Canine pseudopregnancy: an evaluation of prevalence and current treatment protocols in the UK

Background: There is a dearth of literature on pseudopregnancy in the bitch, with only a few treatment-based studies published since the 1990s. Pseudopregnancy may be under-recognised in bitches and may account for a proportion of behavioural cases seen in veterinary practices including aggression. Little is known about commonly used treatments for overtly pseudopregnant bitches and it is possible that current regimes may not be prescribed for a sufficient duration to control any clinical signs including, physical and behavioural changes. To investigate current trends in diagnosis and treatment of canine pseudopregnancy, a postal survey was sent to 2000 randomly selected veterinary surgeons in UK veterinary practices. The questionnaire queried how often vets recognise cases of pseudopregnancy in spayed and entire bitches, which physical or behavioural signs are commonly recognised for diagnosis, and which management or treatment protocols are used. Results: The response rate was 19.8% (397/2000). Ninety-six percent of veterinary surgeons reported seeing pseudopregnant bitches showing behavioural changes without any physical changes within the last 12 months. Of those behavioural changes, collecting and mothering objects was the most frequently reported behavioural sign (96%). Ninety-seven percent of vets had seen aggression in pseudopregnant bitches. Nevertheless, only 52% of vets routinely asked owners about behavioural changes during consultations. Forty-nine percent of respondents reported seeing pseudopregnancy in spayed bitches. The most commonly reported physical sign was enlarged mammary glands and/or milk production (89%). Treatment options varied (surgical, medical or none) and depended on duration and severity of physical and behavioural signs, owners’ preference, cost, concurrent disease, drug availability and previous history. Conclusions: This is the largest epidemiological study of canine pseudopregnancy in the UK. The prevalence and severity of clinical signs in dogs with pseudopregnancy are variable and possibly under-estimated. Dogs with overt pseudopregnancy experience diverse physical and behavioural changes and information on standard treatment protocols are lacking. Although, progress on our understanding of diagnosis and treatment of pseudopregnancy in spayed and entire bitches has been made, further studies are warranted

Effects of GnRH vaccination in wild and captive African Elephant bulls (Loxodonta africana) on reproductive organs and semen quality

OBJECTIVES: Although the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in some isolated habitats in southern Africa, contraception is of major interest due to local overpopulation. GnRH vaccination has been promoted as a non-invasive contraceptive measure for population management of overabundant wildlife. We tested the efficacy of this treatment for fertility control in elephant bulls. METHODS: In total, 17 male African elephants that were treated with a GnRH vaccine were examined in two groups. In the prospective study group 1 (n = 11 bulls, ages: 8±36 years), semen quality, the testes, seminal vesicles, ampullae and prostate, which were all measured by means of transrectal ultrasound, and faecal androgen metabolite concentrations were monitored over a three-year period. Each bull in the prospective study received 5 ml of Improvac® (1000 μg GnRH conjugate) intramuscularly after the first examination, followed by a booster six weeks later and thereafter every 5±7 months. In a retrospective study group (group 2, n = 6, ages: 19±33 years), one examination was performed on bulls which had been treated with GnRH vaccine for 5±11 years. RESULTS: In all bulls of group 1, testicular and accessory sex gland sizes decreased significantly after the third vaccination. In six males examined prior to vaccination and again after more than five vaccinations, the testis size was reduced by 57.5%. Mean testicular height and length decreased from 13.3 ± 2.6 cm x 15.2 ± 2.8 cm at the beginning to 7.6 ± 2.1 cm x 10.2 ± 1.8 cm at the end of the study. Post pubertal bulls (>9 years, n = 6) examined prior to vaccination produced ejaculates with viable spermatozoa (volume: 8±175 ml, sperm concentration: 410-4000x106/ml, total motility: 0±90%), while after 5±8 injections, only 50% of these bulls produced ejaculates with a small number of immotile spermatozoa. The ejaculates of group 2 bulls (vaccinated >8 times) were devoid of spermatozoa. Faecal androgen metabolite concentrations measured in captive males decreased significantly after the fourth vaccination. None of the males entered musth during the treatment period. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed a marked decrease in semen quality, testicle and secondary sex gland sizes following repeated GnRH vaccinations. After 2±4 years of continuous treatment every 5±7 months, the effects were similar to surgical castration.ISIScopu

Concentraciones séricas de hormona de crecimiento en perras con tumores mamarios espontáneos antes y después de la mastectomía

An autonomous non-pituitary production of growth hormone GH in the mammary gland has been reported in dogs. To assess the impact of mastectomy of tumoral glands on GH serum concentrations in clinical cases of spontaneous mammary tumors in eighteen intact bitches mastectomy of all tumoral glands was carried out. Three healthy bitches were maintained under the anaesthesic protocols for a similar period to the surgical procedure. Blood samples for GH determination were taken by peripheral venipuncture before (day –1), 2 and 11 hours and 7 and 14 days after mastectomy or anaesthesia. Tissue samples of the tumoral mammary glands of Group 1 were histologicaly examined. Serum GH was measured by a homologous liquid phase radioimmunoassay. Histology findings were tubular (n=2) and papillary carcinoma (n=4), tubular adenocarcinoma (n=8), carcinosarcoma (n=3) and complex carcinoma (n=1). Mean +-SEM serum GH concentrations (ng/ml) of the treated group before and after surgery were 17.3+-2.8; 8.5+-1.5; 6.3+-1.1 and 6.1+-1.5 for –1 day, 2 hours, 7 and 14 days, respectively. The same values for the sham group were 4.2+-1.0; 5.5+-1.3 and 5.2 +-1.5 for –1 day, 2 and 11 hours after anesthesia. After surgery, serum GH showed a decrease (mean +-SEM) of –22.6 % +-4.9 at 2 hours, -31.8 % +-5.1 on day 7, and -29.7% +-9 on day 15 while it increased to 31.1 % +-08 and 26.3 % +-9 at 2 hours and 11 hours, respectively after anesthesia in the sham group. It is concluded that in bitches ectopic GH is produced also by spontaneous malignant mammary gland tumors.La producción no pituitaria y autónoma de hormona del crecimiento (GH) en la grándula mamaria ha sido reportada en perros. Se determinó el impacto de la mastectomía de glándulas mamarias tumorales sobre las concentraciones séricas de GH, en casos clínicos de tumores mamarios espontáneos de dieciocho perras enteras, a las que se les realizó mastectomía de todas las glándulas tumorales. Tres perras sanas fueron mantenidas solo bajo protocolo anestésico por un período similar al del procedimiento quirúrgico. Se tomaron muestras sanguíneas por venopunción periférica para determinar GH sérica, antes (día -1), 2 y 11 horas y 7 y 14 días después de la mastectomía o de la anestesia. Se realizó el estudio histopatológico de las glándulas mamarias tumorales extirpadas en la cirugía. La GH sérica fue determinada por un radioinmunoensayo homólogo de fase líquida. La media +-SEM (ng/ml) del grupo tratado antes y después de la cirugía fue de 17.3+-2.8; 8.5+-1.5; 6.3+-1.1 y 6.1+-1.5 para el día -1, 2 horas, 7 y 14 días respectivamente. Los mismos valores para el grupo control fueron de 4.2 +-1.0; 5.5 +-1.3 y 5.2 +-1.5 para el día -1, 2 y 11 horas luego de la anestesia. Después de la cirugía, la GH sérica descendió (media +-SEM) -22.6 % +-4.9 a las 2, -31,8% +-5,1 al día 7, y -29,7% +-9 al día 15, mientras que en el grupo control se incrementó en un 31.1 % +-08 y 26.3 % +-9 a las 2 y 11 horas, respectivamente luego de la anestesia. La histopatología de las mamas tumorales analizadas reveló carcinoma tubular y papilar, adenocarcinoma, carcinosarcoma y carcinoma complejo. Se concluyó que en perras la GH ectópica es también producida por la glándula mamaria con tumores espontáneos malignos

Estandarización de la espectrofotometría para la medición de la concentración seminal en el perro doméstico

The aims of this study were to determine the repeatability of semen measures carried out by spectrophotometry and to compare them with that of the hemocytometer, to design a standard spectrophotometric curve for canine seminal concentration, and to correlate results obtained by both methods. For these purposes, 9 ejaculates were obtained from 5 normal male dogs. Each ejaculate was divided into four parts, and then diluted 1:25, 1:50, 1:75 in distilled water; the last fraction was not diluted. All the samples were measured three consecutive times by each method. Repeatability and correlation coefficient were calculated for both methods. The coefficient of variation of the spectrophotometer and hemocytometer was 7.8% and 16.9%, respectively and the correlation between absorbance and sperm count was r=0.89 (p < 0.01). These findings further present spectrophotometry not only as a rapid and low cost method but also precise for semen evaluation in this species.Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron: determinar la repetibilidad de las lecturas seminales realizadas con el espectrofotómetro y compararlas con aquellas del hemocitómetro, realizar una curva de estandarización de lectura espectrofotométrica de concentración seminal y, finalmente, correlacionar los resultados obtenidos por ambos métodos en la especie canina. Con este fin se evaluaron 9 eyaculados de 5 perros machos reproductivamente aptos. Cada uno de los eyaculados se fraccionó en cuatro partes iguales las que posteriormente se diluyeron 1:25, 1:50, y 1:75 en agua destilada, dejando una de las fracciones sin diluir. Se realizaron tres lecturas consecutivas con cada uno de los métodos. Se calculó la repetibilidad de cada método y el coeficiente de correlación entre ambos. Así, los coeficientes de variación fueron 7,8% y 16,9% para el espectrofotómetro y el hemocitómetro, respectivamente y el coeficiente de correlación entre la absorbancia y la concentración fue de r= 0,89 (p < 0.01). Estos hallazgos reivindican el uso de la espectrofotometría en la especie canina como un método no solo rápido y económico sino también con una precisión aceptable

A systematic review of reproductive physiology of jaguars (Panthera onca)

abstract: The jaguar (Panthera onca), the largest felid in the Americas, has been classified by IUCN as ‘near-threatened’. The purpose of this review was to gather the current knowledge on jaguar reproduction. Information from over forty-five sources has been selected. Jaguars have been classified as polyestrous with generally an induced ovulation, with a moderate incidence of spontaneity. Estrus, estrous cycle and pseudopregnancy lengths varied from 4 to 17, and 22–63, and 14–67 days, respectively. Ejaculate volume is around 3.9 ml and the spermatogenic cycle takes 57.7 ± 0.07 days. In spite of its low gonadosomatic index, the whole spermatogenic process in jaguars is more efficient than that of the domestic cat. Although minor seasonal variation in most reproductive traits has been found at the studied latitudes, local rains seemed to have an effect. Gestation takes from 91 to 111 days. Females queen one to four immature cubs. As evidenced by the wide range reported for most reproductive parameters further work is still necessary to achieve fundamental knowledge that could facilitate breeding, management and conservation activities

Fine tuning and interpretation of needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of benigne prostatic hyperplasia and chronic prostatitis in the dog

La hiperplasia prostática benigna (HPB) y sus complicaciones infecciosas son las enfermedades prostáticas más prevalentes en perros de edad avanzada. Aunque la biopsia ofrece el diagnóstico definitivo, la aspiración con aguja fina (AAF) con guía ecográfica es una herramienta rápida y segura para el diagnóstico citológico presuntivo de las alteraciones prostáticas. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue poner a punto la técnica de AAF prostática ecodirigida y la interpretación del material obtenido en casos de HPB y prostatitis crónica (PC). Se evaluó ecográficamente y se aspiró por vía transabdominal ecodirigida la próstata de 45 caninos. Se tomaron muestras para estudio histopatológico en 16 de los animales. El estudio ecográfico reveló 21 casos de glándulas normales y 24 de HPB (12 con quistes) mientras que el citológico 27 y 15 de los mismos grupos e incluso detectó 3 casos de PC que fueron corroborados por histopatología. Esta última reveló también 4 próstatas normales y 9 HPB. Debido al procedimiento de AAF del tejido prostático, tres animales (6.7 %) presentaron hematuria, que en todos los casos fue autolimitante. Este estudio sugiere un acuerdo entre la citología y el diagnóstico histopatológico en la HBP y la prostatitis crónica, lo que califica a la AAF ecodirigida como una maniobra diagnóstica útil para la evaluación de enfermedades no supurativas, no neoplásicas de la glándula prostática del perro.Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and its infectious complications are very prevalent diseases in the aging dog. Although biopsy offers the definitive diagnosis, ultrasound guided-fine needle aspiration (US-FNA) cytology is a safe and quick tool for the presumptive diagnosis of prostatic conditions. The aim of this study was to fine tune the technique and interpretation of US-FNA in cases of BPH and chronic prostatitis (CP). The prostate of 45 dogs were transabdominal ultrasounded and aspirated. Tissue for histopathological diagnosis was also carried in 16 dogs. Ultrasound examination presented 21 cases of normal gland and 24 cases of BPH (12 with cysts) while cytology showed 27 and 15 cases of the same groups and even detected 3 cases of CP that were corroborated by histopathology. This last technique also revealed 4 normal and 9 hyperplastic glands. Three animals (6.7%) presented transient hematurya. This study suggests an agreement between cytology and histopathologic diagnosis of BPH and chronic prostatitis which guarantees the use of US-FNA in the evaluation of non suppurative, non- neoplastic diseases in the canine prostate.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

Biological validation of the "in field" extraction method for fecal estradiol in the domestic cat: A preliminary report

The objective of this article was to biologically validate the ¨field method¨ for estradiol fecal extraction in domestic felids by a comparative study of samples obtained in different stages of the estrous cycle. A total at of 40 fecal samples from 7 postpubertal female cats were included. The samples were collected in the estrous (n=22) and interestrous (n=18) stages (defined by behavior and vaginal cytology) during 12 months. The "field extraction method" was carried out and then 17? estradiol was measured by radiommunoassay. Fecal estradiol concentration ranged from de 926 to 33320 pg/g wet weight. Mean ± SEM in estrous and interestrous samples were 11814±2171 pg/g and 3238±474 pg/g (p < 0.01), respectively. Longitudinal observation of estradiol values clearly indicated that peaks coincided with cytological and behavioral estrus.\nFil: Risso A. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Cátedra de Fisiología. Laboratorio de Fisiología Reproductiva. Buenos Aires, ArgentinaFil: García Romero G. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Cátedra de Fisiología. Laboratorio de Fisiología Reproductiva. Buenos Aires, ArgentinaFil: Valiente C. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Cátedra de Fisiología. Laboratorio de Fisiología Reproductiva. Buenos Aires, ArgentinaFil: Diaz J. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Cátedra de Fisiología. Laboratorio de Fisiología Reproductiva. Buenos Aires, ArgentinaFil: Corrada Y. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Cátedra de Fisiología. Laboratorio de Fisiología Reproductiva. Buenos Aires, ArgentinaFil: Gobello C. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Cátedra de Fisiología. Laboratorio de Fisiología Reproductiva. Buenos Aires, ArgentinaEl objetivo de este trabajo fue validar biológicamente la técnica "a campo" de extracción de estradiol fecal en felinos domésticos mediante un estudio comparativo de muestras tomadas en distintos momentos del ciclo estral. Se utilizaron un total de 40 muestras de materia fecal procedentes de 7 hembras felinas pospúberes. Las muestras fecales fueron recolectadas en la etapa de estro (n=22) e interestro (n=18) defi nidos por comportamiento y citología vaginal. durante 12 meses. Se realizó el método de extracción "a campo" y el 17? estradiol fue determinado por radioinmunoensayo. La concentración de estradiol varió de 926 a 33.320 pg/g de materia fecal húmeda. La media ± SEM de las concentraciones de esta hormona en gatas en estro e interestro fueron de 11.814±2.171 pg/g y 3.238±474 pg/g (p < 0.01), respectivamente. La observación longitudinal de los valores de estradiol obtenidos en los animales indicó, claramente, que los picos eran coincidentes con el comportamiento y citología vaginal de estro