Evaluation of haemodynamic changes of uterine arteries using Doppler ultrasonography during different stages of pregnancy in Bos indicus cows

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to evaluate haemodynamic changes and their relationships among ipsilateral (IPS) and contralateral (CONT) uterine arteries (UA) during different stages of pregnancy in Bos indicus cows. Multiparous pregnant cows (n=40) having a gestation length 30.47±0.54 (mean±SD) days were randomly enrolled and subjected to Doppler ultrasonography sequentially at 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th months of gestation. Blood flow indices including diameter of UA (mm), blood flow volume (BFVo, ml/min), blood flow velocity (BFVe, cm/s), time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV, cm/s), pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were recorded. Data were analysed with mixed models using the PROC MIXED procedures, and Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated using the PROC CORR statement in SAS. The final statistical models included the fixed effects of side of UA, gestation month and the interaction between side of UA and gestation month. Results revealed that the mean diameter of the UA (12.13±0.22 vs. 10.09±0.22), BFVo (1236.33±0.55 vs. 770.41±0.55), BFVe (17.18±0.42 vs. 15.58±0.42) and TAMV (17.11±0.44 vs. 15.77±0.44) was higher (p<.05) in IPS as compared to CONT side of the UA in cows. However, PI and RI did not differ between IPS and CON arteries of uterus in cows. A very high and positive correlation (r=.89; p<.05) existed between the diameter of UA and BFVo starting from 1st to 8th months of gestation in IPS as well as CONT sides of UA. Moreover, TAMV was highly and positively correlated (r=.91; p<.05) with BFVe throughout the gestation. In conclusion, these haemodynamic changes in the UA could be used as a valuable validity tool to differentiate the compromised pregnancy in Bos indicus cows.