Influence of sub-clinical endometritis on early pregnancy predictors and proinflammatory cytokines in circulating immune cells in dairy cows.

In Experiment 1, PBMC were isolated from cows considered healthy or with SCE (n=6/group) on Days 0 (estrus) and 7 (diestrus) of a synchronized estrous cycle. In Experiment 2, on D21 (D0 was defined as the day of Fixed Timed Artificial Insemination (FTAI), cows were evaluated by ultrasonography to assess luteal blood perfusion and PBMC were isolated. On D32, cows were classified into: healthy pregnant (n=7), pregnant with SCE (n=4), healthy non-pregnant (n=8), and non-pregnant with SCE (n=10). Gene expression of ISGs (ISG15, OAS1, MX1 and IFI6) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL1-ß, TNF-α and IFN-γ) were determined. Expression of ISG15, MX1, IFI6, TNF-α and IFN-γ did not differ between SCE and healthy cows and between Days 0 and 7. Expression of OAS1 and IL1-ß were higher (P=0.02) on Day 7 than Day 0, regardlees of the SCE presence. In Exp.2, ISG15 abundance was 2.5-fold greater (P=0.0008), TNF-α was 2.2-fold greater (P=0.05), and IL1-ß tended (P=0.06) to be 2.4-fold higher in pregnant than non-pregnant cows. Luteal blood perfusion was greater (P=0.01) in pregnant animals. In conclusion, OAS1 and IL1-ß are transcripts upregulated in PBMC at diestrus, regardless of SCE occurrence. Proinflammatory cytokines are not affected by SCE occurrence, but IL1-ß and TNF-α are upregulated in pregnant animals on D21 of pregnancy. ISG15 abundance is a good pregnancy predictor, regardless SCE presence.

The Endometrial Microbiota-16S rRNA Gene Sequence Signatures in Healthy, Pregnant and Endometritis Dairy Cows.

Endometritis is one of the most important causes of infertility in dairy cows, resulting in high economic losses in the dairy industry. Though the presence of a commensal uterine microbiota is now well established, the complex role of these bacteria in genital health, fertility, and susceptibility to uterine diseases remains unclear. In this study, we explore the endometrial microbiota through 16S rRNA gene profiling from cytobrush samples taken ex vivo from healthy, pregnant, and endometritis cows. There were no significant differences between healthy and pregnant cows, whose uterine microbiota were dominated by Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, Fusobacterium, Lactococcus and Bacteroides. Compared to pregnant and clinically healthy cows, the uterine bacterial community of endometritis cows was significantly decreased in species diversity (p < 0.05), reflecting uneven community composition in different patterns with either dominance of Escherichia-Shigella, Histophilus, Bacteroides and Porphyromonas or Actinobacteria.

Torção uterina associada à piometra aberta em cadela / Uterine torsion associated with open pyometra in a bitch

Background: Pyometra or pyometritis is a serious and common condition of intact female dogs characterized by the inflammation of the uterus with a buildup of purulent exudate. It may be classified as open or closed. If untreated, pyometracan lead to uterine rupture and sepsis. Pyometra may also predispose to uterine torsion, defined as a rotation of one orboth uterine horns around its longitudinal axis. Uterine torsion in female dogs is rare, and usually with late pregnancy orparturition. This case report describes the clinical presentation and therapeutic management of uterine torsion correlatedwith open pyometra in a non-gravid bitch with no history of exogenous progesterone exposure.Case: A 10-year-old intact Yorkshire Terrier bitch weighing 3.2 kg was referred to a veterinary clinic in Porto Alegre,Brazil, with a 7 day history of prostration, anorexia, polydipsia, and sanguinopurulent vulvar discharge. Physical examination revealed pronounced abdominal tenderness. On abdominal ultrasonography, the uterus was enlarged and filled withcellular anechoic content, suggestive of pyometra. A complete blood count showed mild microcytic normochromic anemiaand leukocytosis. The animal was stabilized and an urgent ovariohysterectomy was performed. Preanesthetic analgesiaconsisted of subcutaneous methadone 0.3 mg/kg. Anesthesia was induced with propofol 3 mg/kg i.v. and maintained withinhaled isoflurane. During the procedure, significant enlargement of the left uterine horn and slight enlargement of theright uterine horn were observed. In addition, a torsion was identified near the left ovary, with copious sanguinopurulentsecretion. The animal remained under observation and fluid therapy for 48 h after the procedure and was discharged topostoperative follow-up. After discharge, the following treatment was medicine, local cleaning and rest for 14 days. Concluding...(AU)

Torção uterina associada à piometra aberta em cadela / Uterine torsion associated with open pyometra in a bitch

Background: Pyometra or pyometritis is a serious and common condition of intact female dogs characterized by the inflammation of the uterus with a buildup of purulent exudate. It may be classified as open or closed. If untreated, pyometracan lead to uterine rupture and sepsis. Pyometra may also predispose to uterine torsion, defined as a rotation of one orboth uterine horns around its longitudinal axis. Uterine torsion in female dogs is rare, and usually with late pregnancy orparturition. This case report describes the clinical presentation and therapeutic management of uterine torsion correlatedwith open pyometra in a non-gravid bitch with no history of exogenous progesterone exposure.Case: A 10-year-old intact Yorkshire Terrier bitch weighing 3.2 kg was referred to a veterinary clinic in Porto Alegre,Brazil, with a 7 day history of prostration, anorexia, polydipsia, and sanguinopurulent vulvar discharge. Physical examination revealed pronounced abdominal tenderness. On abdominal ultrasonography, the uterus was enlarged and filled withcellular anechoic content, suggestive of pyometra. A complete blood count showed mild microcytic normochromic anemiaand leukocytosis. The animal was stabilized and an urgent ovariohysterectomy was performed. Preanesthetic analgesiaconsisted of subcutaneous methadone 0.3 mg/kg. Anesthesia was induced with propofol 3 mg/kg i.v. and maintained withinhaled isoflurane. During the procedure, significant enlargement of the left uterine horn and slight enlargement of theright uterine horn were observed. In addition, a torsion was identified near the left ovary, with copious sanguinopurulentsecretion. The animal remained under observation and fluid therapy for 48 h after the procedure and was discharged topostoperative follow-up. After discharge, the following treatment was medicine, local cleaning and rest for 14 days. Concluding...

Alterations in biochemical profiles and reproduction performance in postpartum dairy cows with metritis.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biochemical profile and reproductive performance in postpartum dairy cows with clinical metritis. The research was carried out using performed on 213 pluriparous lactating cows from two dairy herds in southeast Brazil. Dairy cows were assigned into a group of healthy cows (n = 147) and cows with metritis (n = 66). Blood samples to assess serum albumin, cholesterol, fibrinogen, calcium, gamma-glutammyltransferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations were performed on day 8 ± 2 postpartum. Metritic cows had lower (p < .05) serum albumin, cholesterol and calcium concentration, and higher (p < .05) GGT and AST activity, and BHBA and fibrinogen concentrations when compared to the healthy group. The calving-to-conception interval and services per pregnancy were higher in metritic cows (p < .01) than in healthy cows and the conception rate at first service was lower in metric group (p < .01). Variable importance in projection plots demonstrated that cholesterol was the main discriminator between metritic and healthy cows. Our results indicated alterations in the biochemical profile and impaired reproduction performance in metritic cows.

Bovine Endometritis and the Inflammatory Peripheral Cholinergic System.

Endometritis is an inflammation of the endometrium associated with bacterial infection. The pathogenesis of endometritis in cows is still not completely understood. The combined analysis of the markers of inflammation and oxidative stress has contributed to a better understanding of disease mechanisms, but is still unexplored in uterine disorders. Moreover, research provides evidence about an important role of the vagus nerve in regulating the innate immune function through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in response to bacterial infections. This new pathway has demonstrated a critical role in controlling the inflammatory system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of cholinesterase in total blood, lymphocytes, and serum of dairy cows with clinical and subclinical endometritis. Sixty-one Holstein cows, between 30 and 45 days in milk, were classified into 3 groups of animals: presenting clinical endometritis (n = 22), subclinical endometritis (n = 17), and healthy (n = 22). Mean leukocyte counts did not differ among groups, but the neutrophil number was significantly higher in cows with clinical endometritis than those in healthy animals. Also, serum concentration of interleukin-1beta (pg/mL) was significantly higher in cows with endometritis. The activity of acetylcholinesterase in blood and lymphocytes increased in both groups with endometritis. Animals with endometritis presented an increase in lipid peroxidation, but the antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase levels) was higher in endometritis groups than in normal cows. In conclusion, the inflammatory process of clinical and subclinical endometritis leads to systemic lipid peroxidation despite the compensatory increase of the antioxidant enzyme. These data also provide evidence of an important role of the cholinergic pathway in regulating dairy cows with clinical and subclinical endometritis.

Comparative biochemical profiles, production and reproduction status of the post-partum dairy cows with and without purulent vaginal discharge.

Purulent vaginal discharge (PVD) is a prevalent uterine disease of dairy cows during the puerperium that affects the milk production and affects the profitability of farms. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the biochemical profile, the body condition score, the milk production of cows with PVD and the effects PVD on reproductive performance. A total of 338 Holstein dairy cows aged from 3 to 5 years, from three commercial dairy farms, from Brazil, were used. Blood samples were collected within 25 ± 3 days post-partum from Holstein dairy cows without PVD (control cows, n = 242) and cows with PVD (n = 96), based on scoring of the vaginal discharge. The body condition score and milk production were recorded on the day of sampling. The biochemical profile encompassed albumin, urea, gamma-glutamyl transferase, calcium, fibrinogen and cholesterol concentrations. The number of services per pregnancy was lower (p < 0.01), and the number of days until first insemination and the median time to pregnancy were higher in cows with PVD (p < 0.01) when compared with control cows. Milk production and body condition score were lower (p < 0.01) in cows with PVD than in control group. Cows with PVD had lower (p < 0.05) serum albumin, urea, calcium and cholesterol concentrations, and higher serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity and fibrinogen concentration than cows without PVD. Our results show that cows with PVD have changes in the biochemical profile and negative effects on production and reproduction performance.

Torção uterina unicornual em cadela não gestante / Unicornual uterine twist in non-pregnant bitch

Background: Uterine twisting in bitches is an uncommon disease in which the difficulty of diagnosis is due to non specific clinical signs. This condition is more commonly observed in pluriparous females and is usually associated with a pregnant uterus close to birth, or associated with hemometra, pyometra and neoplasms in non-pregnant bitches. This study reports a case of an 11-year-old Poodle bitch with a rare case of uterine twisting in a non-pregnant womb. Case: A 11-year-old Poodle dog, weighing 3.2 kg, was admitted at the institution with a history of anorexia, oligodipsia and apathy during one day. There was no information on the last phase of estrus or previous pregnancies. The patient arrived at the emergency room of the veterinary hospital with cardiorespiratory arrest and was resuscitated with mechanical ventilation, cardiac massage and administration of adrenaline (0.1 mg/kg IV, 1 mg/ml concentration), tramadol hydrochloride (2mg/kg via IV) and oxygen therapy. Clinical examination revealed a distended and tense abdomen with a palpable mass inthe mesogastric region. Ultrasound examination showed a heterogeneous structure (> 10cm. in diameter), with cavitary areas filled with heterogeneous anechoic content and septations, located between the liver and urinary bladder. It was notpossible to identify in which organ or structure the mass originated, and the possibility of gestation and fetal death was discarded. The female died six hours after admission. The patient was submitted to necropsy and histopathological analysis revealed a dark red and enlarged segment of the uterine horn with a 360º twist, occupying most of the abdominal cavity.The left uterine horn was about 10 cm in diameter and firm, and cystic areas were observed on a reddish-black surface containing a large amount of bloody fluid. The right uterine horn was normal in appearance, but with a small amount of fluid...(AU)

Torção uterina unicornual em cadela não gestante / Unicornual uterine twist in non-pregnant bitch

Background: Uterine twisting in bitches is an uncommon disease in which the difficulty of diagnosis is due to non specific clinical signs. This condition is more commonly observed in pluriparous females and is usually associated with a pregnant uterus close to birth, or associated with hemometra, pyometra and neoplasms in non-pregnant bitches. This study reports a case of an 11-year-old Poodle bitch with a rare case of uterine twisting in a non-pregnant womb. Case: A 11-year-old Poodle dog, weighing 3.2 kg, was admitted at the institution with a history of anorexia, oligodipsia and apathy during one day. There was no information on the last phase of estrus or previous pregnancies. The patient arrived at the emergency room of the veterinary hospital with cardiorespiratory arrest and was resuscitated with mechanical ventilation, cardiac massage and administration of adrenaline (0.1 mg/kg IV, 1 mg/ml concentration), tramadol hydrochloride (2mg/kg via IV) and oxygen therapy. Clinical examination revealed a distended and tense abdomen with a palpable mass inthe mesogastric region. Ultrasound examination showed a heterogeneous structure (> 10cm. in diameter), with cavitary areas filled with heterogeneous anechoic content and septations, located between the liver and urinary bladder. It was notpossible to identify in which organ or structure the mass originated, and the possibility of gestation and fetal death was discarded. The female died six hours after admission. The patient was submitted to necropsy and histopathological analysis revealed a dark red and enlarged segment of the uterine horn with a 360º twist, occupying most of the abdominal cavity.The left uterine horn was about 10 cm in diameter and firm, and cystic areas were observed on a reddish-black surface containing a large amount of bloody fluid. The right uterine horn was normal in appearance, but with a small amount of fluid...

Pathogenesis of uterine diseases in dairy cattle and implications for fertility.

Uterine diseases in cattle occur at all stages of the reproduction cycle but the majority of cases is found in the postpartum period. The inflammation of the uterus is generally defined as metritis or endometritis, with several graduations, e.g. puerperal metritis, clinical metritis, clinical or subclinical endometritis. Whether uterine diseases have a negligible, moderate or detrimental effect on fertility is still under discussion and depends on definitions and classification. In the past, it was assumed that the pregnant uterus is free of pathogens, but recent studies found several species including pathogens in the uterus and endometrium of pregnant cows. After parturition, a broad diversity of bacteria with >200 different species has been found in the early postpartum period. Not all of these bacteria, however, are considered as pathogens. Furthermore, bacteriological findings provide only evidence for infection but not for inflammation. For some bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli and Trueperella pyogenes pathogenic mechanism resulting in metritis and endometritis have been elucidated in detail. The role of bacteria that can be regarded as opportunistic or potential pathogens, e.g. Bacillus pumilus, is still under investigation. The understanding of the uterine microbiota and its interactions is increasing with the use of modern high-resolution techniques such as Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy. Endometrial cytology provides additional information about alterations in the endometrium. Knowledge of innate uterine defense mechanism in cattle has increased a lot in the recent past. It can be speculated that improving or modulating uterine defense mechanism will be part of future prevention and treatment approaches beyond the use of antimicrobials. In this context, cellular and molecular defense mechanisms have been in the focus of interest, e.g. the role of interleukins or mucins. This review gives a short overview on some aspects of recent research on uterine diseases in cattle.

Pathogenesis of uterine diseases in dairy cattle and implications for fertility

Uterine diseases in cattle occur at all stages of the reproduction cycle but the majority of cases is found in the postpartum period. The inflammation of the uterus is generally defined as metritis or endometritis, with several graduations, e.g. puerperal metritis, clinical metritis, clinical or subclinical endometritis. Whether uterine diseases have a negligible, moderate or detrimental effect on fertility is still under discussion and depends on definitions and classification. In the past, it was assumed that the pregnant uterus is free of pathogens, but recent studies found several species including pathogens in the uterus and endometrium of pregnant cows. After parturition, a broad diversity of bacteria with >200 different species has been found in the early postpartum period. Not all of these bacteria, however, are considered as pathogens. Furthermore, bacteriological findings provide only evidence for infection but not for inflammation. For some bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli and Trueperella pyogenes pathogenic mechanism resulting in metritis and endometritis have been elucidated in detail. The role of bacteria that can be regarded as opportunistic or potential pathogens, e.g. Bacillus pumilus, is still under investigation. The understanding of the uterine microbiota and its interactions is increasing with the use of modern high-resolution techniques such as Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy. Endometrial cytology provides additional information about alterations in the endometrium. Knowledge of innate uterine defense mechanism in cattle has increased a lot in the recent past. It can be speculated that improving or modulating uterine defense mechanism will be part of future prevention and treatment approaches beyond the use of antimicrobials. In this context, cellular and molecular defense mechanisms have been in the focus of interest, e.g. the role of interleukins or mucins. This review gives a short overview on some aspects of recent research on uterine diseases in cattle.(AU)

Occurrence of subclinical endometritis in dairy cattle and effect on reproductive efficiency

Background: Subclinical endometritis (SE) have a negative impact on fertility due to an absence of clinical signs which difficult its diagnosis and treatment. The prevalence and impact of the disease on the reproductive status of dairy herds is not known in the region, the objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of the disease and its effect on the reproductive efficiency in cows of the dairy area from Putumayo State, Colombia.Materials, Methods & Results: Cross-sectional study was made of 166 dairy cows from 30 days postpartum in the municipalities: Santiago, Sibundoy, Colon, and San Francisco. Reproductive evaluation and endometrial cytology were made to establish the SE prevalence determining subsequently the number of open days. Cow whit more than 120 days in milk (DIM) and without confirmed pregnancy was defined as “not reproductive efficiency”. Association between SE and reproductive efficiency was established through Odds Ratio from contingency tables. Bias and confusion control was made through stratified analysis. Results showed 32 cows without changes in reproductive clinical evaluation and inflammatory changes in cytological evaluation (PMNn >5%) for a SE prevalence of 19.27%. Disease occurs most frequently in Colón (23.10%) but the frequency of the disease was not different among the regions (P > 0.05). The group of animals with the greatest days open (DO) mean (161 DIM) had a normal ovarian function and subclinical endometritis. The 6.6% of cows had a poor reproductive prognosis (subclinical endometritis, anestrous and 144 DIM). For the stratified analysis (controlling by anestrus) was estimated the crude OR (OR 5.93; P < 0.05; CI 95% 2.56-14.6) and adjusted ORMH (OR 5.78; P < 0.05; CI 95% 2.39-13.9).[...](AU)

Pathogenesis of uterine diseases in dairy cattle and implications for fertility

Uterine diseases in cattle occur at all stages of the reproduction cycle but the majority of cases is found in the postpartum period. The inflammation of the uterus is generally defined as metritis or endometritis, with several graduations, e.g. puerperal metritis, clinical metritis, clinical or subclinical endometritis. Whether uterine diseases have a negligible, moderate or detrimental effect on fertility is still under discussion and depends on definitions and classification. In the past, it was assumed that the pregnant uterus is free of pathogens, but recent studies found several species including pathogens in the uterus and endometrium of pregnant cows. After parturition, a broad diversity of bacteria with >200 different species has been found in the early postpartum period. Not all of these bacteria, however, are considered as pathogens. Furthermore, bacteriological findings provide only evidence for infection but not for inflammation. For some bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli and Trueperella pyogenes pathogenic mechanism resulting in metritis and endometritis have been elucidated in detail. The role of bacteria that can be regarded as opportunistic or potential pathogens, e.g. Bacillus pumilus, is still under investigation. The understanding of the uterine microbiota and its interactions is increasing with the use of modern high-resolution techniques such as Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy. Endometrial cytology provides additional information about alterations in the endometrium. Knowledge of innate uterine defense mechanism in cattle has increased a lot in the recent past. It can be speculated that improving or modulating uterine defense mechanism will be part of future prevention and treatment approaches beyond the use of antimicrobials. In this context, cellular and molecular defense mechanisms have been in the focus of interest, e.g. the role of interleukins or mucins. This review gives a short overview on some aspects of recent research on uterine diseases in cattle.

Occurrence of subclinical endometritis in dairy cattle and effect on reproductive efficiency

Background: Subclinical endometritis (SE) have a negative impact on fertility due to an absence of clinical signs which difficult its diagnosis and treatment. The prevalence and impact of the disease on the reproductive status of dairy herds is not known in the region, the objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of the disease and its effect on the reproductive efficiency in cows of the dairy area from Putumayo State, Colombia.Materials, Methods & Results: Cross-sectional study was made of 166 dairy cows from 30 days postpartum in the municipalities: Santiago, Sibundoy, Colon, and San Francisco. Reproductive evaluation and endometrial cytology were made to establish the SE prevalence determining subsequently the number of open days. Cow whit more than 120 days in milk (DIM) and without confirmed pregnancy was defined as “not reproductive efficiency”. Association between SE and reproductive efficiency was established through Odds Ratio from contingency tables. Bias and confusion control was made through stratified analysis. Results showed 32 cows without changes in reproductive clinical evaluation and inflammatory changes in cytological evaluation (PMNn >5%) for a SE prevalence of 19.27%. Disease occurs most frequently in Colón (23.10%) but the frequency of the disease was not different among the regions (P > 0.05). The group of animals with the greatest days open (DO) mean (161 DIM) had a normal ovarian function and subclinical endometritis. The 6.6% of cows had a poor reproductive prognosis (subclinical endometritis, anestrous and 144 DIM). For the stratified analysis (controlling by anestrus) was estimated the crude OR (OR 5.93; P < 0.05; CI 95% 2.56-14.6) and adjusted ORMH (OR 5.78; P < 0.05; CI 95% 2.39-13.9).[...]

New approaches to treatment of infertility in the bitch / Novas abordagens ao tratamento de infertilidade em cadelas

Infertility in the bitch has manifold causes. Bacterial endometritis was found to be causative in most cases and since the incidence of B.canis infection in breeding bitches is increasing, serology for B.canis should always be performed. In subclinical or low grade cases of other bacterial infections, conservative treatment may be successful with the repeated application of the antiprogesterone aglepristone and synthetic prostaglandins. Another frequent cause is primary anoestrus or secondary anestrus. Both conditions can be caused by multiple diseases, organ dysfunctions and even medicaments. Treatment of the cause is mostly successful, however, induction of oestrus can be successful in single cases. The GnRH implant deslorelin proved to be useful when implanted in anestrus; resulting pregnancy rates excceded 70%; however, as a side effect, luteal failure may occur. Cystic degenerative and inflammatory conditions of the uterus may cause infertility, resorption or abortion. Diagnosis can be improved by cytological, bacteriological and histological examination of uterine specimens but the risk of endometritis and pyometra has to be considered. Treatment with the antiprogesterone aglepristone and broad spectrum antibiotics is recommended. Abnormalities of the vulva, vestibule and vagina as well as genetical disorders of sexual development are very seldom but should be excluded by a thorough gynaecological examination prior to first breeding. Hormonal imbalances like luteal deficiency and hypothyroidism can be primary or caused by other diseases and should be considered in case of repeated failure of pregnancy. During pregnancy, dietary substitution of folic acid is important to prevent neonatal cleft palate. However, feeding tyrosine during oestrus did not improve copulation behaviour.

Existem diversas causas de infertilidade em cadelas. Endometriose bacteriana tem provado ser a causa na maioria dos casos e como a incidência de infecção com B. canis em cadelas de reprodução está aumentando, a sorologia para B. canis sempre deve ser realizada. Em casos subclínicos ou de baixo grau de outras infecções bacterianas o tratamento conservador pode ter sucesso com a aplicação repetida de antiprogesterona aglepristone e prostaglandinas sintéticas. Outra causa frequente é o anestro primário ou secundário. Ambas as condições podem ser causadas por diversas doenças, disfunções em órgãos e até mesmo medicamentos. O tratamento da causa geralmente tem sucesso, porém, a indução de estro pode ser bem sucedida em casos individuais. O implante GnRH deslorelina provou ser útil quando implantado no anestro, resultando em taxas de gestação acima de 70%; porém, como efeito colateral, falha lútea pode ocorrer. Condições císticas degenerativas e inflamatórias do útero podem causar infertilidade, reabsorção ou aborto. O diagnostico pode ser melhorado por exame citológico, bacteriológico e histológico de amostras do útero, mas o risco de endometriose e piometria deve ser considerado. O tratamento com antiprogesterona aglepristone e antibióticos de grande espectro é recomendado. Anormalidades da vulva, vestíbulo e vagina, além de distúrbios genéticos de desenvolvimento sexual são raros, mas devem ser excluídos através de exame ginecológico antes da primeira reprodução. Desequilíbrios hormonais como deficiência lútea e hipotireoidismo podem ser primários ou causados por outras doenças e devem ser considerados no caso de falha repetida de gestação. Durante a gestação a substituição de ácido fólico na dieta é importante para prevenir fenda palatina neonatal. Porém, a alimentação com tirosina durante o estro não melhorou o comportamento reprodutor.

New approaches to treatment of infertility in the bitch / Novas abordagens ao tratamento de infertilidade em cadelas

Infertility in the bitch has manifold causes. Bacterial endometritis was found to be causative in most cases and since the incidence of B.canis infection in breeding bitches is increasing, serology for B.canis should always be performed. In subclinical or low grade cases of other bacterial infections, conservative treatment may be successful with the repeated application of the antiprogesterone aglepristone and synthetic prostaglandins. Another frequent cause is primary anoestrus or secondary anestrus. Both conditions can be caused by multiple diseases, organ dysfunctions and even medicaments. Treatment of the cause is mostly successful, however, induction of oestrus can be successful in single cases. The GnRH implant deslorelin proved to be useful when implanted in anestrus; resulting pregnancy rates excceded 70%; however, as a side effect, luteal failure may occur. Cystic degenerative and inflammatory conditions of the uterus may cause infertility, resorption or abortion. Diagnosis can be improved by cytological, bacteriological and histological examination of uterine specimens but the risk of endometritis and pyometra has to be considered. Treatment with the antiprogesterone aglepristone and broad spectrum antibiotics is recommended. Abnormalities of the vulva, vestibule and vagina as well as genetical disorders of sexual development are very seldom but should be excluded by a thorough gynaecological examination prior to first breeding. Hormonal imbalances like luteal deficiency and hypothyroidism can be primary or caused by other diseases and should be considered in case of repeated failure of pregnancy. During pregnancy, dietary substitution of folic acid is important to prevent neonatal cleft palate. However, feeding tyrosine during oestrus did not improve copulation behaviour.(AU)

Existem diversas causas de infertilidade em cadelas. Endometriose bacteriana tem provado ser a causa na maioria dos casos e como a incidência de infecção com B. canis em cadelas de reprodução está aumentando, a sorologia para B. canis sempre deve ser realizada. Em casos subclínicos ou de baixo grau de outras infecções bacterianas o tratamento conservador pode ter sucesso com a aplicação repetida de antiprogesterona aglepristone e prostaglandinas sintéticas. Outra causa frequente é o anestro primário ou secundário. Ambas as condições podem ser causadas por diversas doenças, disfunções em órgãos e até mesmo medicamentos. O tratamento da causa geralmente tem sucesso, porém, a indução de estro pode ser bem sucedida em casos individuais. O implante GnRH deslorelina provou ser útil quando implantado no anestro, resultando em taxas de gestação acima de 70%; porém, como efeito colateral, falha lútea pode ocorrer. Condições císticas degenerativas e inflamatórias do útero podem causar infertilidade, reabsorção ou aborto. O diagnostico pode ser melhorado por exame citológico, bacteriológico e histológico de amostras do útero, mas o risco de endometriose e piometria deve ser considerado. O tratamento com antiprogesterona aglepristone e antibióticos de grande espectro é recomendado. Anormalidades da vulva, vestíbulo e vagina, além de distúrbios genéticos de desenvolvimento sexual são raros, mas devem ser excluídos através de exame ginecológico antes da primeira reprodução. Desequilíbrios hormonais como deficiência lútea e hipotireoidismo podem ser primários ou causados por outras doenças e devem ser considerados no caso de falha repetida de gestação. Durante a gestação a substituição de ácido fólico na dieta é importante para prevenir fenda palatina neonatal. Porém, a alimentação com tirosina durante o estro não melhorou o comportamento reprodutor.(AU)

Patología uterina y su impacto en la fertilidad / Impact of uterine diseases on fertility

El útero es un órgano fundamental dentro del proceso reproductivo y participa en eventos claves, como el transporte espermático, la implantación y la nutrición fetal. Los miomas uterinos, las anomalías congénitas, los pólipos endometriales y las sinequias uterinas son las principales patologías uterinas en mujeres en edad reproductiva, y pueden ser causa de infertilidad, aborto recurrente o parto prematuro. De acuerdo a la evidencia, el tratamiento quirúrgico de miomas uterinos submucosos e intramurales (que distorsionan la cavidad uterina), pólipos endometriales y sinequias se asocia a un aumento significativo en las tasas de embarazo. El tratamiento quirúrgico del septum uterino disminuye significativamente la probabilidad de aborto a repetición y puede incrementar la probabilidad de embarazo en pacientes sin otra causa aparente de infertilidad. El tratamiento quirúrgico de miomas intramurales y subserosos (que no comprometen la cavidad endometrial) es controvertido y su indicación depende de la evaluación de cada caso en particular.

The uterus exerts an important role in the reproductive process and participates in key events, including sperm migration, embryo implantation and fetal nourishment. Uterine myomas, congenital anomalies, endometrial polyps and uterine synechia are the main diseases affecting women in reproductive age, and display a significant impact as asource of infertility, recurrent abortion or preterm labour. According to evidence, surgical treatment of submucous and intramural myomas (associated to uterine cavity distortion), endometrial polyps and uterine adhesions significantly improves pregnancy rates. Surgical treatment of uterine septum significantly decreases recurrent miscarriage rate and can increase odds of pregnancy in patients with no apparent cause of infertility. Surgical treatment in patients with intramural and subserous myomas (without endometrial cavity distortion) is controversial and treatment should be based on an individual basis.