Prolonged gestation associated with fetal abnormality in a Holstein-Friesian crossbred cow

This study was conducted to elucidate a factor causing a weak sign of delivery and a prolonged gestation, which are frequently observed in cows carrying somatic clone fetus, in spite of the maturity of fetal size or the occurrence of large offspring syndrome. Till date, several investigators have suggested morphological and functional abnormalities of the placenta in clone fetus in the various gestational stages. However, the roles for the placenta in the final process of clone pregnancy, namely placental estrogen synthesis and regulation of estrogen activity with sulfoconjugation, have not been fully understood. In IETS (2007 in Kyoto, Japan), we reported that prepartum rise of estrone and estradiol-17b concentrations in clone pregnancy was subtle, but estrone-sulfate concentration in clone pregnancy was higher than that in cows carrying fetus derived from in vivo embryo. In this study, we analyzed mRNA expression levels of estrogen-related genes, estrogen sulfotransferase (SULT1E1), estrogen sulfatase (STS) and aromatase (CYP19), in placental tissues, cotyledon (COT) and caruncle (CAR). Placentomes were obtained immediately after purtrition from cows, which delivered clone and in vivo calves after induction of parturition (gestation length was 284 to 289 days). Correlation analyses between mRNA abundances in placental tissues and maternal estrogen concentrations at parturition were performed using the data obtained from clones. Localization of gene expression in placentome was examined with in situ hybridization (SULT1E1 and STS) and immunohistochemistry (CYP19). Number of binucleate cells (BNC), existing in placentome, was counted from sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin. mRNA abundance of SULT1E1 was tended to be high in COT compared with CAR, clone pregnancy showed significantly higher (p<0.05) expression level than in vivo pregnancy. In situ hybridization signal of SULT1E1 was detected in binucleate cells. SULT1E1 mRNA abundance was negatively and positively correlated with maternal estrone (p<0.05) and estrone-sulfate (p<0.05) at parturition, respectively. mRNA abundances of STS and CYP19 were significantly higher in CAR and COT, respectively. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry showed that BNC and carunclar epithelial cells expressed both genes. Expression levels of STS and CYP19 mRNA were similar between clone and in vivo pregnancy, and were positively correlated (p<0.05) with maternal estradiol-17b at parturition of clones. Population of BNC in placentome did not differ between clone (vaginally delivered clone; 18.8}1.4/0.1mm2, cesarean section delivered clone; 18.6}1.7/0.1mm2) and in vivo (18.9}1.8/0.1mm2) pregnancy. Therefore, it can be surmised that increased SULT1E1 mRNA abundance in clone placental tissue was due to an increased transcription of the gene, rather than to an increased proportion of SULT1E1 producing BNC. The results obtained here suggested that excess estrogen sulfoconjugation in placenta was reasonable for the confusion of the ratio of unconjugated (active) and sulfoconjugated (inactive) estrogens. The hormonal abnormality would cause the weak sign of delivery and the prolonged gestation in cows carrying clone.

Effects of induced parturition in goats on immunoglobulin G and chitotriosidase activity in colostrum and plasma and on plasma concentrations of prolactin

Extract Prolonged gestation in cattle is characterized by abnormalities in the foetal pituitary and adrenal glands (Kennedy et al., 1967 Kennedy, P. C., Liggins, G. C. and Holm, L. W. 1967. Comparative Aspects of Reproductive Failure, 186–193. New York: Springer-Verlag. In [Google Scholar]). Experimental verification of the crucial role of this endocrine axis in initiating parturition came from hypophysectomy or adrenalectomy of of foetal lambs (Liggins et al., 1967 Liggins, G. C., Kennedy, P. C. and Holm, L. 1967. Failure of initiation of parturition after electrocoagulation of the pituitary of the foetal lamb. Am. J. Obstet. Gynec, 98: 1080–1086. [Google Scholar]; Drost and Holm, 1968 Drost, M. and Holm, L.-W. 1968. Prolonged gestation in ewes after foetal adrenalectomy. J. Endocr., 40: 293–296. [Google Scholar]). Further studies extended the concept by showing that cortisol, dexamethasone and ACTH infusions could induce premature parturition in normal foetal lambs or induce parturition in hypophysectomized foetal lambs (Liggins, 1968 Liggins, G. C. 1968. Premature parturition after infusion of corticotrophin or cortisol into foetal lambs. J. Endocr., 42: 323–329. [Google Scholar]).

Hydrometra, a synonymous of pseudopregnancy is a major cause of infertility in goats with varying incidences ranging from 1.37–20%. Four pluriparous goats were presented to the referral VGO polyclinic with the history of mating, nearly completed or prolonged gestation period, varying degree of abdominal distension and no signs of imminent kidding. The ultrasonography and X-ray examination revealed that animals were non-pregnant and contain hypoechoic fluid in the uterus. The cases were diagnosed as hydrometra and treatment consisting of cloprostenol sodium (PGF2α analogue), valethamate bromide, estradiol benzoate along with dexamethasone was given for evacuation of the uterine contents. All of the animals responded to treatment about 18–20 h later with varying success in uterine evacuation. Thus, the present article highlights the ultrasonographic diagnosis and therapeutic management of hydrometra in goats.

The objective of the present study was to investigate whether double intra-vulvo submucosal administration of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) could improve farrowing synchronization compared tosingle administration, and the effects of the induction of farrowing on colostrum yield and piglet performances. In total, 91 sows were randomly assigned to one of three groups:i) treatment with a single or ii) double administration of PGF2α or iii) control group without any treatment. A synthetic analogue ofPGF2α was administrated via the intra-vulvo submucosal route on day 114 of gestation, at 0800 hr (single administration) or at 0800 and 1400 hr (double administration). The animals weremonitored during the farrowing process. The time interval from the first administration of PGF2α to the onset of parturition was compared between groups. The proportion of sows that farrowedwithin 32 hr of induced parturition was higher in the double administration group than in the single administration group (100 vs. 84.4%, P=0.046). Theduration of farrowing was higher in single administration sows than in control (241.1 vs. 169.5 min, P=0.004) and tended to be higher than in doubleadministration sows (241.1 vs. 190.3 min, P=0.088). Birth interval of piglets born after double administration of PGF2α was shorter than those born after asingle administration (14.6 and 20.1 min, P=0.024). In sows, the induction of parturition using a double administration of PGF2α reduces variation in gestation length andsignificantly increases the proportion of sows with an early response to PGF2α.

The hypothesis that corticosteroids induce parturition in swine by stimulating the synthesis of prostaglandins was tested. Twenty Yorkshire sows were treated with indomethacin and(or) dexamethasone or the respective vehicles of the drugs. Only sows treated with dexamethasone alone showed a premature increase in the concentration of prostaglandin F2 alpha-metabolite (PGF2 alpha-M), a decrease in the concentration of progesterone in the peripheral plasma and induction of parturition. Treatment with indomethacin alone or indomethacin plus dexamethasone prolonged gestation and prevented an increase in PGF2 alpha-M and a decrease in progesterone. These results show that the effect of dexamethasone on prepartum luteolysis and induction of parturition is mediated through stimulation of the synthesis or the release of PGF2 alpha.

Objective To summarize the experience of multidisciplinary consultation for prenatal fetal deformity, and to explore the mode suitable for China. Methods The Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University and Children＇s Hospital of Fudan University established a joint multidisciplinary consultation center, including obstetrics, pediatrics, pediatric surgery, ultrasound and other departments. A total of 3 378 pregnant women visited the consultation center from July 31, 2003 to August 1, 2013. After consultation,treatment was divided into three classes： pregnancy termination, pregnancy continuation and perinatal treatment. Follow-up was made through correspondence and telephone communication. Retrospective analysis on reasons for consultation, fetal structural abnormalities of the classification system, chronological order of abnormalities, gestational weeks of diagnosis, maternal-related factors, treatment and prognosis was performed. Results （ 1 ） Reasons for consultation： Among 3 378 women undertaking prenatal multidisciplinary consultation, 3 243 （ 96.00% ） were due to fetal factors, and 135 （ 4.00% ） were due to maternal factors. （ 2 ） Classification of fetal structural abnormalities： Among the 3 243 cases undertaking consultation with fetal factors, fetal abnormality was found in 80.85% （ 2 622/3 243 ）. The most common were neurological abnormalities （ 23.19%, 608/2 622 ） , followed by urinary tract malformation （ 20.25%, 531/2 622 ） and cardiovascular malformation （ 15.48%, 406/2 622 ） . These were followed by digestive system malformation, limb deformities and space- occupying lesions. There were 156 cases of multiple malformations. （ 3 ） Average gestational weeks for diagnosis of fetal deformity： The 2 622 cases of fetal deformity were diagnosed at a mean （26.7~＋ 2.1 ） of gestational weeks （ 21.1-30.4 weeks ） . Urinary tract malformations were detected at （ 24.0_＋0.7 ） weeks, whereas digestive system malformations were detected at （28.3_＋2.6） weeks. （4） Induced labor： Induced labor cases accounted for 35.66% （ 935/2 622 ） , among which, 92 cases were fetal intrauterine death and 843 cases were active choice. The several highest induced labor rates resulted from multiple malformations （ 75.64%, 118/156 ）, abdominal wall defects （ 62.22%, 28/45 ）, diaphragmatic hernia （ 61.54%, 24/39 ） , cleft lip and palate （ 55.32%, 26/47 ） and cardiovascular malformations （ 49.51%, 201/406 ） . For nervous system （ 27.80%, 169/608 ） , urinary tract （ 25.80%, 137/531 ） and digestive system malformations （ 26.94%, 66/245 ） , induced labor rates were 〈30%. For abdominal lesions （ 14.04%, 25/178 ） and sacrococcygeal teratoma （ 13.64%, 3/22 ） , induced labor rates were 〈15%. （ 5 ） Continuation of pregnancy in 1 687 cases： Cesarean section was conducted in l 046 （ 61.94% ）. Neonatal death occurred in 117 （ 6.94% ）. （ 6 ） Perinatal treatment： Twenty-one cases were treated during pregnancy, including thirteen cases with fetal ascites and hydrothorax treated by drainage, five cases with fetal anemia treated by intrauterine transfusion and three cases with fetal tachycardia treated by digoxin. Ten cases were treated by ex-utero intrapartum treatment. After birth, 297 newborns immediately underwent neonatal surgery. Among these, 259 cases underwent radical surgery, eleven palliative surgery, and sixteen elective surgery after follow-up. Conclusions Prenatal multidisciplinary consultation can make comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment of fetal prognosis and improve the diagnosis and treatment of structural malformations. Key words: Congenital abnormalities; Prenatal diagnosis; Referral and consultation; Physician＇spractice patterns; Peripartum period; Prognosis

We review the causes of fetal dystocia in cows and buffalo. Two fetal causes are distinct fetal oversize and fetal abnormalities. Fetal oversize is common in heifers, cows of beef cattle breeds, prolonged gestations, increased calf birth weight, male calves and perinatal fetal death with resultant emphysema. Fetal abnormalities include monsters, fetal diseases and fetal maldispositions, and it is difficult to deliver such fetuses because of their altered shape. Although monsters are rare in cattle, a large number of monstrosities have been reported in river buffalo; yet also here, overall incidence is low. Diseases of the fetus resulting in dystocia include hydrocephalus, ascites, anasarca and hydrothorax. The most common cause of dystocia in cattle seems to be fetal maldispositions, of which limb flexion and head deviation appear to be the most frequent. We provide a brief description of the management of dystocia from different causes in cattle and buffalo. A case analysis of 192 and 112 dystocia in cattle and buffalo, respectively, at our referral center revealed that dystocia is significantly higher (P<0.05) in first and second parity cows and buffalo, and that dystocia of fetal origin is common in cows (65.62%) but less frequent (40.17%) in buffalo. In buffalo, the single biggest cause of dystocia was uterine torsion (53.57%). Fetal survival was significantly (P<0.05) higher both in cows and buffalo when delivery was completed within 12 h of second stage of labor.

We review the causes of fetal dystocia in cows and buffalo. Two fetal causes are distinct fetal oversize and fetal abnormalities. Fetal oversize is common in heifers, cows of beef cattle breeds, prolonged gestations, increased calf birth weight, male calves and perinatal fetal death with resultant emphysema. Fetal abnormalities include monsters, fetal diseases and fetal maldispositions, and it is difficult to deliver such fetuses because of their altered shape. Although monsters are rare in cattle, a large number of monstrosities have been reported in river buffalo; yet also here, overall incidence is low. Diseases of the fetus resulting in dystocia include hydrocephalus, ascites, anasarca and hydrothorax. The most common cause of dystocia in cattle seems to be fetal maldispositions, of which limb flexion and head deviation appear to be the most frequent. We provide a brief description of the management of dystocia from different causes in cattle and buffalo. A case analysis of 192 and 112 dystocia in cattle and buffalo, respectively, at our referral center revealed that dystocia is significantly higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) in first and second parity cows and buffalo, and that dystocia of fetal origin is common in cows (65.62%) but less frequent (40.17%) in buffalo. In buffalo, the single biggest cause of dystocia was uterine torsion (53.57%). Fetal survival was significantly (P&amp;lt;0.05) higher both in cows and buffalo when delivery was completed within 12 h of second stage of labor.

The Endocrine Disruptive Effects of Ergopeptine Alkaloids on Pregnant Mares

ObjectivesTo examine the incidence of fetal congenital abnormalities in cases of isolated polyhydramnious after exclusion of the common causes of polyhydramnious.MethodsRetrospective analysis of all cases of polyhydramnious over a 7-year...

Concomitant Exencephaly and Limb Defects Associated with Pentalogy of Cantrell

This case report describes a rare instance of a bovine fetus with concurrent umbilical cord torsion and entanglement, which resulted in fetal growth restriction (FGR) and prolonged gestation. A 36-month-old primiparous Holstein cow, 285 days pregnant, was examined after failing to show signs of parturition. Fetal heartbeat was confirmed via abdominal ultrasonography until 295 days post-artificial insemination (AI) but was not detected thereafter, leading to a presumptive diagnosis of fetal death at 313 days post-AI. Following induction, the dead fetus was delivered at 316 days post-AI. Despite a gestational age of approximately 10.5 months, the fetus exhibited severe growth restriction that is equivalent to that of a normal 7-month-old fetus. The umbilical cord measured 40 cm—abnormally long for a 7-month-old fetus—and was tightly wrapped around the right hind limb with more than 360 degrees of torsion along its long axis. Maternal serum analysis revealed persistently high progesterone and markedly low estradiol concentrations before parturition, suggesting that the physiological process of parturition had not been initiated. It is speculated that the FGR resulted from chronic blood flow obstruction likely associated with the umbilical cord abnormalities, which were hypothesized to have occurred during the second trimester (approximately 4 months). The consequent absence of normal fetal signals to initiate parturition and the lack of periparturient endocrine changes contributed to prolonged gestation and underdeveloped mammary glands in the dam. This report represents the first detailed description of intrauterine umbilical cord abnormalities in cattle, demonstrating their potential to cause fetal developmental delay, prolonged gestation, and impaired mammary gland development.

In the Sudan, the husbandry system of goats in urban and peri-urban areas subject them to kid in streets, under vehicles and in dirty environments thus exposing the newly born kids to the risk of predators, crush under vehicles, exposure to diseases and occasionally death due to the unattended difficult birth. Therefore, need to control time of kidding for survivability of kids and future fertility of the dam was the overall objective of this study. In a randomized block design experiment, twenty mid-term pregnant Nubian goats were assigned to four treatment groups namely, control (1), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) treatment (2), dexamethasone treatment (3) and cesarean operation (4), with an overall aim of selecting an appropriate tool for elective induction of parturition that preserves life and health and future fertility of does as well as production of viable kids. The hormonal treatments and caesarean operation were performed on day 140 of gestation in all the treatments. The shortest induction time was seen with caesarean section (1.25±0.72 hours) and dexamethasone showed the longest time for induction (57.40±9.21 hours) followed by PGF2α treatment (29.00±1.37 hours). All the treatments resulted to ease of kidding, preserved the reproductive life of does and produced viable kids, except caesarean operation that significantly resulted in delayed placenta expulsion (22.20±2.86 hours) and delayed the time for resumption of ovarian cyclicity (58±5.25 days). In conclusion, the study recommended the use of prostaglandin F2α hormone as a valuable tool for strategic elective induction of kidding in the Sudanese Nubian goats because of its shortest induction time, early placental expulsion and return to ovarian activities.

An experiment using 16 Beagle bitches (aged 11 months to 6 years and 2 months) in their 56th to 58th day of pregnancy was carried out to investigate the effects of two injections of a low dose of fenprostalene, a long-acting prostaglandin F2alpha analogue, and pretreatment with prifinium bromide, a parasympathetic nerve blocking agent, on the induction of parturition and severity of side effects. The bitches were divided into three treatment groups: one injection of 5 microg/kg of fenprostalene (group I, n=5); one injection of 7.5 mg/head of prifinium bromide followed by one injection of 5 microg/kg of fenprostalene at 5 min after prifinium bromide injection (group II, n=6); and one injection of 7.5 mg/head of prifinium bromide followed by two injections of 2.5 microg/kg of fenprostalene, one injection at 5 min after prifinium bromide injection and the next at 1 hr after the fenprostalene first injection (group III, n=5). Following the injection of fenprostalene, side effects such as salivation, vomiting, colic symptoms, and watery diarrhea occurred most frequently (80-100% of cases) in group I bitches. Apart from colic symptoms, no side effects were observed in group III bitches. Group III bitches also showed the smallest increase in plasma cortisol concentration. No significant difference in the time to initiation of parturition was found between the three groups. The one-week survival rate of newborn puppies was highest in group III. The results showed that pretreatment with prifinium bromide and two injections of 2.5 microg/kg of fenprostalene can alleviate side effects following fenprostalene administration and have no adverse effect on the survival of newborn puppies, indicating that this method is a reliable and safe way of inducing parturition in bitches.