mudanças ultrassonográficas dos órgãos reprodutores da cadela durante as diferentes fases hormonais.

Recent advances in superovulation in sheep / Recentes avanços na superovulação de ovelhas

Nearly three years ago our research team published a review of intrinsic determinants and predictors of superovulatory responses in ewes (18th International Congress on Animal Reproduction, Tours, France; 26-30 June 2016; Theriogenology 2016;86:130-143). Heres a summary of major advances in superovulatory treatments of ewes reported over the last three years and of some most anticipated future directions. The rate of genetic improvement within a synthetic population of animals is significantly enhanced by an application of superovulation and embryo transfer. However, the sheep industry has progressed rather slowly in terms of implementing these technologies in comparison to other species although sheep have been used in many studies that paved the way to the development of modern assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Recently, several improvements in determining ovarian responses and non-invasively collecting/transferring embryos have been reported but some most frustrating problems associated with hormonal ovarian superstimulation (e.g., unpredictable and highly variable individual responses) remain unresolved. This warrants continued studies of both the physiological basis of and novel approaches to superovulatory treatments in sheep.(AU)

Recent advances in superovulation in sheep / Recentes avanços na superovulação de ovelhas

Nearly three years ago our research team published a review of intrinsic determinants and predictors of superovulatory responses in ewes (18th International Congress on Animal Reproduction, Tours, France; 26-30 June 2016; Theriogenology 2016;86:130-143). Here’s a summary of major advances in superovulatory treatments of ewes reported over the last three years and of some most anticipated future directions. The rate of genetic improvement within a synthetic population of animals is significantly enhanced by an application of superovulation and embryo transfer. However, the sheep industry has progressed rather slowly in terms of implementing these technologies in comparison to other species although sheep have been used in many studies that paved the way to the development of modern assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Recently, several improvements in determining ovarian responses and non-invasively collecting/transferring embryos have been reported but some most frustrating problems associated with hormonal ovarian superstimulation (e.g., unpredictable and highly variable individual responses) remain unresolved. This warrants continued studies of both the physiological basis of and novel approaches to superovulatory treatments in sheep.

A bull breeding soundness evaluation system with greater emphasis on scrotal circumference

Bull breeding soundness evaluation (BBSE) is a method applied to reduce the risk of using subfertile bulls in herds. There are currently two BBSE systems, those of the Society for Theriogenology (SFT) and the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners (WCABP). Scrotal circumference (SC), sperm motility (SM) and normal sperm (NS) of 454 bulls aged between 12 and 15 months of a Spanish beef breed were used to compare both systems, and since there is no agreement on that BBSE system must be applied in Spain, a single one was proposed for its consideration. SC was adjusted to 15 months (SC15) and the mean of the BBSE traits was: SC15 (34.2±2.4cm), SM (76.6±14.6%) and NS (76.8±12.3%). In the PROPOSED system, the SM and NS thresholds were those defined by the WCABP system, while the SC15 thresholds were set by combining the SFT threshold and SC15±1SD in order to establish four classification categories, the three proposed by the WCABP system: unsatisfactory, questionable and satisfactory, and other category, called superior, for bulls with SM≥60%, NS≥70% and SC15≥Mean+1SD. The PROPOSED system scored fewer bulls as unsatisfactory than the SFT and the WCABP systems (8.6%, 23.6% and 22.5%, respectively; P<0.01), while the percentage of bulls from worst to best in the other three categories under the PROPOSED system was: 26.0%, 54.2% and 11.2%, respectively. In conclusion, the PROPOSED system gives more emphasis to SC, sets differences between bulls classified as satisfactory by the other systems and can be considered a good system for Spain and for other countries that have no defined their own system.(AU)

Peripartum urogenital disorders in mares / Trastornos urogenitales em periparto en yeguas / Desordens urogenitais no periparto de éguas

Disease processes in peripartum period can adversely affect a mare´s future fertility or, worse, may be life threatening to her or her foal. An additional unique set of differential diagnosis must be considered in the mare at this time, along with all the most common diseases. So, this review emphasizes the disorders that affect the mare´s and foal's health on peripartum period.

Los procesos de la enfermedad en el período perinatal pueden afectar negativamente a la fertilidad futura de una yegua o, peor aún, puede ser potencialmente mortal para ella o su potro. Un conjunto único adicional de diagnóstico diferencial debe ser considerado en la yegua en este momento, junto con todas las enfermedades más comunes. Por lo tanto, esta revisión se hace hincapié en los trastornos que afectan la salud de la yegua y del potro en el periodo periparto.

Os processos de doença no período do periparto podem afetar negativamente a fertilidade futura da égua, podendo até ser fatal para ela ou para seu potro. Um conjunto de diagnóstico diferencial deve ser considerado nesse momento, juntamente com todas as doenças mais comuns. Assim, esta revisão enfatiza os distúrbios que afetam a saúde da égua e do potro no período do periparto.

AVALIAÇÃO IMAGINOLÓGICA CARDIOVASCULAR INTRAUTERINA EM FETOS CANINOS: ECOCARDIOGRAFIA E DOPPLER

O monitoramento do desenvolvimento gestacional tanto na medicina como na medicina veterinária é realizado por meio da ultrassonografia bidimensional e Doppler, que permite informações anatômicas e funcionais do feto. Os métodos de avaliação gestacional têm aumentado na obstetrícia humana, resultando no diagnóstico precoce da gravidez anormal ou sofrimento fetal, que permite intervenção assim que necessária. Na medicina veterinária os estudos que analisam a eficácia dessa modalidade são limitados. Poucos são estes que caracterizaram por meio da ultrassonografia Doppler o fluxo sanguíneo materno e fetal e suas mudanças progressivas durante a gestação canina. Este presente estudo é o primeiro a demonstrar a alteração destes fluxos em cadelas gestantes no dia do parto. A ecocardiografia fetal é a avaliação ultrassonográfica detalhada do coração utilizada para identificar e caracterizar anomalias cardíacas fetais e vêm sendo realizada há vários anos pela medicina. Embora o maior foco da ecocardiografia fetal seja a identificação de defeitos cardíacos e arritmias fetais, outra área que tem crescido é a análise da função cardíaca fetal. Este presente trabalho é pioneiro na medicina veterinária, não havendo estudos descritos sobre ecocardiografia fetal anteriores à nossa publicação. Esta tese de doutorado está dividida em quatro capítulos. Os dois primeiros avaliam as características hemodinâmicas da artéria umbilical na semana do parto em cadelas. O Capítulo 1 está publicado na revista Animal Reproduction Science e descreve as alterações no fluxo sanguíneo da artéria umbilical nas últimas 120 horas da gestação canina. Ele revela como as alterações do índice de resistividade (IR) da artéria umbilical no período pré-parto fornecem informações sobre o momento do parto e auxiliam no diagnóstico de uma possível distocia e sofrimento fetal. O Capítulo 2 está publicado na Theriogenology e faz uma análise quantitativa do IR juntamente com a oscilação da frequência cardíaca fetal, mostrando que a correlação entre tais dados fornece uma previsão mais precisa do momento do parto nas cadelas. Os Capítulos 3 e 4 tem o objetivo de, por meio da ecocardiografia fetal, acompanhar de forma qualitativa e quantitativa o desenvolvimento cardíaco fetal em cães, permitindo exata avaliação do crescimento das estruturas do coração e função cardíaca. O Capítulo 3, que está publicado na Veterinary Research Communications, revela modelos de regressão para correlacionar o desenvolvimento do coração fetal canino com o tamanho do corpo fetal, caracterizando o desenvolvimento normal ou sugeririndo anomalias cardíacas. O Capítulo 4 descreve valores de função cardíaca fetal canina, demonstrando os parâmetros sistólicos, diastólicos e de função global e suas correlações com o momento do parto.

The monitoring of gestational development in both medicine and veterinary medicine is performed through two-dimensional ultrasonography and Doppler techniques, which offer anatomical and functional information of the fetus. Methods of gestational assessment have improved in human obstetrics, resulting in the early diagnosis of abnormal pregnancy or fetal distress, allowing intervention as needed. In veterinary medicine, studies that analyze the efficacy of this modality are limited. Few studies have characterized maternal and fetal blood flow through Doppler ultrasonography and their progressive changes during canine pregnancy. This is the first study to show the differences in these flows in pregnant bitches on the day of delivery. Fetal echocardiography is the detailed ultrasonographic evaluation of the heart used to identify and characterize fetal cardiac abnormalities and has been performed for several years in human medicine. Although the major focus in fetal echocardiography is the identification of cardiac defects and fetal arrhythmias, the analysis of fetal heart function is also gaining importance. This research is a pioneer in veterinary medicine, and, to the authors knowledge, no data on fetal echocardiography has been published prior to this study. This doctoral thesis is divided into four chapters. The first two assess the hemodynamic characteristics of the umbilical artery in the week of delivery in bitches. Chapter 1 is published in the journal Animal Reproduction Science and describes changes in umbilical artery blood flow within the last 120 hours of canine gestation. It reveals how changes in the umbilical artery resistive index (RI) in the prepartum period provide information on the time of delivery and helps in the diagnosis of possible fetal dystocia and distress. Chapter 2 is published in Theriogenology and performs a quantitative analysis of RI along with fetal heart rate oscillation, showing that the correlation between them provides a more accurate prediction of the time of delivery in bitches. Chapter 3 and 4 have the objective, through fetal echocardiography, to qualitatively and quantitatively monitor fetal cardiac development in dogs, allowing accurate evaluation of the growth of heart structures and cardiac function. Chapter 3, which is published in Veterinary Research Communications, reveals regression models for correlating canine fetal heart development with fetal body size, characterizing normal development or suggesting cardiac abnormalities. Chapter 4 describes values of canine fetal heart function, demonstrating systolic, diastolic and global function parameters and their correlations with the moment of delivery.

DIAGNÓSTICO PRECOCE DA GESTAÇÃO EM BOVINOS REALIZADO POR EXAME ULTRASSONOGRÁFICO E SOROLÓGICO

O estudo foi planejado para correlacionar exames ultrassonográficos e sorológicos realizados para o diagnóstico precoce (20 a 30d) de gestação em receptoras de embrião bovino. Cento e vinte (n = 120) receptoras foram sincronizadas (estro = D0) e os embriões frescos produzido in vitro (Biotran IVPP Lab LTDA) transferidos em tempo fixo (TET, em torno D7). No Experimento 1 (n = 46), o diagnóstico de gestação foi realizado no D21, pela detecção do fluxo sanguíneo do CL com a ultrassonografia Doppler colorido (Guimarães et al., Theriogenology 2015) e pela pesquisa sorológica das Glicoproteínas Associadas a Gestação (PAGs). Para o experimento 2 (n = 30), realizada no dia 25, a visualização do conteúdo do útero pela ultrassonografia e também a sorologia para PAGs foram usadas para detectar a gestação. Por último, a sorologia para PAGs foi realizada no D30 do experimento 3. Em todos os experimentos, o diagnóstico ultrassonográfico da vesícula gestacional foi realizada no dia 30 (DG30) e, considerado o padrão "OURO". O procedimento PROC FREQ do SAS foi utilizado para testar o nível de concordância entre os métodos diagnósticos utilizados em cada experimento com o DG30. O método sorológico de diagnóstico aumentou consideravelmente (6,3 para 100%) sua sensibilidade (correta detecção de não gestantes) do D21 para o D25, sendo mantida elevada no D30 (100%). No entanto, sua especificidade (correta detecção de gestantes) apresentou pequenas flutuações (86,7, 84,6 e 81,8%) nos diagnósticos do D21, 25 e 30, respectivamente. Estes dados demonstraram possível aumento das concentrações séricas de PAGs após dia 21. Os exames ultrassonográficos também alteraram sua sensibilidade (100 e 88,2%) e especificidade (53,3 e 92,3%), respectivamente, nos dias 21 e 25. A tecnologia Doppler demonstrou em outros estudos seu potencial para detectar animais não gestantes no D21, mas a especificidade do exame é altamente relacionada à taxa de prenhez do rebanho, e este índice foi baixo (34,8%, 16/46) no experimento 1. O conteúdo gestacional foi visualizado na maioria das vezes no D25, no entanto, a sensibilidade de 88,2% deste exame nesta fase ocorreu devido a duas receptoras gestantes em que o conteúdo uterino não foi visualizado. Estes animais apresentaram sorologia positiva para PAGs. Situação oposta ocorreu no D30, onde o exame ultrassonográfico detectou a perda gestacional enquanto a sorologia para PAG se manteve positiva. Assim, pode-se concluir que o teste sorológico tem maior acurácia após o dia 21 (93,3 e 90,9%, D25 e D30, respectivamente) e o diagnóstico ultrassonográfico melhora gradualmente sua acurácia a partir do D21 (69,6 e 90,0%, respectivamente, D21 e D25). Além disso, no D25, a combinação de ambos os métodos (PAGs e ultrassonografia) pode melhorar significativamente a precisão geral (96,7%) do diagnóstico. Os níveis séricos de PAGs após a perda gestacional podem reduzir a especificidade do teste sorológico.

The study was developed in order to relate sonographic and serologic exams performed for early (20 to 30d) diagnostic of pregnancy of bovine embryo recipients. A Hundred and twenty (n=120) recipients were synchronized (estrous=D0) and the news embryo transferred (TET, around D7) of fresh in vitro embryos (Biotran IVEP Lab LTDA). In the first experiment (n=46), diagnostic of pregnancy were performed on D21 by detecting CL blood flow with Color Doppler ultrasound (Guimaraes et al., Theriogenology 2015) and by serologic search of the Pregnancy-Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs). In the second experiment (n=30), performed on day 25, the ultrasound image of uterine and PAGs serology were used to detect pregnancy. Finally, PAGs serology was performed on D30 in the third experiment. All experiments, the ultrasonic diagnostic of gestational vesicle was performed on day 30 (DG30) and it was considered the as a GOLD pattern. The PROC FREQ procedure was used to test the agreement level of the diagnostic methods in each experiment with DG30. The method based on serologic diagnostic had dramatically improved (6.3 to 100%) its sensitivity right detection of non-pregnant recipients) from D21 to D25 and it was kept high in D30 (100%). However, the specificity right detection of pregnant) of the test had shown only little changes 86.7, 84.6 and 81.8%, for diagnostics D21, 25 and 30, respectively. These data have shown possible increase of serum concentrations of PAGs after the twenty-first day. The sonographic exams also change its sensitivity (100 and 88.2%) and specificity (53.3 and 92.3%), respectively, for D21 and D25. Doppler technology has proved its potential to detect non-pregnant animal on day 21, but the specificity is highly related to the pregnancy rate of the herd, and it was low lower (34.8%, 16/46) in the first experiment. Uterine gestational contents could be visualized most of times in the day 25, however, the sensitivity of 88.2% was achieved due the two pregnant recipients in which the contents were not visualized. These animals were serologic positive for PAGs. Opposed situation occurred on day 30, where uterine ultrasound has detected pregnancy lost while the PAG serology kept positive. Therefore, can be concluded that the serologic pregnancy test has higher accuracy after day 21 (93.3 and 90.9%, for day 25 and 30, respectively) and sonographic diagnostic gradually improve its accuracy from day 21 to 25 (69.6 and 90.0%, respectively). Furthermore, in the day 25, the combination of both methods (PAG and ultrasound) can improve the overall accuracy (96.7%) on diagnostic of bovine pregnancy recipients. Serum PAGs levels after pregnancy lost can reduce the specificity of the serologic test.

Doppler ultrasonography principles and methods of evaluation of the reproductive tract in mares

Background: Doppler ultrasonography is a non-invasive real time pulse-wave technique recently used for the transrectal study of the reproductive system hemodynamics in large animals. This technic is based in the Doppler Effect Principle that proposes the change in frequency of a wave for an observer (red blood cells) moving relative to the source of the respective wave (ultrasonic transducer). This method had showed to be effective and useful for the evaluation of the in vivo equine reproductive tract increasing the diagnostic, monitoring, and predictive capabilities of theriogenology in mares. However, an accurate and truthful ultrasonic exam requires the previous knowledge of the Doppler ultrasonography principles. Review: In recent years, the capabilities of ultrasound flow imaging have increased enormously. The current Doppler ultrasound machines offer three methods of evaluation that may be used simultaneously (triplex mode). In B-mode ultrasound, a linear array of transducers simultaneously scans a plane through the tissue that can be viewed as a two-dimensional gray-scale image on screen. This mode is primarily used to identify anatomically a structure for its posterior evaluation using colored ultrasound modes (Color or Spectral modes). Colored ultrasound images of flow, whether Color or Spectral modes, are essentially obtained from measurements of moving red cells. In Color mode, velocity information is presented as a color coded overlay on top of a B-mode image, while Pulsed Wave Doppler provides a measure of the changing velocity throughout the cardiac cycle and the distribution of velocities in the sample volume represented by a spectral graphic. Color images conception varies according to the Doppler Frequency that is the difference between the frequency of received echoes by moving blood red cells and wave frequency transmitted by the transducer. To produce an adequate spectral graphic it is important determine the position and size of the simple gate. Furthermore, blood flow velocity measurement is influence by the intersection angle between ultrasonic pulses and the direction of moving blood-red cells (Doppler angle). Objectively colored ultrasound exam may be done on large arteries of the reproductive tract, as uterine and ovary arteries, or directly on the target tissue (follicle, for example). Mesovarium and mesometrium attachment arteries also can be used for spectral evaluation of the equine reproductive system. Subjectively analysis of the ovarian and uterine vascular perfusion must be done directly on the corpus luteum, follicular wall and uterus (endometrium and myometrium associated), respectively. Power-flow imaging has greater sensitivity to weak blood flow and independent of the Doppler angle, improving the evaluation of vessels with small diameters and slow blood flow. Conclusion: Doppler ultrasonography principles, methods of evaluation and reproductive system anatomy have been described. This knowledge is essential for the competent equipment acquisition and precise collection and analysis of colored ultrasound images. Otherwise, the reporting of inconsistent and not reproducible findings may result in the discredit of Doppler technology ahead of the scientific veterinary community.

The role of the veterinarian on human assisted reproduction

Background: Infertility is a disease affecting 10% of the human population in reproductive age and couples experiencing difficulties to achieve pregnancy may benefit from assisted reproduction treatment. According to the Red Latinoamericana de Reproducción Asistida, approximately 34,100 in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments were performed in Latin America in 2007 and 42.3% (14,428) of these treatments were conducted in Brazil. Standard techniques and treatments for infertility were developed within the last 4 decades and some of them are still under technological improvements or they are frequently considered experimental or "state of art" technology. Usually, these treatments and techniques to overcome infertility were developed by professionals with different backgrounds including physicians, biologists, veterinarians and nurses. We aimed to review the role of veterinarians in translating animal biotechnology to human assisted procreation, developing new assisted reproduction technologies and treatments, and finally acting in clinical embryology laboratories as embryologists or supervisors. Review: Human assisted reproduction landmarks were: (i) the birth of the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) child; (ii) the implementation of intracytoplasmatic sperm injection; and, more recently, (iii) the development of successful protocols of vitrification for cryopreservation of embryos and oocytes. Veterinarians' contribution and participation in the field of human assisted procreation could be distinguished between technological development and/or clinical embryology. Despite of the 3 year delay on the birth of the first in vitro fertilization calf in relation to the birth of the first IVF baby, many steps and protocols of these technological advancements relied on the knowledge acquired from animal models or biotechnologies now used for commercial purposes in animal production and breeding. Furthermore, new embryo culture technologies such as microfluidics environments and controlled atmospheres are initially evaluated in animal models. Another example of the role of veterinarians on the development of human assisted reproduction is the emergence of the widespread concept of ovarian dynamics pattern of follicular waves in monovulatory animals from Theriogenology to Reproductive Medicine in the last decade. The translation of this concept to Reproductive Medicine might allow the development of different approaches of controlled ovarian stimulation. In a human assisted reproduction clinic, the clinical embryology laboratory is responsible for selecting oocytes after transvaginal ovum pick-up, fertilizing these oocytes, cultivating the supposed zygotes until the stage of 8 cell embryos or blastocysts, and embryo preparation for transference to the uterine cavity. Several tasks enrolled in these steps of human IVF are identical to those performed by veterinarians in an animal IVF facility; however, a veterinarian must be familiar to the specific guidelines and needs of a human IVF laboratory. Conclusion: Assisted reproduction treatments are performed by groups of professionals with different academic backgrounds. Veterinarians have been playing an important roles in the development and/or adaptation of several biotechnologies utilized for human procreation; additionally, veterinarians working on animal in vitro fertilization facilities have an adequate formation and skills to act on and/or supervise clinical embryology laboratories after specific education, practice and certification.

PERIPARTUM UROGENITAL DISORDERS IN MARES

Disease processes in peripartum period can adversely affect a mare´s future fertility or, worse, may be life threatening to her or her foal. An additional unique set of differential diagnosis must be considered in the mare at this time, along with all the most common diseases. So, this review emphasizes the disorders that affect the mare´s and foal´s health on peripartum period.