Gross pathology and endocrinology of ovarian cysts in bitches.

A total of 73 bitches with ovarian cysts were ovariohysterectomized. Cysts were characterized by gross pathology and endocrine parameters. Therefore, oestradiol-17ß and progesterone concentrations were assessed in cyst-fluid and corresponding blood plasma in each bitch. Our data demonstrated that multiple cysts were often present in a single individual (82%) and that cysts were commonly found on both ovaries (77%). The number of cysts per individual varied from 1 to 35. Most cysts were small in size (range 0.2-4.0 cm in diameter). No cyst was found to produce solely oestradiol-17ß or progesterone. Plasma levels of oestradiol-17ß and progesterone for a given individual were positively correlated with levels of these same hormones in their cyst-fluid (r = 0.334 and p = 0.001 for oestradiol-17ß; r = 0.419 and p < 0.001 for progesterone). Our study is the first to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the gross pathology and endocrinology of ovarian cysts in a larger number of bitches.

Acid-base parameters and steroid concentrations in pre-ovulatory follicles and plasma of lactating dairy cows with spontaneous and synchronized oestrus or follicular cyst.

The study aimed to compare the acid-base balance and steroid concentrations between follicular fluids (FF) of pre-ovulatory follicles derived from a spontaneous oestrus (SO), synchronized or induced oestrus (IO) and follicular cysts (CYS) and between FF and blood in dairy cows. Forty-two dairy cows were included in this study. The animals were allocated to three groups: SO (n = 23); IO (n = 11) using GnRH at day 0 and day 9 and PGF2 α at day 7; and animals with CYS (n = 10). The follicular fluids (FF) were aspirated from the cyst/pre-ovulatory follicles (∅ ≥ 15 mm) after SO and after second GnRH dose in IO by transvaginal ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up technique. Blood samples (BL) were collected in heparinized vacutainer tubes. The oxygen tension (pO2) in FF of IO was higher (p < 0.05) than in SO and CYS groups. There were negative correlations (p < 0.001, r = -0.89) between FF and blood pO2. The carbon dioxide tension (pCO2) and lactate level in FF of CYS group were higher (p < 0.05) than in SO and IO groups. There were negative correlations (p < 0.01, r = -0.73) between blood and FF pO2. Oestradiol-17ß concentration in pre-ovulatory follicles and plasma of the SO group was higher (p < 0.001) than in IO and CYS groups. Progesterone concentration in pre-ovulatory follicles and plasma of the SO and IO groups was lower (p < 0.01) than in CYS group. Plasma androstenedione concentration in SO and IO groups was higher (p < 0.05) than in CYS group. In conclusion, acid-base parameters, E2 and P4 levels in the follicular fluid of both IO and CYS groups were deviated greatly from the physiological level (disturbances of intrafollicular/intracystic environment), which may affect the quality of both the oocyte and the granulosa cells.

[Clinical and endocrinological findings of bitches with ovarian cyst syndrome]. / Klinische und endokrinologische Befunde von Hündinnen mit Ovarialzystensyndrom.

Aim of this study was to record the clinical findings in bitches with ovarian cyst syndrome (OCS) and to interpret them in connection with the endocrine status in peripheral blood and in cyst liquid. For our investigation 16 bitches of different breeds with an average age of 9.7 years were used. They have been presented to the clinic due to different gynecological symptoms. The leading symptom was in 87.5 % of the cases a chronic vaginal secretion. In addition to a detailed anamnesis a clinical examination was performed including vaginalcytologic, sonographic, hematologic and hormonal findings (progesterone P4, 17ß estradiol E2). As basic diagnoses could be made: Cycle aberrations (n = 8), pyometra endometritis complex (n = 4), vaginal tumor (n = 4). In addition 3 patients were presented with alopecia. All patients were ovariohysterectomized without prior conservative treatment and the ovaries histologically examined and classified. Based on sonographic findings before and macroscopic evaluation the ovaries after surgery, the OCS could be divided into an oligocystic and polycystic syndrome. There were predominating (94 %) follicle theca cysts. The formation of cysts on the ovary was in the vast majority (66.7 %) combined with corpora lutea. The endometrium showed mainly (50 %) a glandular cystic hyperplasia (CHE) and the hematologic examination revealed in 31.2 % of the patients a combination of advanced erythropenia and thrombocytopenia. Generally there was no direct relationship between increased P4 and E2 values in the pooled cyst fluid and in the peripheral blood when the oestrous phase was considered. Based on present data the diagnosis of OCS of the bitch by means of peripheral P4 and E2 values is not possible.

Le but de la présente étude était de relever les symptômes cliniques apparaissant chez la chienne en relation avec le syndrome de kystes ovariens et de les interpréter en corrélation avec le statut endocrin constaté dans le sang périphérique ainsi que dans le liquide remplissant les kystes. Seize chiennes de diverses races et d'un âge moyen de 9.7 ans, étaient à disposition pour l'étude. Elle avaient été présentées à la clinique pour divers symptômes gynécologiques. Le symptôme principal était, dans 87.5 % des cas, une sécrétion vaginale chronique. Outre le recueil d'une anamnèse détaillée, on a procédé à un examen clinique, complété par une cytologie vaginale, un examen échographique et des analyses hématologiques et hormonales (progesterone P4, 17ß-oestradiol E2). On a pu poser comme diagnostics de base en rapport avec un syndrome de kystes ovariens des aberrations de cycle (n = 8), des complexes endométrite-pyromètre (n = 8) et des tumeurs vaginales (n = 4). En outre, une alopécie était présente chez 3 patientes. Toutes les chiennes inclues dans cette étude ont subit, sans traitement conservatif préalable, une ovario-hystérectomie. Les pièces opératoires ont ensuite été examinées macroscopiquement et histologiquement. Le syndrome de kystes ovariens pouvait être réparti, sur la base des observations échographiques et de l'aspect intra-operatoire des ovaires, en syndrome oligocystique ou polycystique. Il s'agissait principalement (94 %) de kystes de la thèque folliculaire. La formation de kystes ovariens était majoritairement combinée avec la présence de corps jaunes (66.7 %). L'endomètre présentait fréquemment (50 %) une hyperplasie glandulo-cystique. Dans 31.2 % des cas, l'examen hématologique révélait une combinaison entre une érythropénie avancée et une thrombocytopénie. Il existait généralement pas de corrélation directe entre les valeurs parfois fortement élevées de P4 et de E2 dans le liquide des kystes et les concentrations mesurées dans le sang périphérique, en tenant compte du stade du cycle. Sur la base des données de cette étude, on constate qu'il n'est pas possible de diagnostiquer un syndrome de kystes ovariens au moyen des valeurs de P4 et de E2 mesurées dans le sang périphérique.

Evaluation of the electrolyte status in hyperprolific sows on the farrowing process under different housing conditions.

In order to expand previous knowledge about the farrowing process of hyperprolific sows, the effect of calcium, magnesium and phosphor concentration in the blood and the importance of husbandry were examined. The study was performed in a small educational agriculture institution in Germany comprising 61 sows of a hyperprolific hybrid line (BHZP db.Viktoria). The sows were either kept in farrowing crates (n = 36) or pens (n = 25). Blood samples were taken every 30 min during the farrowing process, using a central venous catheter (Cavafix Certo®, 16G, 32 cm, B. Braun SE, Melsungen, Germany) placed in an ear vein. Samples for ionized calcium concentration (Caion) were analyzed directly using epoc® BGEM test cards (Alere GmbH, Cologne, Germany). Samples for total calcium (Catot), magnesium (Mg) and phosphor concentration (Pi) were deep-frozen (minus 80 °C, Innova® U202, Eppendorf SE, Hamburg, Germany) for photometric analysis at a later date. With an average farrowing duration of 267.6 ± 108.1 min (min. 71, max. 602 min), an average of 17.2 ± 4.2 piglets were born. Eutocic farrowing duration was 193.1 ± 75.2a minutes. Dystocic farrowing duration was 324.9 ± 94.1b minutes (a:b p < 0.0001). Farrowing duration did not differ between housing conditions (277.1 ± 117.4 min in crates, 275.0 ± 99.0 min in pens, p > 0.05). Dystocic farrowings were characterized by the occurrence of (at least) one time lapse of more than 60 min without piglet expulsion. In general, 35 of 61 sows suffered from dystocic parturition and received obstetrical intervention. 20 of 36 (55.6%) crate housed sows and 15 of 25 (60%) sows in pens experienced dystocic parturition (p > 0.05). Catot measured at the beginning of the expulsion stage had a prognostic value for the rest of the farrowing process. Above a threshold value of 2.385 mmol/l, eutocic parturition could be expected, while sows with a lower Catot value generally suffered from dystocic farrowings. Also, sows with eutocia had significantly higher Catot values during parturition than sows with dystocia (p = 0.001). The beginning of the lactation period was characterized by a rise in Caion (1.17 ± 0.04 to 1.21 ± 0.06 mmol/l; p < 0.0001). Mg was significantly higher before than during farrowing (p = 0.0003). During parturition, Mg decreased gradually from 0.86 ± 0.1 to 0.84 ± 0.1 mmol/l. Afterwards, Mg values showed an 18.45% increase. Sows without farrowing complications showed significantly higher Mg than those suffering from dystocia (p = 0.024). The same significant trend was observed for Pi (p = 0.002). The deficiencies in Catot/ion, Mg and Pi led to insufficient contractions and thus to farrowing problems. Parturition in the pen showed a general positive effect on the well-being of the sows and a stabilizing influence on the metabolic conditions compared to parturition in the crate. Sows in pens had higher Catot (p = 0.055) and Mg (p = 0.0004). In conclusion, the results provide clear evidence that a large proportion of hyperprolific sows suffer from previously unknown deficiencies electrolyte homeostasis around and during parturition, which is reflected by the large number of dystocic farrowings and the deficiencies in electrolyte concentrations during dystocia.

Induction of abortion with aglepristone in cats on day 45 and 46 after mating.

The aim of this study was to test for the efficacy and safety of the use of aglepristone for pregnancy termination on day 45 in cats. Six healthy cats were treated with 10 mg/kg aglepristone sc on day 45 and 46 after mating; six other cats served as untreated controls. The effect of treatment was monitored by general examination, vaginal cytology, ultrasonography and blood sampling for haematology and progesterone determination. Besides, interoestrus interval and next pregnancy including litter size were recorded. The efficacy of treatment was approximately 67% (4/6) with abortion occurring 4-7 days after the first injection and a sanguineous discharge and erythrocytes in vaginal smears for at least 6 days afterwards. The two treated cats that did not abort gave birth to two kittens on day 67 and had a stillbirth of a single kitten on day 71, respectively. As expected enlargement of the mammary glands and lactation were observed in all treated cats. No other treatment-induced side effects were observed. Progesterone levels at abortion were high (30-140 nmol/l), but were decreased on day 55. Aglepristone treatment did not affect fertility in following cycles. Finally, it can be concluded that late-term pregnancy termination with aglepristone is possible but due to a success rate of 67% an ultrasonographical examination 7 days after treatment is an inherent necessity to control the effect of treatment.

Surgical treatment of uterine torsion using a ventral midline laparotomy in 19 mares.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the outcome of surgical treatment of uterine torsion in preterm mares. DESIGN: Retrospective case series of pregnant mares with uterine torsion presented to the Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals. METHODS: Hospital records of all pregnant mares that underwent ventral midline laparotomy for uterine torsion between 1998 and 2004 were reviewed. The signalment, history, clinical signs, results of diagnostic procedures, direction and degree of the uterine twist, treatment and outcome were retrieved from each case record. RESULTS: This study comprised 19 mares between months 5 and 11 of pregnancy (8.7 +/- 1.9) and suffering from uterine torsion. In all cases ventromedian laparotomy was carried out under general anaesthesia. Gastrointestinal disorders were also present in 52.6% of horses. Postoperative complications included subcutaneous seromas (five mares), peritonitis (one mare) and abortion (two mares). In four mares (21%) the operation was unsuccessful (i.e. these mares had to be euthanased intra- or postoperatively). Of the surviving 15 mares, 13 (86.6%) gave birth to viable foals at full term. The foals developed normally. Only two mares aborted. CONCLUSIONS: Because of its versatility the ventral midline approach should be considered for correction of uterine torsion. The approach has many advantages, including rapid and clear access to the abdominal cavity, safety, visual assessment of uterine wall viability, correction of concomitant gastrointestinal tract problems, and performance of hysterotomy or hysterectomy, if indicated. In this study, managing uterine torsion in this way resulted in a high percentage of cases (86.6%) in which pregnancy was maintained, with the birth of a viable, mature foal.

Production, reproductive, and metabolic factors associated with chlamydial seropositivity and reproductive tract antigens in dairy herds with fertility disorders.

While chlamydial infections cause abortions in cattle, its role in other reproductive disorders is uncertain. This study identified the risk factors for chlamydial infection in herds with history of subfertility. We investigated the possible effects of coinfections, different metabolic parameters, abortion, ovarian cysts, pathological vaginal discharge, length of the open period, milk yield, housing conditions and age. In cows from 34 farms with elevated reproductive disorders, 41.5% had antibodies against chlamydia, while chlamydia antigen was detected in the vagina and uterus of 46.7%. A statistical relationship between seropositivity and antigen positivity was not found. Abortion (OR = 6.6) and loose housing (OR = 2.3) were risk factors for the presence of chlamydia antibodies. Furthermore, there were significant relationships between metabolic disorders and chlamydial infections. Increased levels of beta-hydroxybutaric acid (OR = 6.8) and hypocalcaemia (OR = 6.0) often accompanied chlamydia antigen in the vagina. Increased age (OR = 1.2) and pathological vaginal discharge (OR = 2.4) were identified as risk factors for chlamydia antigen in the vagina. The largest risk factor was for the association of ovarian cysts (OR = 21.5) with uterine antigen. In conclusion, chlamydial infection in dairy herd cows is best understood as a multifactorial disease.

[The duration of expulsion and the separation of the afterbirth in breeding cows--a contribution to the improvement of parturition monitoring]. / Untersuchungen zur Dauer der Austreibung und des Nachgeburtsabganges in der Mutterkuhhaltung--ein Beitrag zur Verbesserung der Geburtsüberwachung.

The objective of this study was to obtain data on the duration of the expulsion and afterbirth stages and on the rate of contractions of the abdominal muscles in dams with eutocia (n = 81; heifers: 11; cows: 70). We also looked into the questions of whether and at which stage of expulsion there were differences in these parameters between cows and heifers as well as purebred Simmental (n = 49) and Simmental X Limousin (n = 21). The total period of expulsion (period from appearance of the phalanxes in the rima vulvae until the complete expulsion of the calf) was 19.7 +/- 2.1 minutes. It took 17.3 +/- 2.3 minutes for the head to emerge. Further expulsion required 1.9 +/- 1.7 minutes. At an average of 40.1 +/- 1.5 minutes, the expulsion stage was longer in heifers than in cows, in which it lasted 18 +/- 2.1 minutes (p < 0.01). The differences are due to the time that the head took to emerge. While this stage of labor lasted 15.3 +/- 2.3 minutes in cows, this interval was clearly longer in heifers, lasting 38.1 +/- 1.5 minutes (p < 0.01). No statistically significant difference was observed in the course of further expulsion and there were not any differences detected between purebred Simmental and Simmental X Limousin. An average of 67.5 +/- 1.6 abdominal contractions were required for complete expulsion, 56.5 +/- 1.7 contractions of the abdominal muscles were necessary until the head appeared. After 9.3 +/- 1.6 abdominal presses, the calf had completely emerged. There was a statistically significant difference between cows (52.8 +/- 1.7) and heifers (93.3 +/- 1.6) until the expulsion of the head (p < 0.01). No breed-specific differences were observed. Separation of the afterbirth was observed in 95.0% of the animals up to the eighth hour post partum. Retarded separation and retained placenta were recorded in 2.5% of the animals in each case. 82.7% of the animals performed placentophagy. No placentophagy was observed when the placenta was retarded. No differences were detected between heifers and cows and the breeds with regard to the separation of the afterbirth and the incidence of placentophagy.

Effects of various procedures for synchronisation of parturition in sows. Assessment of sows with a complication-free birth.

OBJECTIVE: The effects of various parturition controlling measures in sows on the relevant parameters for parturition were investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 1975 study animals were divided into five groups: control group: A (n = 710); trial groups: B (n = 719), C (n = 180), D (n = 175), E (n = 191). The control group (A) included sows that spontaneously farrowed until day 114 of gestation. The remaining sows were administered a PGF2α-analogue (175 µg cloprostenol) on day 114. All sows that farrowed within 24 hours after prostaglandin-medication were summarised in trial group B. Dams that did not farrow until day 115 were either administered oxytocin (20 IU i. m., group C) or carbetocin in two different doses (70 µg, group D or 35 µg, group E). The sows were monitored during the peripartal period over 24 hours. RESULTS: 83.8% of the farrowings were without any complications. The percentage of dystocia varied between the individual groups. Given a complication-free farrowing the expulsion stage began 13.0 hours (group B), 2.4 hours (group C), 1.6 hours (group D) and 1.4 hours (group E) after medication. The expulsion interval of the farrowing of two piglets decreased from 21.1 minutes with spontaneous farrowings (group A) to 18.6 minutes (group E) as a result of the administration of 35 µg carbetocin. The rate of stillborn piglets as well as the incidence of puerperal disorders and the losses of the suckling piglets also gradually, partly even significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased from group A to E. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study show that the use of the long-acting oxytocin carbetocin has advantages compared to oxytocin (e.   g. shortened duration of birth, reduction of stillbirths). The tested dosages of carbetocin (35 µg or 70 µg) proved to be equally effective. Administration of the lower dose is recommended, since this reduces use of the active ingredient.

Demonstration of a beta-casomorphin immunoreactive material in the plasma of newborn calves after milk intake.

Blood was collected from newborn calves before and after their first milk intake after birth; extracts of plasma were assayed by radioimmunoassay for the presence of beta-casomorphin-7 immunoreactive materials. No beta-casomorphin immunoreactivity was found in samples collected before milk ingestion; however, in samples collected after milk ingestion a beta-casomorphin-7 immunoreactive material was detected. Chromatographic characterization showed that this material was not identical with beta-casomorphin-7 but might rather represent a precursor thereof. The material proved resistant to enzymatic attack during a 30-min incubation period at 37 degrees C in the plasma of newborn calves, whereas beta-casomorphin-7 was degraded under these conditions. A physiological significance of beta-casomorphin-7 eventually cleaved from such a precursor material at any site in the newborn mammal is suggested.

The importance of selenium in the prenatal and postnatal development of calves and lambs.

Selenium deficiency is responsible for Zenker type muscle degeneration in calves, lambs, and foals in the prenatal and postnatal stages of development. Investigations have shown that the selenium GSH Px, and vitamin E content of the maternal and fetal parts of the placenta in cattle are different. Similarly, low concentrations of selenium are present in milk from cows and sheep. In addition to an inadequate supply of selenium and vitamin E as a contributory cause of fetal nutritive muscular dystrophy (FNMD), it is assumed that a placental transport block and/or impaired selenium metabolism in the placenta are also responsible. Postnatal nutritive muscular dystrophy, however, is attributed to either acute selenium and vitamin E deficiency in basic feed or impaired plant absorption of selenium as a result of antagonistic elements, such as sulphur.

[Juvenile goiter in a goat herd in northwest Germany]. / Juvenile Struma in einem Ziegenbestand Nordwestdeutschlands.

A continuous increase in the circumference of the thyroid gland was observed in four goat kids (44.4%) of the breed of White German Goat between the third and fourth month in a herd comprising White German Goats and Coloured German Goats. Clinical, laboratory diagnostic and chemically analytical results have been obtained, illustrated and compared with the equivalent parameters from healthy control herds without pathological findings. The thyroidal secretion rate and the milk iodine content were highly significant reduced in the affected flock in comparison with the control group. The feed which was given to the affected group did not cover the nutritional requirement of pregnant, lactating and growing goats. At 40-50 mg/l, the nitrate content of the water was close to the tolerance of 50 mg/l. It can be deduced from the findings available that the case described above is a synergetic combination of a primary iodine deficiency, based on an inefficient iodine supply and of a secondary iodine deficiency resulting from a super elevated nitrate content of the drinking water.

[Program for early detection of illness level in foals during the first 24 hours of life]. / Programm zur frühzeitigen Erkennung von Krankheitszuständen bei Fohlen in den ersten 24 Lebensstunden.

Basing on exact investigations of normal behaviour and abnormalities in newborn and up to 24 hours old foals a program for evaluation, comprehending exogeniously judgable criteria, was developed. It aims at a quick recognition of aberrations in behaviour. The program includes a score, which allows early diagnosis of even subtile abnormalities. As a result, a veterinary surgeon should be consulted if the score exposes a critical situation, so that therapy can be started in time. Furthermore informations about investigations on blood-glucose- and immunoglobulin-G-concentration in relation to neonatal foal diseases are given.

[Clinical examinations of gilts with puerperal septicemia and toxemia]. / Klinische Erhebungen bei Sauen mit puerperaler Septikämie und Toxämie.

In a clinical examination on 78 gilts suffering from feverish puerperal illness the signs were documented. 42 gilts without puerperal disturbances out of the same farms (n = 22) were used as a control. Data for statistics were recorded in minute-books, listing 38 parameters, partly divided in three or four subunits. Within the first 24 hours after parturition 60% of the probands were registered, the other gilts up to the 72nd hour after parturition. 42.3% of the patients beared for the first or second time. Duration of partus averaged more than six hours in 85.9% of patients with consequent puerperal illness, whereas probands of the same age in the control group finished parturition in less than three hours (78.8%; p < or = 0.01). Frequency of obstetrical intervention measured 27% in the group of patients, in the group of probands 9.5% (p < or = 0.05). Gilts with following puerperal illness delivered 1.1 piglets more than healthy individuals (p < or = 0.05) and showed an increased stillbirth rate (p < or = 0.01). Signs of clinical interest in puerperal illness were increase of body temperature (p < or = 0.01), cardiac rate (p < or = 0.01) and respiratory frequency (p < or = 0.01). Approximately 75% of the patients showed anorexia, 66% abnormal faecal consistency. 24.4% of the diseased animals showed exclusively signs of mastitis, in 29.5% there was a combination of mastitis and inflammatory affection of the genital system to be diagnosed, in 46.1% of the cases a solitary infection of the reproductive tract was to be stated. Predominantly E. coli, followed by Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. were isolated from the genital tract. The results of this study emphasize the clinical necessity to differentiate between isolated mastitis and puerperal septicaemia respectively toxaemia in cases of feverish puerperal illness. Puerperal septicaemia and toxaemia can, but do not have to be associated with mastitis in gilts.

[Effect of a 10 day postpartum administration of a PGF2 alpha analog at different concentrations on the course of the puerperium and fertility in dairy cows]. / Effekte eines am 10. Tag post partum in unterschiedlicher Konzentration verabreichten PGF2 alpha-Analogons auf Puerperalverlauf und Fertilität beim Milchrind.

In this double-blind Study 72 dairy cows were treated with injections of Luprostiol (Reprodin). 32 cows served as control. Gynaecological examinations in 10-day intervals up to day 40 post partum and determination of progesterone levels in milk samples taken in 3-day intervals up to day 73 p. p. were performed. The administration of PGF2 alpha did not improve the early onset of ovarian activity in cows with uncomplicated or complicated delivery. Ovaries without detectable function up to day 73 p. p. only occurred in the placebo group, representing a significant (p < 0.05) difference to the control group. In cows after uncomplicated as well as in animals after complicated delivery involution of the uterus up to day 20 p. p. progressed faster in the verum group compared to the control group. Cervical diameters were highest in the placebo group up to day 20 p. p. Until day 40 p. p. the cervical diameters of the probands equaled those of the control animals. In contrary to cows after uncomplicated delivery the injection of PGF2 alpha after complicated parturition lead to a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of puerperal endometritis. Neither in cows with uncomplicated nor complicated delivery the administration of PGF2 alpha resulted in an improved conception rate. There were no significant positive effects on fertility parameters to be detected in general. Partial results observed were not dose dependent.

[Disorders of sex development in dogs]. / Beitrag zur Störung der Sexualentwicklung beim Hund.

In two prepubertal dogs of female phenotype, a clitoral enlargement with a penile structure leading to recurring inflammation of the vagina was diagnosed. Progesterone, oestrogen and testosterone serum concentrations were radioimmunologically analysed. The histology of the penile structure, the gonads and the uterus was made via a hematoxylin-eosin staining method. The chromosome constitution being analysed by the method of Basur and Gilman (1964) was 2n = 78,XX. Regarding all results of this investigation the diagnose was XX-male. The development of this sexual disorder is discussed. The surgical removal of gonads and uterus and the excision of the enlarged clitoris is described.

[Examination of the ovarian activity of mares using progesterone profiles]. / Uberprüfung der Ovaraktivität bei Stuten mittels Progesteronverlaufsprofilen.

By means of clinical and analytical procedures (enzyme immuno assay for progesterone with microtiterplate method) the ovarian activity from 27 mares was tested over a period of several weeks. The measurement of the progesterone level to determine the time of ovulation was proved as suitable in the period of 1-2 days after ovulation. In normocyclic mares (n = 17) a different development of the progesterone profile was detected, so that an insufficient development of the corpus luteum (35%) could be considered. By means of continuous measurement of progesterone (> or = 30 days) six of ten mares with aberrations in estrous cycle were considered carrying a persistent corpus luteum. Four of them showed a complete inactivity of the ovaries. The clinical importance of the determination of progesterone levels as a mean of routine diagnostic in mares with gynaecological problems is discussed.

[The incidence of cervical dystocia and disorders of cervical involution in the post partum cow]. / Untersuchungen zum Auftreten zervikal bedingter Dystokien und Zervixinvolutionstörungen beim Rind post partum.

The aim of this study was to obtain information on the frequency of cervical dystocia and involution disorders of the canalis cervicalis after difficult dystocia and to characterise factors possibly influencing these pathological conditions. Therefore 317 difficult births in the cow (extraction: 123; foetotomy: 82; caesarean section: 112) and the involution of the cervical canal were documented during the first ten days post partum. In total a cervical dystocia could be diagnosed 53 times (16.7% related to the total number of births). This kind of birth disorder is regularly followed by a caesarean section (p < 0.001). Animals who show a narrowness in the cervix were older than the cows without cervical dystocia (p < 0.05). The same correlation could be detected for the number of births. Animals with delivery problems associated with the cervix had already given birth to more calves than cows who were not affected by cervical disorders (p < 0.01). 58 cows developed a disorder of the cervical involution (18.3% related to the total number of deliveries). This puerperal disorder can be frequently observed after foetotomy (p < 0.001). A correlation between the incidence of disorders of cervical involution and the age or the parity of the animals could not be detected. In the same way, cows with a diagnosis of a cervical dystocia did not develop more frequently disorders of cervical involution than animals who showed a physiological dilation of the cervical canal intra partum.

[Another indication for (erythro)keratodermia variabilis in livestock in the case of a neonatal lamb]. / Ein weiterer Hinweis auf (Erythro)keratodermia variabilis bei Nutztieren am Beispiel eines Schaflammes.

From skin biopsies of a neonatal lamb a congenital skin disease (erythro)keratodermia variabilis was diagnosed which especially showed besides an erythema formation a hyperkeratosis at some wound areas of the body. Despite of a sudden induced intensive therapy the lamb died. At the dissection of the carcass there were no further postmortem-findings which refer to another organic disease than the one of the skin. This case report is the second description of (erythro)keratodermia variabilis in domestic mammals, which is caused by an autosomal dominant inherited horning defect in humans.

[Effect of normal parturition on activity of clinically relevant enzymes in blood plasma of goats and kids]. / Einfluss der normalen Geburt auf klinisch-relevante Enzymaktivitäten im Blutplasma von Ziegen und deren Lämmern.

Blood of 24 healthy goats of different breeds in the age between two and six years as well as their 36 lambs in the peripartal period was taken at regular intervals from the day 10 ante partum up to the day 30 post partum. The content of plasma--nonspecific, clinical essential enzymes as well as the selenium content--has been examined. 1. Normal parturition shows an influence on the enzyme activity in plasma. Abundant alterations in concentration (p < or = 0.05-0.001) are detectable in AST, LDH, alpha-HBDH, GGT, GLDH and CK. GGT responds indistinctly to birth. GLDH-concentration is significant higher in the lactation period (p < or = 0.01). 2. The registration of OCT in blood plasma and serum of goats is possible but the activity of the enzyme in plasma and serum is slight. 3. In the blood of new born lambs a high plasma activity of CK and GGT can be found. Up to day 5 post natum the activity of CK descends to post partum adult level and up to day 30 post natum lower enzyme values than those of adult goats are found. GGT activity at day of birth after colostrum uptake is more than 5 times higher than at day 5 post natum. Up to day 30 post natum the activity remains above the mean of adult goats.