Prevalence, survival and subsequent fertility of dairy and beef cows with uterine prolapse.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of uterine prolapse in cows and assess its effects on survival and subsequent fertility. Of 33,450 calving cows considered retrospectively, 216 (0.6%) developed uterine prolapse. A higher prevalence was found in beef cows (n = 57/5,700 cows, 1%) compared to dairy cows (n = 157/27,750 cows, 0.6%). Treatment consisted of cleaning and replacing the uterus with local administration of antibiotics, and applying a harness for uterine containment. The recovery rate was 81.9% (n = 177), similar in dairy (n = 129; 81.1%) and beef (n = 48; 84.2%) cows. Of the 216 cows with uterine prolapse, 18 (8.3%) died before or immediately after treatment; 21 cows (9.7%) were voluntarily culled for economic reasons (low milk yield, low fertility, insufficient weight gain). All recovered dairy cows were artificially inseminated with semen of proven fertility after a voluntary waiting period of 50 days; the beef cows were naturally mated. Among the 172 inseminated/mated cows, 84.7% (n = 150) became pregnant (83.7% dairy cows, 87.5% beef cows), while 15.2% (n = 27) did not conceive. Recurrence of uterine prolapse at subsequent calvings was recorded in one dairy cow. Based upon the data presented here, treated cows with uterine prolapse showed high chances of survival and conception, and a low risk of recurrence.

Differential Infection Patterns and Recent Evolutionary Origins of Equine Hepaciviruses in Donkeys.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major human pathogen. Genetically related viruses in animals suggest a zoonotic origin of HCV. The closest relative of HCV is found in horses (termed equine hepacivirus [EqHV]). However, low EqHV genetic diversity implies relatively recent acquisition of EqHV by horses, making a derivation of HCV from EqHV unlikely. To unravel the EqHV evolutionary history within equid sister species, we analyzed 829 donkeys and 53 mules sampled in nine European, Asian, African, and American countries by molecular and serologic tools for EqHV infection. Antibodies were found in 278 animals (31.5%), and viral RNA was found in 3 animals (0.3%), all of which were simultaneously seropositive. A low RNA prevalence in spite of high seroprevalence suggests a predominance of acute infection, a possible difference from the mostly chronic hepacivirus infection pattern seen in horses and humans. Limitation of transmission due to short courses of infection may explain the existence of entirely seronegative groups of animals. Donkey and horse EqHV strains were paraphyletic and 97.5 to 98.2% identical in their translated polyprotein sequences, making virus/host cospeciation unlikely. Evolutionary reconstructions supported host switches of EqHV between horses and donkeys without the involvement of adaptive evolution. Global admixture of donkey and horse hepaciviruses was compatible with anthropogenic alterations of EqHV ecology. In summary, our findings do not support EqHV as the origin of the significantly more diversified HCV. Identification of a host system with predominantly acute hepacivirus infection may enable new insights into the chronic infection pattern associated with HCV. IMPORTANCE: The evolutionary origins of the human hepatitis C virus (HCV) are unclear. The closest animal-associated relative of HCV occurs in horses (equine hepacivirus [EqHV]). The low EqHV genetic diversity implies a relatively recent acquisition of EqHV by horses, limiting the time span for potential horse-to-human infections in the past. Horses are genetically related to donkeys, and EqHV may have cospeciated with these host species. Here, we investigated a large panel of donkeys from various countries using serologic and molecular tools. We found EqHV to be globally widespread in donkeys and identify potential differences in EqHV infection patterns, with donkeys potentially showing enhanced EqHV clearance compared to horses. We provide strong evidence against EqHV cospeciation and for its capability to switch hosts among equines. Differential hepacivirus infection patterns in horses and donkeys may enable new insights into the chronic infection pattern associated with HCV.

Association of amniotic uric acid, glucose, lactate and creatinine concentrations and lactate/creatinine ratio with newborn survival in small-sized dogs - preliminary results.

In order to define the normal composition of canine amniotic fluid and to detect differences between surviving and non-surviving newborn puppies, the present study determined the uric acid, glucose, lactate and creatinine concentrations and the lactate to creatinine ratio in amniotic fluids collected during elective Caesarean section from small-sized purebred bitches. The possible relationship between newborn survival and the studied parameters, as well as the effects of maternal parity, fetal gender and Apgar score were assessed. The study enrolled 27 small-sized purebred bitches submitted to elective Caesarean section at term. After opening the fetal membranes, amniotic fluid samples were collected aseptically from the amniotic sac of each fetus. The data obtained from 74 amniotic fluid samples collected from 27 bitches showed that amniotic glucose concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in non-surviving than in surviving puppies. Within the normal, surviving puppies, amniotic glucose concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in male than in female newborns, and the lactate/creatinine ratio was significantly higher in multiparous than in primiparous bitches (P < 0.05). These preliminary results demonstrate the relevance of amniotic glucose, but not of uric acid, lactate, creatinine and the lactate to creatinine ratio for detecting puppies at risk of death immediately after birth.

FGF2 and EGF Are Required for Self-Renewal and Organoid Formation of Canine Normal and Tumor Breast Stem Cells.

Recent studies suggest that human tumors are generated from cancer cells with stem cell (SC) properties. Spontaneously occurring cancers in dogs contain a diversity of cells that like for human tumors suggest that certain canine tumors are also generated from cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs, like normal SCs, have the capacity for self-renewal as mammospheres in suspension cultures. To understand how cells with SC properties contribute to canine mammary gland tumor development and progression, comparative analysis between normal SCs and CSCs, obtained from the same individual, is essential. We have utilized the property of sphere formation to develop culture conditions for propagating stem/progenitor cells from canine normal and tumor tissue. We show that cells from dissociated mammospheres retain sphere reformation capacity for several serial passages and have the capacity to generate organoid structures ex situ. Utilizing various culture conditions for passaging SCs and CSCs, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were found to positively or negatively regulate mammosphere regeneration, organoid formation, and multi-lineage differentiation potential. The response of FGF2 and EGF on SCs and CSCs was different, with increased FGF2 and EGF self-renewal promoted in SCs and repressed in CSCs. Our protocol for propagating SCs from normal and tumor canine breast tissue will provide new opportunities in comparative mammary gland stem cell analysis between species and anticancer treatment and therapies for dogs. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 570-584, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Does Placental Efficiency and Vascularization Affect Puppy Health? A Study in Boxer and Dobermann Dogs.

BACKGROUND: The anatomical and functional characteristics of the placenta influence the adaptive ability of the fetus to the extrauterine environment. Placental efficiency, measured as the gram of neonate produced by each gram of placenta, summarizes these characteristics. In the present study, placental efficiency and its impact on the 7-day postpartum life of the puppies were studied in canine large breeds. METHODS: Placental efficiency (PE) was computed using chorioallantois weight (WPE) and surface (SPE) efficiency for puppies born from natural delivery or elective cesarean section. Capillary density was also histologically determined. Neonate viability was estimated by the APGAR score and the daily weight gain (DWG) was recorded on day 7 after delivery. RESULTS: from 15 large-breed bitches, 69 live puppies were born by natural delivery (24 puppies) and elective cesarean section (45 puppies). Cluster analysis detected a group of neonates for which reduced placental efficiency (8 for the WPE, 9 for the SPE) was identified, despite a placental weight and surface within the mean and no difference in capillary density. In this group, the DWG was lower and the mortality within 7 days was higher. CONCLUSIONS: the results suggest that placental efficiency could be an additional tool for the evaluation of a puppy in the first 7 days after delivery.

Maternal and neonatal cortisol and catecholamines throughout vaginal eutocia and C-section in dogs.

Increased fetal cortisol is associated with catecholamine release, a primary factor for neonatal adaptive responses. However, relationship between canine peripartum cortisol and catecholamine is unknown. We aimed to compare serum adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol during peripartum in bitches and neonates of distinct obstetric conditions and to assess amniotic fluid cortisol concentration. Twenty females and maximum of three puppies per litter were allocated into Vaginal Eutocia (10 females; 17 neonates) and Elective C-section (10 females; 20 neonates) groups. Amniotic fluid was collected at delivery for cortisol concentration. Maternal and neonatal blood were collected prepartum, intrapartum, postpartum and 1h postpartum, and at birth, 30 and 60min, 12hs and 24hs, respectively, for cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline assessment. C-section determined higher noradrenaline throughout delivery and cortisol concentration from intrapartum through 1h postpartum, compared to vaginal birth. C-section maternal cortisol showed progressive increase from intrapartum onwards, while neonatal cortisol remained unchanged. No difference of maternal cortisol concentration occurred along whelping, whereas a significant decrease was verified for vaginal delivery puppies from birth until the 12hs. Puppies delivered vaginally had higher cortisol concentration at birth and 30min, compared to c-section puppies. There was a higher concentration of amniotic fluid cortisol in vaginal eutocia. In conclusion, c-section induces higher maternal stress during and after surgery, whilst vaginal delivery is a more neonatal physiologically stressful condition, contributing to better adaptation during transition.

Biochemical factors affecting newborn survival in dogs and cats.

The importance and implications of small animal neonatology were underestimated until recent times. Despite the recent increasing interest for this branch of veterinary medicine, however, perinatal mortality rates in canine and feline species remain high, representing an important challenge for the clinician. In this perspective, the prompt identification of newborns requiring additional and tailored assistance becomes a key to reduce the perinatal losses in small animals. To achieve this goal, clinical and laboratory findings must be carefully evaluated. This paper focuses on biochemical parameters and their reported influence on neonatal survival, guiding through the evaluation of canine and feline newborn laboratory analyses, with a thorough discussion about the use of different biological material in these subjects. Beside blood, other biological material, such as urines and fetal fluids proved to be interesting for the identification of possible prognostic markers, thanks also to their easy and safe collection. However, the correct reading-through the results must consider many variables such as type of delivery, anesthesia protocol in case of Caesarean section, age of the newborn at samples collection, and for blood analysis, also the type of blood, site of collection, modality of collection and storage must be considered. Notwithstanding the recent progress in literature, for most of the parameters more research is needed to define cut-off values with certainty.

Apgar Score for Newborn Dog Viability Assessment: Differences between English and French Bulldogs Born via Cesarean Section.

Even if largely used in canine neonatology, some questions about the Apgar Score (AS) arose. Notably, considering the breed-oriented modifications of the score are needed, slight changes of the score were reported for English (EBs) and French bulldogs (FBs). The present study aimed to evaluate the possible differences between neonatal viability of the two breeds assessed by AS in puppies born via cesarean section. The results obtained from 99 puppies born alive and without malformations (EB = 47, FB = 52) showed significant (p < 0.001) differences in the median AS (seven in EB vs. eight in FB), with Grimace (p < 0.05 for sub-score 0 and p < 0.001 for sub-score 2) and Attitude (p < 0.05) being differently sub-scored between the two breeds. In the 89 alive puppies at 7 days of age, the same difference in the median AS was observed (p < 0.001), and only Grimace was differently sub-scored between the two breeds (p < 0.05 for sub-score 0 and p < 0.01 for sub-score 2). These results suggest that low Grimace could be an intrinsic characteristic of EB newborns, but it could negatively affect the neonatal adaptation process of EBs, providing an indication for focused neonatal assistance. Neonatal mortality at 7 days of age was higher in EBs than in FBs (17 vs. 3.8%, respectively), which deserves further investigations. The study provides further evidence that breed-oriented ASs are needed for a better evaluation and assistance of purebred puppies at birth.

Coat, Claw and Dewclaw 17-ß-Estradiol and Testosterone Concentrations in Male and Female Postpubertal Cats: Preliminary Results.

In the recent past, tissue materials such as hair/coat and nails/claws have proved to be useful for the study of long-term hormonal changes in humans and animals and shown to be advantageous in terms of being collectable without invasiveness, with a benefit in terms of animal welfare. However, studies using these tissue materials in cats are scarce, especially on sexual hormone measurement. In this study, the concentrations of 17-ß-estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) were assessed in 20 male and 18 female domestic postpubertal cats at the time of neutering/spaying during the breeding season. Hormones were measured in coat shaved from the forearm (ACOAT) and from the surgical area (SCOAT); claws were collected from the forearms (CLAWS) and the dewclaws (DCLAWS). Although all these tissue materials were shown to be useful for E2 and T long-term measurement, only T concentrations were higher (p < 0.001) in males from both ACOAT and SCOAT samples when compared to females and therefore useful for distinguishing between the two sexes. Within each sex, E2 and T concentrations can be assessed on coat, but also on the dewclaws, providing an alternative, practical, matrix for sexual steroid measurement in postpubertal cats during the breeding season.

Peripubertal Testosterone, 17ß-Estradiol and Progesterone Concentrations in Hair and Nails in Dobermann Dogs.

Studies about puberty in dogs are few, probably because many factors are involved in the delicate process of puberty onset, leading to difficulties in the proper enrollment of subjects. Moreover, the use of blood for monitoring hormonal changes can be problematic, and not feasible for long-term studies. Hair and nails proved to be suitable matrices for the retrospective evaluation of hormones' long-term accumulation. This study was performed using hair and nails for the evaluation of testosterone (T), 17ß-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentrations to assess possible sexual steroid changes during the peripubertal period in dogs. The results, obtained on five males and five females, showed a significant increase in T in hair and nails of males immediately before puberty. In females, a significant increase in E2 at puberty and a marked increase in P4 after puberty was found in both biological specimens. Sex-related differences were detected only for T hair concentrations, but when the sex and sampling time were considered together, hair and nails T and nails P4 concentrations allowed us to discern between male and female dogs at specific sampling times. The results from this study showed that hair and nails are useful biological specimens for the retrospective evaluation of changes in T, E2 and P4 concentrations in peripubertal dogs.

Effect of a subcutaneous implant of deslorelin acetate on serum testosterone concentrations in male Hermann's (Testudo hermanni sp.) and Greek (Testudo graeca sp.) tortoises.

Deslorelin acetate is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist formulated in a controlled-release subcutaneous implant and designed for reversible suppression of testosterone production in dogs. It has also been demonstrated to be effective in other animal species, but no data on its effectiveness in male land tortoises are available. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a 4.7-mg deslorelin acetate implant on serum testosterone concentrations in male Hermann's (Testudo hermanni sp.) and Greek (Testudo graeca sp.) tortoises. Twenty adult male tortoises housed under the same environmental conditions were enrolled for the study and randomly assigned to a treatment (D, n = 10) or a control (C, n = 10) group. Starting in May, males from the D group were implanted with a 4.7-mg deslorelin acetate device, whereas males from the C group did not receive any treatment. Blood samples were collected once immediately before implant application (S0-May) and at 15 days (S1-June), 2 (S2-July), and 5 (S3-October) months after application. Serum testosterone at each sampling time was measured through a solid-phase, enzyme-labeled, competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay. Median serum testosterone concentrations were not significantly different between the two groups in all sampling times, and no interaction between treatment and sampling time was observed. The present study, therefore, suggests that a single treatment with a 4.7-mg deslorelin acetate implant has no effect on testosterone circulation in male Hermann's and Greek tortoises during the following 5 months.

Postnatal morpho-functional development of a dog's meniscus.

This study evaluates the morpho-functional modifications that characterize meniscal development from neonatal to adult dogs. Even if menisci are recognized as essential structures for the knee joint, poor information is available about their morphogenesis, in particular in dog models. Menisci from a group of Dobermann Pinchers aged 0, 10, 30 days, and 4 years (T0, T10, T30, adult, respectively) were analyzed by SEM, histochemistry (Safranin O and Picro Sirius Red Staining analyzed under a polarized light microscope), immunofluorescences (collagen type I and II), biomechanical (compression) and biochemical analyses (glycosaminoglycans, GAGs, and DNA content). SEM analyses revealed that the T0 meniscus is a bulgy structure that during growth tends to flatten, firstly in the inner zone (T10) and then even in the outer zone (T30), until the achievement of the completely smooth adult final shape. These results were further supported by the histochemistry analyses in which the deposition of GAGs started from T30, and the presence of type I birefringent collagen fibers was observed from T0 to T30, while poorly refringent type III collagen fibers were observed in the adult dogs. Double immunofluorescence analyses also evidenced that the neonatal meniscus contains mainly type I collagen fibers, as well as the T10 meniscus, and demonstrated a more evident regionalization and crimping in the T30 and adult meniscus. Young's elastic modulus of the meniscus in T0 and T10 animals was lower than the T30 animals, and this last group was also lower than adult ones (T0-T10 vs T30 vs adult). Biochemical analysis confirmed that cellularity decreases over time from neonatal to adult (p < 0.01). The same decreasing trend was observed in GAGs deposition. These results may suggest that the postnatal development of canine meniscus may be related to the progressive functional locomotory development: after birth, the meniscus acquires its functionality over time, through movement, load, and growth itself.

Feline neonatology: From birth to commencement of weaning - what to know for successful management.

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Despite considerable interest in the field of companion animal reproduction, feline neonatology remains largely unstudied. This contrasts with the need for a more professional veterinary approach to newborn kittens and feline husbandry, across the pet, breeding cattery and rescue shelter settings, to reduce kitten mortality. GLOBAL IMPORTANCE: Feline neonatology has relevance for veterinarians around the world as cats are continuing to become established as popular companion animals. CLINICAL CHALLENGES: Perinatal mortality in cats is remarkably high. Therefore, adequate neonatal evaluation and assistance at birth, careful monitoring of kittens in the vulnerable period until weaning begins, assessment of maternal factors and well-informed management of orphans are crucial in helping to reduce kitten losses. AIM: This review aims to deepen the basic knowledge of the veterinary clinical team regarding the characteristics of feline newborns under normal conditions at birth through to the commencement of weaning. Much of the information is also relevant to breeders and rescue/shelter caregivers. EVIDENCE BASE: In compiling the present review, the authors have drawn on specific feline research data, where available, complemented by data extrapolated from scientific publications on newborn dogs, and also their own and their colleagues' professional clinical experience.

Clinical Scoring Systems in the Newborn Calf: An Overview.

A scoring system is an instrument that enables the scorers, including farmers, technicians, and veterinarians, to adopt a systematic approach for diagnosis or monitoring, as it decreases bias and confounding and increases objectivity. Practically, it is a number assigned to a patient that correlates with a probability that a diagnosis can be confirmed or that a specific outcome will follow. This article examines the clinical scores designed or adapted to bovine medicine that aim to assess newborn calf viability and to diagnose and monitor neonatal calf diarrhea and respiratory diseases, helping the clinician promptly recognize calves needing medical assistance. Despite the large number of clinical scores described in the literature, these are still barely used in farm animal practice; possibly, the complexity of the scores and missing recommendations for intervention are reasons for their lack of popularity as well as the crosswise lack of consistency among scores designed for the same purpose. Further research is needed in this regard to increase scores validation and encourage their application in bovine calf neonatology.

Refining the APGAR Score Cutoff Values and Viability Classes According to Breed Body Size in Newborn Dogs.

The Apgar score (AS) represents a key tool for neonate assessment, but the possible breed effect on AS in newborn puppies has never been investigated. Therefore, data from 234 dog litters born by caesarean section, grouped according to breed body size (BBS) (small, medium, large), were evaluated. Live-birth puppies were assessed through AS within 5 min of delivery, and classified in viability classes: 0−3 severely distressed, 4−6 moderately distressed, 7−10 not distressed. Statistical analysis evaluated possible differences of AS and viability class according to BBS, and between BBS and puppies' mortality. Results showed no differences in the distribution of mortalities among BBSs. However, an effect of BBS on the AS was found, with small-sized puppies being the most represented in the severely distressed class, but having the best survival chance compared to large-sized newborns. Through receiver-operating-characteristics analysis, the AS new cutoff values for survival and for death <24 h and 24 h−7 days of age were identified, and the viability classes were redefined, with a narrower class of moderately distressed puppy specific for each BBS. In conclusion, the refining of the AS in dog species is imperative, with cutoff values and viability classifications that must be adapted to the BBS.

Management of Vaginal Hyperplasia in Bitches by Bühner Suture.

Vaginal hyperplasia in bitch is an exaggerated response of the vaginal mucosa to estrogens during the proestral-estral phase of the cycle that can protrude through the vulvar lips. The present study refers to the management of vaginal hyperplasia in bitches by Bühner vulvar suture. Fourteen private-owners animals were refereed for spontaneous vaginal hyperplasia and complete protrusion of the mucosa, without ischemic or necrotic areas, which occurred during the proestral-estral phase. Under general anesthesia, prolapsed mass was cleaned with 50% glucose solution to reduce oedema and gently repositioned; the Bühner suture was applied using a Gerlach needle and a sterile vaginal suture tape, maintaining a minimal opening to allow urination in order to avoid possible recurrence in the same estrus. None of the bitches showed recurrence during the current cycle, proving the effectiveness of the Bühner suture. To prevent the possible recurrence of vaginal hyperplasia at the subsequent estrus, all the bitches underwent an ovariectomy 2 months later, when the Bühner suture was removed. In conclusion, the Bühner suture proved to be useful for the conservative treatment of vaginal hyperplasia in medium- or large-sized bitches. However, this approach should be considered only for cases in which the prolapsed mass does not show trauma, ulceration, ischemic or necrotic areas.

Hair and Claw Dehydroepiandrosterone Concentrations in Newborn Puppies Spontaneously Dead within 30 Days of Age.

The latest intrauterine fetal developmental stage and the neonatal period represent the most challenging phases for mammalian offspring. Toward the term of pregnancy, during parturition, and after birth, the hypothalamic−pituitary−adrenal axis (HPA) is a key system regulating several physiologic processes, through the production of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This study was aimed to assess DHEA concentrations in hair and claws of 126 spontaneously dead newborn puppies, classified as premature puppies (PRE-P), stillborn puppies (STILL-P) and puppies that died from the 1st to the 30th day of life (NEON-P). The possible influence of newborn sex, breed body size, and timing of death on DHEA concentrations in both matrices was evaluated. Claw DHEA concentrations were higher in the PRE-P group when compared to STILL-P and NEON-P puppies (p < 0.05), whilst no significant differences were found in hair for all the studied factors. The results confirm the hypothesis that higher amounts of DHEA are produced during the intrauterine life in dogs, also in puppies that will die soon after birth.

Effect of Delivery by Emergency or Elective Cesarean Section on Nitric Oxide Metabolites and Cortisol Amniotic Concentrations in at Term Normal Newborn Dogs: Preliminary Results.

The neonatal response to stress was reported to be related to the type of delivery, that is elective or emergency cesarean sections (ELCS and EMCS, respectively). Nitric oxide (NO) is also reported to be related to uterine inertia, and high levels of NO metabolites (NOs) are associated with physical and emotional stress. The study aimed to assess the concentrations of cortisol (C) and NOs in the amniotic fluid of puppies delivered by ELCS or EMCS. In total, 32 puppies were delivered by ELCS and 22 by EMCS. ANCOVA showed an effect of the ELCS vs. EMCS on both amniotic NOs (p < 0.001) and C (p < 0.001) concentrations. Lower amniotic C concentrations were found at increasing Apgar score (p < 0.001). Higher amniotic NOs concentrations were associated to increasing mother's parity (p < 0.001), puppies' birthweight (p < 0.001), and time of labor within the EMCS group (p < 0.05). A positive correlation between birthweight and amniotic NOs concentrations was also found (p < 0.05) in the EMCS group. Due to the possible concurrence of several compartments (maternal, maybe placental, and fetal) to the final amniotic fluid composition, the definition of the role played by the three compartments in the higher C and NOs concentrations found in amniotic fluids collected from puppies delivered by EMCS than ELCS needs further clarification.

How Stressful Is Maternity? Study about Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate Coat and Claws Concentrations in Female Dogs from Mating to 60 Days Post-Partum.

In dogs, the phase from mating to the end of weaning lasts about 120 days and encompasses many aspects that, interacting, contribute to increase the allostatic load. The coat and claws, useful for long-term change assessments, have the advantage of being collectable without invasiveness. In the present study, the Cortisol (C) and Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) concentration monthly changes in the coat and claws were studied in female dogs from mating to the end of weaning to assess Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis activation during pregnancy and the post-partum period. The results from 15 Dobermann Pinscher female dogs showed a trend of increase of the coat C from mating to 60 days post-partum, with significant changes between mating and parturition-60 days post-partum (p < 0.01) and between the 30-day pregnancy diagnosis (PD) and 30-60 days post-partum (p < 0.05). The claws C trend showed significant increases between mating and 30-60 days post-partum (p < 0.05) and between the PD and 60 days post-partum (p < 0.01). DHEA-S in both matrices showed non-significant changes. The results suggest that maternity could play a pivotal role in the HPA axis activation, with a subsequent chronic secretion of C determining an increase in the allostatic load in the mothers. Neither maternal parity nor litter size played a significant role in the accumulation of C and DHEA-S in both matrices.

Clinical Trial on the Usefulness of On-Site Evaluation of Canine Fetal Fluids by Reagent Test Strip in Puppies at Elective Caesarean Section.

The reagent urinary test strips (TS) marketed for urines represent the first-line diagnostic tool in many instances. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of TS for the on-field evaluation of fetal fluids' composition in newborn dogs at elective caesarean section. Of a total of 137 puppies born at term, 127 survived and 10 did not survive. One hundred and thirteen amniotic and 107 allantoic samples from surviving newborns were collected, and 8 amniotic and allantoic fluids were collected from the non-surviving newborns and assessed by strips. Significantly lower amounts of amniotic glucose and higher amounts of amniotic and allantoic nitrites, amniotic protein, allantoic urobilinogen, and amniotic bilirubin concentrations were found in non-surviving when compared to surviving newborns. In the surviving ones, higher specific gravity and bilirubin concentrations, and lower pH, were found in allantoic than in amniotic fluids. Higher amniotic and allantoic glucose concentrations, higher amniotic and allantoic pH, and lower amniotic and allantoic protein concentrations were found in medium/large- than in small-sized puppies. The TS allowed the quick evaluation of fetal fluids in puppies at birth. The differences between surviving and non-surviving puppies seem to suggest that the on-site analysis of fetal fluids' composition by TS could represent a first-line diagnostic tool in the field of canine neonatology, allowing the quick recognition of puppies needing assistance as a complementary tool for clinical evaluation.