Progesterone-Related Diabetes Mellitus in the Bitch: Current Knowledge, the Role of Pyometra, and Relevance in Practice.

Progesterone-related diabetes mellitus (PRDM) in dogs is known for its particular potential for diabetes remission. This narrative review aims to provide relevant detailed information on (1) the canine estrus cycle and its impact on canine diabetes mellitus (CDM) etiology and management, (2) the role of pyometra as a further cause of insulin resistance, and (3) useful individual therapeutic and preventive strategies. PRDM is recognized due to diestrus, exogenous progestogen exposure, pregnancy, and P4-production ovarian dysfunction. Pyometra represents additional inflammatory and septic negative influence on insulin sensitivity, and its diagnosis associated with CDM is therapeutically challenging. The estrus cycle's hormone fluctuations seem to modulate peripheric insulin sensibility by influencing insulin receptor (IR) affinity and its binding capacity, as well as modulating tyrosine kinase activity. Pyometra was shown to negatively influence IR compensatory mechanisms to insulin resistance causing glucose intolerance. Spaying and pregnancy termination may cause diabetes remission in PRDM cases in a median time of 10 days (1-51). Pharmacological annulment of progesterone effects may benefit patients unable to undergo surgery; however, remission chances are virtually null. The ALIVE (Agreeing Language in Veterinary Endocrinology) project proposed new criteria for CDM diagnoses and subclinical diabetes recognition. These new concepts may increase the frequency of a PRDM diagnosis and, even more, its relevance. Spaying represents a preventive measure against pyometra and PRDM that should be individually assessed in light of its recognized benefits and harms.

Use of a Composed Simulator by Veterinarian Non-Experts in Minimally Invasive Surgery for Training and Acquisition of Surgical Skills for Laparoscopic Ovariectomy in Dogs.

This study aims to assess the acquisition of surgical skills for laparoscopic ovariectomy (LOE) in dogs by veterinary surgeons with no experience in minimally invasive surgery using the CALMA Veterinary Lap-trainer simulator (CVLTS) in an experimental and analytical setting. Veterinary surgeons with no experience in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) (experimental, n = 5), and MIS experts (experts, n = 3) were evaluated. Experimental and expert group participants watched an instructional video (initial time) before practicing the LOE on uterine tissues and ovaries freshly reconstituted after elective ovariohysterectomy (initial time evaluation). Then, the experimental group practiced five training sessions on the composite simulator with permanent feedback and then performed the LOE again (final time evaluation). Surgical performances in initial and final evaluations were video recorded and further evaluated by three external MIS experts using Global objective assessment of laparoscopic skills (GOALS) and LOE-specific rating scales (SRSs) in a double-blinded schedule. In addition, a hands movement assessment system (HMAS) attached to the back of the hands was used to quantitatively measure completion time, angularity, and movement smoothness. Data were analyzed with one-factor ANOVA and Tukey's contrast test. No statistically significant differences were found between the novice group's performance after training and the expert group's performance according to the GOALS (p < 0.01) and SRS (p < 0.05) scores. Moreover, the novices had significantly improved time, number of movements, and angularity in the final time compared with the initial time (p < 0.05), with no significant differences compared to the expert group (p > 0.05). LOE training using a composed simulator resulted in significantly improved laparoscopic skills and time, number, and angularity of movements data, providing evidence of the usefulness and reliability of CVLTS in training LOE.

Postoperative Observation of Spaying with the Silicon Ring on the Ovaries in Heifers: A Retrospective Study in 28 Cases.

Although spaying prepubertal heifers has routinely been conducted to control cattle herd and improve meat quality, understandings of the postoperative changes following new spaying methods with the silicon ring on the ovaries via colpotomy remain limited. Therefore, as a retrospective study, 28 cases of spayed heifers were reviewed for postoperative changes after employing this method, with inclusion criteria including complete medical records for clinical observation, ultrasonography, measuring reproductive hormones, and tracking slaughter records. No mortality and heat signs at the pubertal age postoperatively occurred in spayed animals. On ultrasonography during rectal examination, the ovaries were enlarged without any folliculogenesis from one week, while massive ovarian edema appeared from two weeks, and ovaries were no longer palpable at four weeks post-surgery. In hormones, whereas estrogen and progesterone levels did not change from prepubertal to pubertal age in spayed animals, luteinizing hormone levels progressively increased during this period and reached a higher level at pubertal period than unspayed controls. Although carcass weight and yield were similar between groups upon slaughter at pubertal age, the spayed animals presented higher carcass quality (marbling degree) than that of controls. These results may contribute to develop herd management strategies, including control of estrus in cattle.

Anti-Müllerian hormone as a diagnostic tool to identify queens with ovarian remnant syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Ovarian remnant syndrome (ORS) is suspected when heat signs occur in spayed individuals, but further diagnostic procedures are necessary to exclude other possible oestrogen sources, such as the adrenal gland or exogenous supplementation. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), secreted by granulosa cells or Sertoli cells, serves to differentiate sexually intact from gonadectomised animals and has been described in dogs as a tool for diagnosing ORS. The aim of this study was to evaluate if AMH determination can be used to diagnose ORS in cats. METHODS: AMH was measured with a chemiluminescence immunoassay in serum samples of 15 sexually intact, 9 spayed and 16 cats with a history of heat signs after spaying. Abdominal ultrasound (n = 13), vaginal smears (n = 7), progesterone measurement (n = 5) and laparotomy (n = 14) were used to determine the presence of ovarian tissue. After surgery, a histological examination of the obtained tissue was performed in the cats with suspected ORS. RESULTS: In 15 cats with ORS the AMH serum concentrations were significantly higher than in spayed cats (n = 10; P = 0.025) and significantly lower than in sexually intact cats (n = 15; P = 0.001). Among the cats with ORS, the highest AMH serum concentrations were measured in the queens with cystic ovarian alterations and in one cat from which a whole ovary was obtained. The cat with the lowest AMH serum concentration had a simultaneous high progesterone serum concentration. Cats with ORS did not show any heat signs after surgical removal of the ovarian tissue. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: A single determination of AMH in blood serum is a useful diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of ORS in cats, regardless of the hormonal activity of the remnant ovarian tissue.

Prevalence of Reproductive Disorders including Mammary Tumors and Associated Mortality in Female Dogs.

Female dogs, especially intact or neutered lately, are at increased risk for reproductive disorders including mammary tumors (MTs). This retrospective study evaluated the prevalence of reproductive pathology and associated mortality in a cohort of female dogs presented at a single veterinary clinic. The medical records of female dogs born in 2000-2003 were reviewed. The study included 599 cases, of which 293 were followed up until death. Causes of death were analyzed according to the spaying status. Among the 599 female dogs, 306 were intact (51%), 50 (8%) had been spayed before 2 years of age (ES, early spaying), and 243 (41%) after 2 years (LS, late spaying). During their lifetime, 79 dogs (13.2%) developed pyometra, and 160 (26.7%) a mammary tumor. Among the 293 dogs with complete follow-up, 103 (35.1%) had at least one MT during their lifetime, of which 53 (51.5%) died of their mammary cancer. Spayed (ES + LS) female dogs had a 4-fold decreased risk of dying from mammary cancer (OR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.11-0.47, p < 0.0001) compared to intact females. In this low-sterilization rate population, MTs developed in 35.1% of female dogs over their lifetime and was the cause of death in half of them.

Prevalence and risk factors for urinary incontinence in bitches five years after ovariohysterectomy / [Prevalência e fatores de risco para incontinência urinária em cadelas cinco anos após ovário histerectomia]

Ovariohysterectomy (OHE) is the most performed elective surgery in veterinary medicine. Although this procedure brings benefits both to the animal and public health, acquired urinary incontinence is a possible complication resultant from it. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence and evaluate size, breed, and time of surgery as risk factors in a population of spayed female dogs in the Hospital de Clínicas Veterinárias da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, in the year of 2013, through the use of a multiple-choice screening instrument. Identified estimated prevalence was 11.27% and main risk factors were as follows: large size (OR = 7.12 IC95% = 1.42 - 35.67), Rottweiler breed (OR = 8.92; IC95% = 5.25 - 15.15), Pit-bull breed (OR = 4.14; IC95% = 2.19 - 7.83), and Labrador breed (OR = 2.73; IC95% = 1.53 - 4.87). Time of surgery was not considered a risk factor for urinary incontinence in this population (OR = 1.45; IC95% = 0.86 - 2.40). Even though most owners reported a small impact on their relationship with the animal, urinary incontinence hazard should be addressed before spaying.(AU)

A ovário-histerectomia (OHE) é a cirurgia eletiva mais realizada em medicina veterinária. Embora seja um procedimento que beneficie a saúde pública e do animal, a incontinência urinária adquirida é uma complicação possível resultante desse procedimento. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência de incontinência urinária e avaliar porte, raça e momento da castração como fatores de risco em uma população de cadelas castradas no HCV/UFRGS, no ano de 2013, através do uso de um instrumento de triagem de múltipla escolha. A prevalência estimada foi de 11,27% e os principais fatores de risco foram: grande porte (OR = 7,12 IC95% = 1,42 - 35,67), raça Rottweiler (OR = 8,92; IC95% = 5,25 - 15,15), raça Pitbull (OR = 4,14; IC95% = 2,19 - 7,83) e raça Labrador (OR = 2,73; IC95% = 1,53 - 4,87). O tempo da cirurgia não foi considerado fator de risco para incontinência urinária nessa população (OR = 1,45; IC95% = 0,86 - 2,40). Embora a maioria dos proprietários tenha relatado um pequeno impacto no relacionamento com o animal, a possibilidade de incontinência urinária deve ser devidamente discutida antes da castração.(AU)

Histopathological findings in the uteri and ovaries of clinically healthy cats presented for routine spaying.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the histopathological findings in the uteri and ovaries from clinically healthy queens presented for elective spaying. METHODS: Ovaries and distal uterine horns or complete uteri from 106 female cats were evaluated for pathological alterations. RESULTS: Pathological alterations of the uterus and/or ovaries were evident in 29 cats; of these, corpora lutea were present on the ovaries of 15 cats. Ovarian cysts were found in 15 cats and were classified as cysts of the Wolffian or Muellerian ducts (n = 4), follicular cysts (n = 4), luteal cysts (n = 1), cystic rete ovarii (n = 2), combinations of different cysts (n = 2) and non-classifiable cysts (n = 2). In 21/106 cats, cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) was present. The incidence of CEH increased with the age of the cat. Six cats had purulent endometritis with or without distension of the uterine lumen. Hyperplastic lesions of the endometrium were detected in two cats. In one cat, a uterine horn malformation with duplication of one uterine horn lumen was diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Whereas the majority of ovarian cysts and slight-to-moderate CEH are unlikely to interfere with an animal's wellbeing, endometritis must be considered a serious health problem that requires veterinary attention.

Changes in the Coating Composition Due to APS Process Conditions for Al2O3-Cr2O3-TiO2 Ternary Powder Blends.

Thermally sprayed coatings from the single oxides and binary compositions of the Al2O3-Cr2O3-TiO2 system show multifunctional properties. Ternary compositions are promising for further improvement in their performance. The stability of the composition during coating formation is an important issue for blended feedstock powders in order to obtain the desired properties. This work focuses on the compositional changes of a ternary blend of Al2O3, Cr2O3 and TiOx powders of equal content by mass in a conventional atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) process using an Ar/H2 plasma gas mixture. By increasing the argon flow rate at constant hydrogen flow rate, the total plasma gas flow rate and the Ar/H2 ratio were varied. For the highest argon flow rate, this resulted in an average particle velocity of 140% and an average particle temperature of 90% of the initial values, respectively. Coating composition and microstructure were studied by optical microscopy, SEM, including EDS analyses, and XRD. In addition, the coating hardness and electrical impedance were also measured. Differences in the "difficulty of melting factor" (DMF) and the thermal diffusivity of the three oxides appear to be responsible for the dramatic change of the coating composition with an increasing argon flow rate. For the highest argon flow rate applied, besides TiO2, the coating contains only 8 wt.% Al2O3, while the Cr2O3 content remained almost constant. At the same time, the change of the Ar/H2 ratio resulted in the formation of stoichiometric TiO2 in the coating by oxidation of TiOx in the feedstock powder. Moreover, a small content of titanium was found in the Cr2O3 splats, showing that there are only limited interactions between the large oxide powder particles. Thus, the study has shown that stability of the chemical composition during spraying of ternary powder blends is strongly influenced by the process conditions.

Preliminary Investigation to Address Pain and Haemorrhage Following the Spaying of Female Cattle.

Multiple physiological and neuroendocrine changes consistent with stress and pain have been demonstrated in cattle spayed via the Willis dropped ovary technique (WDOT). The procedure is routinely conducted without the use of anaesthetics or analgesics and has major implications for animal welfare. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a topical anaesthetic (TA), haemostatic wound dressing, and meloxicam on pain behaviour and haemorrhage in the acute period following spaying. Yearling Brahman heifers (n = 75) were randomly allocated to the following treatment groups: (1) rectal palpation/control (CON); (2) WDOT spay (S); (3) WDOT spay with meloxicam (SM); (4) WDOT spay with TA (STA); and (5) WDOT spay with TA and meloxicam (STAM). Individual behavioural responses, body weight, packed cell volume (PCV), and total plasma protein (TPP) were monitored for up to 24 h following treatment. Head tucking behaviour and tail stiffness was increased in all spay groups compared to the CON group (p < 0.001), with the lowest proportional increase in the SM group. Rumination was initially reduced in S, SM, and STA heifers compared to CON heifers (p < 0.001), though SM heifers ruminated more than S heifers (p < 0.001). CON and SM heifers stood with an arched back the least, spent the most time eating, and spent less time lying down and more time standing compared to other treatment groups (p < 0.001). There was no significant effect of treatment on weight change (p = 0.519), PCV (p = 0.125) or TPP (p = 0.799). The administration of meloxicam is suggested as an effective, currently available method for improving the welfare of cattle undergoing WDOT spaying.

Desexing Dogs: A Review of the Current Literature.

Background: Desexing dogs is promoted for population control, preventative healthcare, and behavior modification. Common methods are orchiectomy and ovariectomy/ovariohysterectomy. GnRH superagonist implants are available in some areas. Alternative methods like vasectomy and salpingectomy/hysterectomy are uncommon. The terminology used to describe desexing is inconsistent and contradictory, showing a need for the adaption of standardized terminology. Population Control: Surprisingly, empirical studies show no effects of desexing on population control in companion and shelter dogs despite desexing being consistently recommended in the literature. There is evidence for a population control effect in free-roaming dogs, where desexing also has benefits on zoonotic disease and bite risk. Population control in free-roaming dogs is mostly correlated with female, not male desexing. Health and Lifespan: Desexing affects numerous disease risks, but studies commonly neglect age at diagnosis and overall lifespan, age being by far the most important risk factor for most diseases. We argue that lifespan is a more important outcome than ultimate cause of death. A beneficial effect of desexing on lifespan is consistently demonstrated in females, while evidence for a beneficial effect in males is inconsistent. Studies are likely biased in desexing being a proxy for better care and desexed dogs having already lived to the age of desexing. Desexing reduces or eliminates common life-limiting diseases of the female reproductive system such as pyometra and mammary tumors, while no analogous effect exists in males. Disease risks increases across sexes and breeds include cruciate ligament rupture, various cancers, and obesity. Urinary incontinence risk is increased in females only. Various other disease risk changes show considerable variability between breeds and sexes. Behavioral Effects: Desexed males show reduced libido, roaming, conspecific mounting, and urinary marking frequency, as well as reduced male dog-directed aggression in a majority of males desexed for behavioral reasons. There is a detrimental effect on the risk and progression of age-related cognitive dysfunction. Desexed dogs may be less likely to cause bite injuries across sexes. The evidence for other effects such as human-directed aggression, human or object mounting, resource guarding, or shyness and anxiety is inconsistent and contradictory. There are few studies specific to females or individual breeds. Conclusions: The evidence for a beneficial effect of desexing is stronger in female than in male dogs; however, there is significant variation between breeds and sexes, and more research is needed to further elucidate these differences and to arrive at individualized evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice.

Low sensitivity of a test for anti-Mullerian hormone to assess presence of ovaries in prepubertal bitches.

BACKGROUND: Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is currently used in several species as an indicator of the number of antral and pre-antral follicles within the ovaries. Currently, there is some uncertainty on the precision of a single AMH test for detecting the presence of ovarian tissue in prepubertal, pubertal and spayed bitches. The purpose of this study was to investigate the specificity of AMH levels determined using the Gen II AMH ELISA to detect the presence or absence of ovarian tissue in bitches of varying ages. METHODS: From a large cohort of dogs located at an animal shelter, 36 bitches were assigned to three age groups (< 6 months; 6-18 months and > 2 years of age) plus a group of six spayed bitches. RESULTS: AMH was below the detectable limit for each spayed bitch (< 0.010 ng/mL) and for 9/10 intact bitches aged less than 6 months. AMH levels were therefore significantly different for these two groups compared with older intact bitches (6-18 months, 0.302 ± 0.135 ng/mL; > 2 years, 0.237 ± 0.210 ng/mL). AMH was undetectable in two intact bitches aged > 2 years of age, which gave a sensitivity of 82% in that group. Overall, the sensitivity of the test was 90% for all bitches aged over 6 months, which highlights that a small percentage of intact females will be incorrectly diagnosed as having no ovarian tissue. CONCLUSION: AMH testing had very low sensitivity in bitches aged less than 6 months and thus it is advisable to delay testing in very young bitches.

The influence of spaying and its timing relative to the onset of puberty on urinary and general behaviour in Labrador Retrievers.

Benefits and risks of spaying on the behaviour of female dogs are controversially discussed. Increased aggressiveness and male urinary behaviour were postulated to be the consequence of masculinization after spaying in some female dogs. To investigate if spaying or its timing relative to the onset of puberty may have a masculinization effect, urinary behaviour, that is, frequency of urination, urinary posture and ground scratching after urination were recorded in 58 female Labrador Retrievers during 15 min of a daily walk with their owners. General behaviour of the dogs during the walks was assessed using an owner questionnaire. Data were analysed for age, reproductive status, lifetime of ovary exposure and/or time interval since spaying. Urinary behaviour of intact females (n = 12) and dogs spayed before (n = 17) or after (n = 29) puberty was similar and not influenced by age, lifetime of ovary exposure and/or time interval since spaying. Owners of spayed dogs described more frequent or more intense fear reaction in their animals in response to loud noises, unfamiliar objects approaching on or near the sidewalk, or if they were approached by unknown dogs barking, growling or jumping. In conclusion, we found no evidence of a masculinization effect after spaying on urinary behaviour in female Labrador Retrievers. In contrast to popular belief, gonadectomy did not inevitably result in a behaviourally more stable dog. Extrapolation of our findings from female Labrador Retrievers to other breeds should be performed with caution, as the effect of spaying on behaviour may differ among dog breeds.

Life course analysis of the impact of mammary cancer and pyometra on age-anchored life expectancy in female Rottweilers: Implications for envisioning ovary conservation as a strategy to promote healthy longevity in pet dogs.

Mammary cancer and pyometra are important health hazards associated with ovary conservation in pet dogs. Early ovariohysterectomy may reduce the incidence of these two diseases, but an estimate of the extent to which the development of mammary cancer or pyometra adversely influences overall longevity is missing. As a first step toward addressing this knowledge gap, the results of a historical cohort study of Rottweilers that lived in North America are reported. Questionnaires completed by owners and veterinarians were used to obtain lifetime health and medical information on 242 female Rottweilers, including years of lifetime ovary exposure, age at death, and cause of death. To determine the extent to which longevity was shortened in females that developed these ovary-associated diseases, age-anchored life expectancy-defined as the median number of remaining years until death for females alive at specified ages during the life course-and years of life lost, a measure of premature mortality, were estimated. Mammary carcinoma was diagnosed in 19 (7.9%) females; median age at diagnosis was 8.5 years; case fatality was 37%. Pyometra was diagnosed in 16 (6.6%) females; median age at diagnosis was 5.4 years; case fatality was 7%. Median lifetime ovary exposure for the study population was 4.3 years. Although risk for developing both diseases increased with longer ovary exposure, longer ovary exposure (≥4.3 years) was also associated with an overall longevity advantage-a 33% decrease in mortality, living 17 months longer than females with shorter ovary exposure (P=0.002). Analysis of age-anchored life expectancy showed that at no time points during the life course was the current or future diagnosis of mammary carcinoma or pyometra associated with shortened survival compared to females who never developed these conditions. This lack of longevity disadvantage is an expected result for diseases with late-onset, moderate (<50%) case fatality (mammary carcinoma) or low (<10%) case fatality (pyometra). These findings fail to support the notion that a strategy, such as elective ovariohysterectomy, implemented to reduce the incidence of mammary carcinoma and pyometra will beneficially impact overall longevity. It follows that future efforts to find and implement effective longevity-promoting interventions should look beyond reducing the incidence of a particular disease to considering trade-offs.

Neutering of German Shepherd Dogs: associated joint disorders, cancers and urinary incontinence.

German Shepherd Dogs are important in police and military work, and are a popular family pet. The debilitating joint disorders of hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear (CCL) and elbow dysplasia can shorten a dog's useful working life and impact its role as a family member. For this study, veterinary hospital records were examined over a 14.5-year period on 1170 intact and neutered (including spaying) German Shepherd Dogs for joint disorders and cancers previously associated with neutering. The diseases were followed through 8 years of age, with the exception of mammary cancer (MC) in females that was followed through 11 years. The cancers followed, apart from mammary, were osteosarcoma, lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma and mast cell tumour. In intact males, 7% were diagnosed with one or more joint disorders, while in males neutered prior to a year of age, a significantly higher 21% were diagnosed with one or more joint disorders. In intact females, 5% were diagnosed with one or more joint disorders, while in females neutered prior to a year of age, this measure was significantly increased to 16%. The increased joint disorder incidence mostly associated with early neutering was CCL. MC was diagnosed in 4% of intact females compared with less than 1% in females neutered before 1 year. The occurrence of the other cancers followed through 8 years of age was not higher in the neutered than in the intact dogs. Urinary incontinence, not diagnosed in intact females, was diagnosed in 7% of females neutered before 1 year, a significant difference. These findings, profiling the increase in joint disorders associated with early neutering, should help guide the timing of neutering for this breed.

Effect of Ovariohysterectomy at the Time of Tumor Removal in Dogs with Mammary Carcinomas: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian hormones play crucial roles in mammary carcinogenesis. However, whether ovarian ablation by ovariohysterectomy (OHE) improves the prognosis in dogs with mammary carcinomas is unclear. OBJECTIVES: Determine if OHE at the time of mastectomy improves the prognosis in dogs with mammary carcinomas and evaluate if hormonal factors influence the effect of OHE. ANIMALS: Sixty intact dogs with mammary carcinomas. METHODS: Dogs were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to undergo OHE (n = 31) or not (n = 29) at the time of tumor removal. Peri-surgical serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone concentrations were measured, tumor diagnosis was confirmed histologically, and tumor estrogen and progesterone receptor status was immunohistochemically determined. The dogs were monitored for recurrence and metastases every 3-4 months for at least 2 years. Uni- and multivariable survival analyses were performed with relapse and all-cause death as endpoints in addition to univariable subgroup analyses. RESULTS: Overall, OHE did not significantly decrease hazard of relapse (hazard ratio [HR], 0.64; P = .18) or all-cause death (HR, 0.87; P = .64) in univariable analyses. In multivariable analysis OHE did not significantly influence the hazard of relapse (HR, 0.54; P = .12), but an interaction effect was identified between ER status and E2 (P = .037). Subgroup analysis identified decreased hazard of relapse in the OHE group compared to the non-OHE group in the subsets of dogs with increased E2 (HR, 0.22; P = .012) or grade 2 tumors (HR, 0.26; P = .02). CONCLUSION: Dogs with grade 2, ER-positive tumors, or with increased peri-surgical serum E2 concentration represent a subset of dogs with mammary carcinomas likely to benefit from OHE.

Comparação entre as abordagens lateral direita e mediana ventral em cadelas submetidas à ovariossalpingo-histerectomia / Comparison between the right lateral and ventral median approach in a bitch undergoing ovariosalpinghysterectomy

A fim de comparar as abordagens abdominais, pela linha mediana ventral e lateral direita em cadelas pré-púberes e adultas submetidas a ovariossalpingo-histerectomia, utilizaram-se 28 cadelas hígidas, distribuídas em dois grupos experimentais de igual número: grupo abordagem mediana ventral (AMV) e grupo abordagem lateral direita (ALD), com sete animais adultos e sete animais pré-púberes em cada grupo. O procedimento cirúrgico foi dividido em nove manobras cirúrgicas distintas, e o tempo para conclusão de cada uma delas, suas facilidades e dificuldades, assim como o tempo cirúrgico total, foram determinados. O tempo médio desde o início da incisão da pele até a entrada na cavidade peritoneal foi menor nas cadelas adultas (P≤0,001) e pré-púberes (P≤0,001) do grupo AMV, mas o tempo médio para identificação uterina foi menor nas cadelas pré-púberes (P≤0,001) do grupo ALD. O tempo cirúrgico total foi menor utilizando-se a abordagem lateral direita (grupo ALD) nas cadelas adultas (P≤0,001) e pré-púberes (P≤0,001). Seu uso não se relacionou com complicações cirúrgicas e facilitou a identificação uterina, possibilitando redução no tempo cirúrgico total. Assim, a abordagem lateral direita demonstrou ser uma alternativa segura em cadelas adultas e pré-púberes submetidas à OSH eletiva.

In order to compare the abdominal approaches, through the ventral midline and right lateral in pre-pubertal adult female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectory we used 28 otherwise healthy dogs, divided into two experimental groups of equal number: Ventral Median Approach Group (VMA) and Right Side Approach Group (RSA), with seven adult animals and seven pre-pubertal animals in each group. The surgical procedure was divided into nine different surgical maneuvers, and the time required for completion of each of them, their strengths and difficulties, as well as the total surgical time were determined. The time from the start of the skin incision to the entrance into the peritoneal cavity was lower in adult female dogs (P≤0.001) and pre-pubertal (P≤0.001) in the VAM group, but the time for uterine identification was lower in pre-pubertal female dogs (P≤ 0.001) in the RSA group. The total surgical time was shorter using the right lateral approach (RSA group) in adult (P≤ 0.001) and pre-pubertal (P≤0.001) female dogs. Thus, the right-side approach has proved to be a safe alternative in adult and pre-pubertal dogs undergoing elective OSH. Its use was not associated with surgical complications, and facilitated uterine identification, allowing a reduction in the total surgical time.

Complications of ovariohysterectomy procedures performed in 1880 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: Canine ovariohysterectomy (OVH) is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in companion animal practice. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and types of complications related to OVH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The clinical records of all street dogs admitted to the public dog shelters of the Veneto Region (Italy) between January 2010 and December 2011 were reviewed for dogs that had undergone OVH. Specific comparison was made between anaesthesia time, body weight of the patients and intra- and postoperative complications (occurring up to 4 weeks postoperatively). The data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Complications were recorded in 141 of 1880 bitches corresponding to an overall complication rate of 7.5%. Mean ±standard deviation (SD) weight of the bitches was 25.7±6.7 kg and mean ± SD anaesthesia time was 42.8 ±8.6 minutes. Distinct types of complications included significant ovarian artery haemorrhage, haemorrhage from the surgical wound, wound healing complications, urinary incontinence, ovarian remnant syndrome. Twenty-one patients had intraoperative complications and 120 patients had postoperative complications. Analy- sis of the grouped data showed a significant association between body weight and the incidence of complications. There was also a significant association between anaesthesia time and the incidence of complications. The results of this study indicate that patient weight is related to the incidence of complications and the odds of a complication occurring increase by a factor of 1.03 for every one kilogram of increase in patient weight. The period of general anaesthesia also appears to be related to the incidence of complications and the odds of a complication occurring increase by approximately 2% for each additional minute in anaesthesia time. CONCLUSION: Increasing patient weight and duration of anaesthesia time were found to be risk factors for the incidence of complications of OVH in the bitch.

The effect of spaying on the racing performance of female greyhounds.

The effect of spaying (ovariohysterectomy) on racing greyhound performance was analysed. Using data from a longitudinal observational study design, random effects models were used to compare the racing performance before and after spaying. Greyhounds were matched by distance and date of racing, and then both spayed and entire bitches were compared for each stadium which had spayed greyhounds on the racing strength. The racing performance of entire females was selected from the anoestral period (from 90 days post-oestrus to the next oestrus). Spaying had no real effect on performance, with a mean difference of +0.066 seconds (90% CI: -0.004, +0.135 s) over 480 metres. The effect of time since spaying had no effect (90% CI: -0.0002 to +0.0001 s/day). Spaying of racing greyhound bitches produced no overall change in performance, and had no apparent long term effect on performance. These results are discussed within the context of the current information on the advantages and disadvantages of spaying at a young age.

Effect of ovariohysterectomy at the time of tumor removal in dogs with benign mammary tumors and hyperplastic lesions: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Nonmalignant mammary tumors (NMT) are common in intact female dogs. Little is known about the clinical significance of these tumors, and the effect of ovariohysterectomy (OHE) on their development. HYPOTHESIS: Ovarian hormone ablation through OHE decreases the risk of new tumors and thereby improves long-term prognosis for dogs with NMT. ANIMALS: Eighty-four sexually intact bitches with NMT. METHODS: Dogs were allocated to undergo OHE (n = 42) or not (n = 42) at the time of NMT removal in a randomized clinical trial. Tumor diagnosis was confirmed histologically in all subjects. Information about new tumor development was collected via follow-up phone calls and recheck examinations. Separate survival analyses were performed with the endpoints new tumor development and death. Cause of death was classified as related or unrelated to mammary tumor. In addition to OHE status, the influence of age, body weight, breed, tumor size, tumor number, tumor duration, type of surgery, and tumor histology was investigated. RESULTS: New mammary tumor(s) developed in 27 of 42 (64%) intact dogs and 15 of 42 (36%) ovariohysterectomized dogs (hazard ratio 0.47, P = .022). Nine of the 42 dogs (21%) which developed new tumors were euthanized because of mammary tumor. Survival was not significantly different between the 2 treatment groups. In the intact group, nine dogs subsequently developed ovarian-uterine diseases. CONCLUSION: Ovariohysterectomy performed at the time of mammary tumor excision reduced the risk of new tumors by about 50% among dogs with NMT. Survival was not significantly affected. Adjuvant OHE should be considered in adult dogs with mammary tumors.

Utilização de abraçadeiras de náilon 6.6 (poliamida) como método de ligadura de pedículos ovarianos e coto uterino em ovário-histerectomia eletiva em cadelas (Canis familiaris) / The efficiency of nylon 6.6 (polyamide) cable ties as a method for massive ligatures of ovarian pedicles and uterine stubs in ovariohysterectomy of bitches (Canis familiaris) / Utilización de abrazaderas de nylon 6.6 (poliamida) como método de ligadura de pedículos de ovario y coto uterino en ovariohisterectomía electiva en perras (Canis familiaris)

Avaliou-se a utilização de abraçadeiras de náilon 6.6 (poliamida) em ovário-histerectomia de cadelas, como método de ligadura vascular de pedículos ovarianos e cotos uterinos, levando em consideração os parâmetros tempo cirúrgico, custo, segurança e biocompatibilidade. Foram operadas vinte cadelas semidomiciliadas, a maioria sem raça definida, pesando de 3,5 a 22,0 (9,57 ± 5,62) Kg, e com idades variando entre seis e 96 (37,0 ± 25,12) meses. Todas foram avaliadas antes do procedimento e 7, 14 e 21 dias após, por meio de exames físico e laboratorial (volume globular, contagem relativa de monócitos, proteína plasmática total e fibrinogênio). As abraçadeiras foram esterilizadas por autoclavagem e as pacientes induzidas com anestesia geral dissociativa (tiletamina, zolazepam e xilazina) e anestesia regional epidural com lidocaína. A técnica cirúrgica empregada foi a laparatomia retroumbilical mediana. No período pós-operatório, não se observaram óbitos ou quaisquer complicações que pudessem estar relacionadas ao procedimento. Quarenta e cinco dias após a realização da cirurgia, cinco cadelas (25,0%) foram reoperadas para verificação das alterações macroscópicas das estruturas da cavidade abdominal e colheita de fragmentos de cotos uterinos e pedículos ovarianos, juntamente com as abraçadeiras implantadas, para realização de exame histopatológico. As reações teciduais macroscópicas observadas foram discretas, com as estruturas apresentando coloração e consistência aparentemente normais, sem presença de pus ou fibrina. Não se observaram exsudato ou aderências entre alças intestinais, indicando que não houve hemorragias significativas durante o procedimento cirúrgico. Microscopicamente, encontrou-se resposta tecidual caracterizada por cápsula distinta e não extensa de tecido fibroso, fibrose imatura e inflamação subaguda no tecido adiposo em torno da abraçadeira. O tempo cirúrgico médio foi de 11 minutos por paciente, e o custo individual médio ...

The efficiency of nylon 6.6 (polyamide) cable ties as a method for massive ligatures of ovarian pedicles and uterine stubs in ovariohysterectomy of bitches was evaluated. The following parameters were considered: cost of the procedure, surgical time, complications associated to the procedure and easiness of use, safety, and biocompatibility of the nylon ties. Twenty bitches weighing 3.5 to 22.0 kg (9.57 ± 5.62), with ages varying from six to 96 months (37.0 ± 25.12) were used. The bitches were evaluated immediately before and at seven, 14 and 21 days after surgery by physical and laboratory examinations (globular volume, monocytes relative count, total plasma protein and fibrinogen). The nylon ties were sterilized by autoclaving and the patients were submitted to dissociative anesthesia (tiletamine, zolazepam, and xylazine) and regional epidural anesthesia with lidocaine. The surgery was carried through a standard midline retroumbilical laparotomy. Forty-five days after the surgery, five patients (25.0%) were submitted to laparatomy to examine the abdominal cavity and to collect samples of uterine stubs and ovarian pedicles for histopathology. The following results were obtained. All surgeries were uneventful and conducted without complications, the average surgical time was 10.65 minute and the individual cost per procedure was U$ 18.50. All the ovarian pedicles and uterine stubs were adequately healed and none of the patients had fibrin tags or adhesions between intestinal loops, which would indicate hemorrhages during the previous surgical procedure. Histologically there was a distinct non-extensive tissue reaction characterized by fibrosis and subacute inflammation in the tissue around the nylon ties. It was concluded that the use of nylon cable ties is a non expensive, fast, safe and efficient method for hemostasis in ovariohysterectomy for population control in bitches.

Se evaluó la utilización de abrazaderas de nylon 6.6 (poliamida) en ovariohisterectomía de perras, como método de ligadura vascular de pedículos de ovario y coto uterino, considerando los parámetros tiempo quirúrgico, costo, seguridad y biocompatibilidad. Fueron operadas veinte perras semidomiciliadas, la mayoría sin raza definida, pesando de 3,5 a 22,0 (9,57 ± 5,62) Kg, y con edades variando entre 6 y 96 (37,0 ± 25,12) meses. Todas fueron evaluadas antes del procedimiento y 7, 14 y 21 días después, por medio de examen físico y de laboratorio (volumen globular, cómputo relativo de monocitos, proteína plasmática total y fibrinogenio). Las abrazaderas fueron esterilizadas por autoclave y las pacientes inducidas con anestesia general disociativa (tiletamina, zolazepam y xilacina) y anestesia regional epidural con lidocaína. La técnica quirúrgica empleada fue laparotomía retroumbilical mediana. En el periodo pos-operatorio, no se observaron muertes o cualquier complicación relacionada al procedimiento. Cuarenta y cinco días después, cinco perras (25,0%) fueron nuevamente operadas para verificación de las alteraciones macroscópicas de las estructuras de la cavidad abdominal y colección de fragmentos de cotos uterinos y pedículos de ovario, juntamente con las abrazaderas implantadas, para realización de examen histopatológico. Las reacciones tejiduales macroscópicas observadas fueron discretas, con las estructuras presentando color y consistencia aparentemente normales, sin presencia de pus o fibrina. No se observó exudación o adherencias en intestinos, indicando que no hubo hemorragias significativas durante el procedimiento quirúrgico. Microscópicamente se encontró respuesta tejidual caracterizada por cápsula distinta y no extensa de tejido fibroso, fibrosis inmatura e inflamación subaguda en el tejido adiposo alrededor de la abrazadera. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 11 minutos por paciente, y el costo individual promedio de cada procedimiento fue de ...