Simultaneous pyometra and viable puppies’ gestation in a bitch

Here we describe a case of pyometra coexisting with gestation in a 4.5 year-old miniature short-haired Dachshund. The dog exhibited depression, vaginal discharge, polydipsia and dehydration. Ultrasound examination revealed the presence of low to moderate anechoic fluid collection in the left uterine horn. Blood analysis revealed mild neutrophilia with a left shift. Based on these findings a presumptive diagnosis of pyometra was made and the bitch was treated using amoxicillin-clavulanate with dopaminergic agonist (cabergoline). A second ultrasound scan revealed the presence of two gestational vesicles in the right uterine horn that were successfully carried to term. Unusually, while pyometra persisted in the left uterine horn, two viable puppies were delivered by caesarean section from the right uterine horn.Fil: Risso, Analia Lorena. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Cs.veterinarias. Hospital Escuela; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Pellegrino, Francisco Javier. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Cs.veterinarias. Hospital Escuela; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Corrada, Yanina Alejandra. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Cs.veterinarias. Hospital Escuela; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Canine diestrous acromegaly

La acromegalia o hipersomatotrofismo canino se caracteriza por una hipersecreción crónica de hormona del crecimiento (GH). Dicha hipersecreción de GH es inducida por la elevada progesteronemia que caracteriza a la fase lútea del ciclo estral canino, como así también, por tratamientos con progestágenos utilizados corrientemente para suprimir el ciclo estral. Las manifestaciones clínicas se traducen por el crecimiento excesivo del tejido muscular, óseo y visceral y, usualmente, desarrollo de intolerancia a la glucosa. Signos clínicos de hipotiroidismo y/o hipercorticismo están eventualmente asociados. Debido a la hiperproducción de GH, el riesgo de desarrollar neoplasias mamarias como así también el complejo de hiperplasia endometrial quística- piómetra se ve incrementado a medida que transcurren los sucesivos ciclos estrales durante la vida del animal. Debido a esto, la castración temprana constituye el mejor método de prevención y/o tratamiento de la acromegalia canina. El entendimiento de los trastornos asociados a las variaciones de la secreción de la GH relacionadas con el ciclo estral canino permiten prevenir la instalación de posibles desórdenes endócrinos permanentes.Canine acromegaly or hypersomatotrophism is characterized by a chronic hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH). GH hypersecretion is induced by high plasmatic progesterone concentrations which characterize luteal phase of canine estrous cycle. This endocrine disorder is also caused by administration of exogenous progestins frequently used for estrous cycle suppression. Clinical signs of acromegaly consist of excessive muscular, bone and visceral growth and glucose intolerance. Affected bitches usually develop hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism. Also, in successive estrous cycles, the risk of developing mammary neoplasia and cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex increases. Early spaying consti- tutes the best method for prevention and/or treatment of canine acromegaly. Full understanding of the alterations of GH secretion associated to estrous cycle will prevent permanent endocrine disorders in the bitch.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

Canine diestrous acromegaly

La acromegalia o hipersomatotrofismo canino se caracteriza por una hipersecreción crónica de hormona del crecimiento (GH). Dicha hipersecreción de GH es inducida por la elevada progesteronemia que caracteriza a la fase lútea del ciclo estral canino, como así también, por tratamientos con progestágenos utilizados corrientemente para suprimir el ciclo estral. Las manifestaciones clínicas se traducen por el crecimiento excesivo del tejido muscular, óseo y visceral y, usualmente, desarrollo de intolerancia a la glucosa. Signos clínicos de hipotiroidismo y/o hipercorticismo están eventualmente asociados. Debido a la hiperproducción de GH, el riesgo de desarrollar neoplasias mamarias como así también el complejo de hiperplasia endometrial quística- piómetra se ve incrementado a medida que transcurren los sucesivos ciclos estrales durante la vida del animal. Debido a esto, la castración temprana constituye el mejor método de prevención y/o tratamiento de la acromegalia canina. El entendimiento de los trastornos asociados a las variaciones de la secreción de la GH relacionadas con el ciclo estral canino permiten prevenir la instalación de posibles desórdenes endócrinos permanentes.Canine acromegaly or hypersomatotrophism is characterized by a chronic hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH). GH hypersecretion is induced by high plasmatic progesterone concentrations which characterize luteal phase of canine estrous cycle. This endocrine disorder is also caused by administration of exogenous progestins frequently used for estrous cycle suppression. Clinical signs of acromegaly consist of excessive muscular, bone and visceral growth and glucose intolerance. Affected bitches usually develop hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism. Also, in successive estrous cycles, the risk of developing mammary neoplasia and cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex increases. Early spaying consti- tutes the best method for prevention and/or treatment of canine acromegaly. Full understanding of the alterations of GH secretion associated to estrous cycle will prevent permanent endocrine disorders in the bitch.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

Simultaneous pyometra and viable puppies’ gestation in a bitch

Here we describe a case of pyometra coexisting with gestation in a 4.5 year-old miniature short-haired Dachshund. The dog exhibited depression, vaginal discharge, polydipsia and dehydration. Ultrasound examination revealed the presence of low to moderate anechoic fluid collection in the left uterine horn. Blood analysis revealed mild neutrophilia with a left shift. Based on these findings a presumptive diagnosis of pyometra was made and the bitch was treated using amoxicillin-clavulanate with dopaminergic agonist (cabergoline). A second ultrasound scan revealed the presence of two gestational vesicles in the right uterine horn that were successfully carried to term. Unusually, while pyometra persisted in the left uterine horn, two viable puppies were delivered by caesarean section from the right uterine horn.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

Control de la reproducción en carnívoros de zoológico

Las mejoras en los programas reproductivos y las condiciones de vida en los zoológicos han ocasionado un exceso de animales en relación a las posibilidades de espacio y mantención. Además, se hace necesario evitar el inbreeding que se produce en grupos poblacionales cerrados y también preservar las interacciones sociales manteniendo agrupados los animales. Todas estas razones han provocado una aumentada necesidad de métodos de control de la reproducción en animales de zoológico. Muchos de los métodos disponibles en la actualidad para el control de la reproducción en carnívoros de zoológico han sido extensamente probados en los domésticos; no obstante, algunos aspectos diferenciales de la fisiología reproductiva como la estacionalidad y las características de ovulación deben ser considerados previo a la aplicación de resultados en especies silvestres. El objetivo de esta revisión es describir brevemente los principales métodos de control de la reproducción (prevención de los ciclos e interrupción de la gestación) existentes en la actualidad en los carnívoros.Improved living conditions and reproduction techniques in captive animals have increased the longevity and fecundity rates, thus contraception has become very important in zoos. Reproduction control is needed to prevent crowding in the available space, inbreeding, and also to allow normal social interactions among groups of animals. Much of what is known of carnivores reproduction control has been studied in detail in the domestic dog and cat; howerer, due to some physiological differences (e.g. seasonality, ovulation characteristics), results from domestic dogs and cats should be taken with caution before applying in wild carnivores. The aim of this review is to briefly describe the main contraceptive methods available for carnivores.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

In vitro and in vivo assessment of skim milk with and without egg yolk on canine spermatozoa incubated at 4ºC

The aims of this study were to assess and compare the effect of skim milk with (MEY) and without (SMI) egg yolk on canine spermatozoa incubated at 4ºC in vitro and to evaluate the efficacy of MEY in vivo. Also, the effect of semen cooled storage before freezing was also evaluated in vitro. The ejaculates of 10 dogs were collected, pooled, centrifuged, and divided into 4 aliquots and diluted in one of the following 4 diluents: Prostatic fluid (PRO), commercial diluent (COM), SMI, or MEY. Extended samples were stored at 4°C and evaluated daily for 6 days. Percentage of total (P 0.1) bitches from each group became pregnant and whelped normally. MEY extended semen samples were cooled for 2, 24, or 48 h at 4°C, and a second dilution was performed prior to freezing and thawing. Post-thaw total and forward sperm motility decreased with increasing cooled storage (P < 0.05), although no significant differences in total or forward motility, normal acrosomes, positive endosmosis, live spermatozoa, or positive endosmosis were found between 2 and 24 h storage. These in vitro and in vivo results show that MEY can be considered a simple, inexpensive, and efficient diluent for canine semen chilling. Furthermore, MEY could be successfully frozen after 1 day of cooled storage.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

Physiological parameter values in greyhounds before and after high-intensity exercise

Dog sports competitions have greatly expanded. The availability of reference values for each type of activity could help assess fitness accurately. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BL) and rectal temperature (RT) are relevant physiological parameters to determine the dogs response to effort. Previous studies in greyhounds have reported the effect of high-intensity exercise on many physiological parameters immediately after completing different racing distances and recovery times. However, there are no studies concerning physiological changes over shorter racing distances. We therefore assessed the effect of sprint exercise on HR, BL and RT in nine greyhounds performing sprint exercise over a 100-m distance chasing a lure. After the exercise, dogs underwent a passive 10-min recovery phase. Before the exercise, immediately after it and at 5 and 10 min during recovery, HR and RT were assessed and blood samples were collected for BL determination. HR, BL and RT values increased significantly after the exercise (P0.1), BL concentration and RT remained increased (P<0.01). The abrupt increase in HR, BL and RT values observed immediatel y after the exercise indicates the high intensity of the effort performed. Similarly, BL concentration after the exercise exceeded the 4 mmol/L lactate threshold, suggesting a predominant anaerobic metabolism during effort. Although HR returned to pre-exercise values 10 min after the exercise, a more extensive recovery phase would be necessary for a total return to resting values, particularly for BL and RT. In greyhounds subjected to high-intensity exercise, HR, BL and RT were reliable physiological parameters to accurately assess the physiological response to effort. The use of sprint exercises over short racing distances could be useful for appropriately monitoring fitness in sporting dogs.Instituto de Genética Veterinari

In vitro and in vivo assessment of skim milk with and without egg yolk on canine spermatozoa incubated at 4ºC

The aims of this study were to assess and compare the effect of skim milk with (MEY) and without (SMI) egg yolk on canine spermatozoa incubated at 4ºC in vitro and to evaluate the efficacy of MEY in vivo. Also, the effect of semen cooled storage before freezing was also evaluated in vitro. The ejaculates of 10 dogs were collected, pooled, centrifuged, and divided into 4 aliquots and diluted in one of the following 4 diluents: Prostatic fluid (PRO), commercial diluent (COM), SMI, or MEY. Extended samples were stored at 4°C and evaluated daily for 6 days. Percentage of total (P 0.1) bitches from each group became pregnant and whelped normally. MEY extended semen samples were cooled for 2, 24, or 48 h at 4°C, and a second dilution was performed prior to freezing and thawing. Post-thaw total and forward sperm motility decreased with increasing cooled storage (P < 0.05), although no significant differences in total or forward motility, normal acrosomes, positive endosmosis, live spermatozoa, or positive endosmosis were found between 2 and 24 h storage. These in vitro and in vivo results show that MEY can be considered a simple, inexpensive, and efficient diluent for canine semen chilling. Furthermore, MEY could be successfully frozen after 1 day of cooled storage.Fil: Díaz, Jorge Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Corrada, Yanina Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Blanco, Paula Graciela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Gobello, María Cristina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentin

Physiological parameter values in greyhounds before and after high-intensity exercise

Dog sports competitions have greatly expanded. The availability of reference values for each type of activity could help assess fitness accurately. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BL) and rectal temperature (RT) are relevant physiological parameters to determine the dogs response to effort. Previous studies in greyhounds have reported the effect of high-intensity exercise on many physiological parameters immediately after completing different racing distances and recovery times. However, there are no studies concerning physiological changes over shorter racing distances. We therefore assessed the effect of sprint exercise on HR, BL and RT in nine greyhounds performing sprint exercise over a 100-m distance chasing a lure. After the exercise, dogs underwent a passive 10-min recovery phase. Before the exercise, immediately after it and at 5 and 10 min during recovery, HR and RT were assessed and blood samples were collected for BL determination. HR, BL and RT values increased significantly after the exercise (P0.1), BL concentration and RT remained increased (P<0.01). The abrupt increase in HR, BL and RT values observed immediatel y after the exercise indicates the high intensity of the effort performed. Similarly, BL concentration after the exercise exceeded the 4 mmol/L lactate threshold, suggesting a predominant anaerobic metabolism during effort. Although HR returned to pre-exercise values 10 min after the exercise, a more extensive recovery phase would be necessary for a total return to resting values, particularly for BL and RT. In greyhounds subjected to high-intensity exercise, HR, BL and RT were reliable physiological parameters to accurately assess the physiological response to effort. The use of sprint exercises over short racing distances could be useful for appropriately monitoring fitness in sporting dogs.Instituto de Genética Veterinari

Evaluation of total antioxidant activity and oxidative stress in seminal plasma from dogs supplemented with fish oil and vitamin E

Background: We evaluated the effect of fish oil (FO) and FO in addition to vitamin E (VE) supplementation on total antioxidant activity of dog seminal plasma, and further assessed oxidative stress. Additionally, we measured the effect of this supplementation on hematological parameters and serum biochemistry. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, six male dogs were assigned to one of the following three groups for a period of 60 days using a replicated 3×3 Latin square design: control (CG), FO (FOG) and FO in addition to VE (FOEG). On days 0 and 60 of the trial, semen and blood samples were obtained. 2,2V-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were used to determine total antioxidant activity. Oxidative stress was determined by measuring total sulfhydryl group (T-SH). Results: Dogs supplemented with FO alone had a lower total antioxidant activity in seminal plasma (ABTS: -59.86% vs. CG and -57.3% vs. FOEG; and FRAP: -37.3% vs. CG and -40.5% vs. FOEG), and higher oxidative stress (T-SH: +53.0% vs. CG and+60.2% vs. FOEG) compared with the other two groups (P<0.05). Serum triglyceride (TG) concentration decreased in FOG and FOEG compared with CG, on day 60 (P<0.01). Conclusion: We concluded that total antioxidant activitydecreased and oxidative stress increased in seminal plasma of dogs after FO supplementation for 60 days.Fil: Risso, Analia Lorena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico CONICET- La Plata. Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando Noel Dulout". Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Instituto de Genética Veterinaria; ArgentinaFil: Pellegrino, Francisco Javier. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico CONICET- La Plata. Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando Noel Dulout". Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Instituto de Genética Veterinaria; ArgentinaFil: Corrada, Yanina Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Schinella, Guillermo Raúl. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional Arturo Jauretche; Argentina. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas; Argentin