Pregnant Bitch Research Articles

Uterine Rupture Associated with Uterine Torsion in a Pregnant Bitch

Uterine torsion is an unusual and potentially serious problem in pregnant she-dogs. This case study documents the surgical management of uterine rupture associated with uterine torsion in a she-dog presented on the 68th day of pregnancy. Upon exploration of abdominal cavity, uterine torsion was observed over the uterine body and just adjacent to uterine torsion, there was rupture of the uterus. Therefore, laparahysterectomy was performed. The post-operative care included broad spectrum antibiotics, anti-histaminics, anti-inflammatory drugs and fluid therapy. The she dog had uneventful recovery.

Unilateral uterine torsion in a preparturient Boer bUll bitch resolved by caesarian section and unilateral cornuectomy

Uterine torsion is a rare finding in dogs and most often presented with a life-threatening condition. We hereby report a case of unilateral uterine torsion in a three-year old, pregnant bitch, two days to its expected date of delivery. The bitch became anorexic about two days prior to presentation and lumps of blood from vulva were found inside its kernel on the morning of the presentation. The physiological parameters, except the rectal temperature (38.70C), were all outside the normal range for dogs. Haematology investigation revealed a packed cell volume (PCV) of 20% and hence, the need for haemaccel® administration. Digital evaluation of the birth canal with the middle finger only revealed a foetus with the normal anterior presentation but no cervical dilation. Ultrasonography showed two live foetuses at the pelvic region of the bitch. Caesarean section was conducted according to standard technique to save the two puppies in the left contralateral horn. The right uterine horn was twisted along its longitudinal axis over 360o in a clockwise direction from the inter-cornual junction. It had two dead foetuses and was filled with over 5 litres of clotted blood/dark fluid with a lot of necrotic tissue. The dead foetuses were removed and the right horn was excised after due consultation with the owner. The surgical incisions were closed according to standard techniques. Our timely intervention to do caesarean section and right unilateral cornuectomy saved the bitch and the two foetuses in the contralateral intact horn and partially preserved the reproductive potential of the bitch

Unilateral uterine torsion in a preparturient Boer Bull bitch resolved by caesarian section and unilateral cornuectomy

Uterine torsion is a rare finding in dogs and most often presented with a life-threatening condition. We hereby report a case of unilateral uterine torsion in a three-year old, pregnant bitch, two days to its expected date of delivery. The bitch became anorexic about two days prior to presentation and lumps of blood from vulva were found inside its kernel on the morning of presentation. The physiological parameters, except the rectal temperature (38.70C), were all outside the normal range for dogs. Haematology investigation revealed a packed cell volume (PCV) of 20% and hence, the need for haemaccel® administration. Digital evaluation of the birth canal with the middle finger only revealed a foetus with normal anterior presentation but no cervical dilation. Ultrasonography showed two live foetuses at the pelvic region of the bitch. Caesarean section was conducted according to standard technique to save the two puppies in the left contralateral horn. The right uterine horn was twisted along its longitudinal axis over 360o in a clockwise direction from inter-cornual junction. It had two dead foetuses and was filled with over 5 litres of clotted blood/dark fluid with a lot of necrotic tissue. The dead foetuses were removed and the right horn was excised after due consultation with the owner. The surgical incisions were closed according to standard techniques. Our timely intervention to do caesarean section and right unilateral cornuectomy saved the bitch and the two foetuses in the contralateral intact horn and partially preserved the reproductive potential of the bitch.

Unilateral uterine torsion in a preparturient Boer Bull bitch resolved by caesarian section and unilateral cornuectomy

Uterine torsion is a rare finding in dogs and is most often presented with a life-threatening condition. We hereby report a case of unilateral uterine torsion in a three-year old, pregnant bitch, two days to its expected date of delivery. The bitch became anorexic about two days prior to presentation and lumps of blood from vulva were found inside its kernel on the morning of the presentation. The physiological parameters, except the rectal temperature (38.70C), were all outside the normal range for dogs. Haematology investigation revealed a packed cell volume (PCV) of 20% and hence, the need for haemaccel® administration. Digital evaluation of the birth canal with the middle finger only revealed a foetus with the normal anterior presentation but no cervical dilation. Ultrasonography showed two live foetuses at the pelvic region of the bitch. Caesarean section was conducted according to standard technique to save the two puppies in the left contralateral horn. The right uterine horn was twisted along its longitudinal axis over 360o in a clockwise direction from inter-cornual junction. It had two dead foetuses and was filled with over 5 litres of clotted blood/dark fluid with a lot of necrotic tissue. The dead foetuses were removed and the right horn was excised after due consultation with the owner. The surgical incisions were closed according to standard techniques. Our timely intervention to do caesarean section and right unilateral cornuectomy saved the bitch and the two foetuses in the contralateral intact horn and partially preserved the reproductive potential of the bitch.

Unilateral uterine torsion in a preparturient Boer bUll bitch resolved by caesarian section and unilateral cornuectomy

Uterine torsion is a rare finding in dogs and is most often presented with a life-threatening condition. We hereby report a case of unilateral uterine torsion in a three-year old, pregnant bitch, two days to its expected date of delivery. The bitch became anorexic about two days prior to presentation and lumps of blood from vulva were found inside its kernel on the morning of presentation. The physiological parameters, except the rectal temperature (38.70C), were all outside the normal range for dogs. Haematology investigation revealed a packed cell volume (PCV) of 20% and hence, the need for haemaccel® administration. Digital evaluation of the birth canal with the middle finger only revealed a foetus with normal anterior presentation but no cervical dilation. Ultrasonography showed two live foetuses at the pelvic region of the bitch. Caesarean section was conducted according to standard technique to save the two puppies in the left contralateral horn. The right uterine horn was twisted along its longitudinal axis over 360o in a clockwise direction from inter-cornual junction. It had two dead foetuses and was filled with over 5 litres of clotted blood/dark fluid with a lot of necrotic tissue. The dead foetuses were removed and the right horn was excised after due consultation with the owner. The surgical incisions were closed according to standard techniques. Our timely intervention to do caesarean section and right unilateral cornuectomy saved the bitch and the two foetuses in the contralateral intact horn and partially preserved the reproductive potential of the bitch

Pelvic Fracture, Coxo-femoral Luxation in a Pregnant Nigerian Local Bitch Following Road Traffic Accident

A road traffic accident is a life-threatening traumatic condition affecting man and animals. A 7- Year-old local bitch weighing 25 kg was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto with the chief complaint of trauma following an automobile accident. At presentation, vital parameters were within normal range but the dog was on sternal recumbency. During clinical examination, there was an audible crepitating sound on rectal palpation. The mammary glands were engorged and ultrasonography revealed pregnancy with presence of viable foetuses. Dorsoventral radiography of the pelvic region revealed fracture of the pelvis and right coxo-femoral luxation. However, the bitch died over-night and was sent for post mortem, which revealed fracture of the right ilium and pubis with severe intra-muscular haemorrhages of the gluteus and quadriceps muscles. There was diaphragmatic hernia along with congested lungs and blood-tinged fluid in the thorax. There was also severe hydroperitoneum, rupture of the left uterine horn and six dead foetuses in-utero. The dog may have died of hypovolemic shock due to the traumatic injury.

Celioscopy and partial salpingectomy in a pregnant bitch

ABSTRACT: This case report presents a celioscopy procedure followed by partial salpingectomy (PS) in a pregnant bitch referred to elective video assisted ovariohysterectomy. Through celioscopy it was visualized the embryonic vesicles and PS was performed after conversion to minioceliotomy. The puppies were born by eutocic delivery without clinical alterations. The case suggested that short and regular pneumoperitoneum is not deleterious to dog fetus and video surgery could be used in pregnant bitches. PS allows the fetus development and promotes bitch neutering.

And then there's silence

WORLDLIT.ORG 67 a POETRY And then there’s silence by Mikaela Nyman The children see trees bending bending and then they are broken coconutless frondless. The children see roofs in various states of disarray metal sheets lifting eaves pulled away. There’s Takaro’s house squatting hatless in gunmetal rain. There’s Nipo’s house mute and blind. There lies Adam’s jeep Eveless crushed under the weight of fallen debris. Boats and outriggers lifted and tossed draped over trees. A mighty banyan planted upside down in the middle of Pango road pokes a root toe in the eye of the cyclone. Here are the maps the children drew: see all the mamas daddies dogs children chickens houses fires dogs coconut palms mango trees vege gardens a forgotten laplap and the village water pump. A shoal of helicopters camouflage-patterned menacing friendly hauling goods picking up people hovering above the fray tiny stickpeople waving below while the trees are bending bending. Schoolbooks spread their white wings and crash rainsoaked in the mud. And there’s our house with its butchered roof. And there’s the girl who bit her tongue when she was shoved off the rock helpless. And there’s the pregnant bitch that ate the tip of the tongue while it was still warm and homeless. Translation from the Swedish By the author Mikaela Nyman is a New Zealand writer of Finnish heritage from the Åland Islands and the Swedish linguistic minority. Her first collection of poetry, När vändkrets läggs mot vändkrets, from which this poem was translated, was published by Ellips in Finland in 2019 and nominated for the Nordic Council Literature Prize 2020. Her first novel, Sado, is set in Vanuatu and was published in 2020 by Victoria University Press. ...

In pregnant bitches, is elective caesarean section more effective than vaginal delivery at improving puppy survival?

PICO question In pregnant bitches due to whelp, is elective caesarean section more effective than vaginal delivery to improve puppy survival? Clinical bottom line Category of research question The category of the research question is regarding the incidence of puppy mortalities as a result of vaginal delivery, emergency caesarean section and elective caesarean section. The number and type of study designs reviewed Two retrospective articles were reviewed and critically appraised; one retrospective study with high single canine breed bias and one study on different canine breeds but limited support in directly answering the PICO question. Strength of evidence The studies selected both had strong uses of experimental designs but together provided weak evidence to determine a definitive answer to the PICO question. Outcomes reported The outcomes from both retrospective studies suggests that the mortality rates of newborn puppies can be reduced if pregnant bitches are scheduled ahead for elective caesareans, in comparison to undergoing an emergency caesarean section when complications develop, particularly in breeds with higher risks of dystocia. Therefore, there is some evidence to support that it may be advantageous to consider the breed, age and overall health of the bitch during pregnancy to determine whether elective caesarean sections, for the safe delivery of puppies, should be considered. Conclusion There are currently insufficient studies, literatures and evidence in veterinary medicine for caesarean sections to become a routine procedure in first opinion practices. Future prospective studies should be conducted and include the optimum anaesthetic protocols with the lowest associated risks for the pregnant bitch and puppies. How to apply this evidence in practice The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources. Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.

Doppler evaluation of maternal vessels in normal gestation and threatened abortion in canines

BackgroundUltrasonographic monitoring of the pregnant bitch is an established routine in many veterinary clinics. In order to better assess foetal health and avoid pregnancy losses, Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of the pregnant uterus is the need of the day. Investigations on the dynamics of maternal and foetal blood flow using Doppler ultrasound have been conducted in multiple species recently and it is invisaged that it would be a reliable diagnostic tool in future in monitoring pregnancy. The present study was designed to compare Doppler parameters systolic peak velocity (SPV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI) and resistivity index (RI) of the uteroplacental (UPA) and umbilical arteries (UA) measured during 40 to 50 and 51 to 60 days in normal gestation and threatened abortion in canines.ResultsIn total 40 pregnant bitches with known history of breeding; irrespective of age and parity belonging to different breeds were classified into normal gestation (NG) and threatened abortion (TA). Bitches with the history of greenish black discharge or expulsion of one foetus were included in the abortion group and bitches with no such symptoms were included in the normal gestation group. End diastolic velocity of uteroplacental vessels decreased while PI and RI increased significantly with decrease in body weight in threatened abortion cases during 40 to 50 and 51 to 60 days of gestation in canines. Systolic peak velocity and EDV of umbilical arteries increased while PI decreased significantly with decrease in body weight during 40 to 50 days of gestation in canine threatened abortions.ConclusionsDoppler evaluation of uteroplacental and umbilical arteries is recommended as a diagnostic tool to monitor high risk pregnancy during 40 to 50 and 51 to 60 days of gestation in canines.

Paracostal Eventration of a Pregnant Uterus in a Bitch

Background: Traumatic abdominal hernias result from trauma which causes muscular and fascia rupture, with dislocation of viscera into the subcutaneous space without perforation of the skin. Paracostal eventration, occurs due to avulsion of the abdominal external oblique and abdominal transverse muscles from their insertion point at the ribs, resulting in dislocation of the abdominal viscera into the subcutaneous region, lateral to the abdominal wall; however, there are few reports in the literature describing this type of lesion in dogs, especially when the herniated content is a gravid uterus. The purpose of this paper is to report a case of traumatic paracostal hernia of a pregnant uterus in a dog.Case: A 2-year-old pregnant bitch weighing 8.9 kg was presented with a sudden increase in abdominal volume lateral to the left thoracic wall which, according to the owner, started after the dog was hit by a car. On physical examination, the dog had a greenish vaginal secretion and the increased volume on the left paracostal region mentioned above. Laboratory exams showed normocytic normochromic anemia, slight leukocytosis without a shift, and a discreet increase in creatinine, urea, and alanine aminotransferase. Abdominal radiographs showed a lack of continuity of the left abdominal muscle wall, with passage of the uterine horn into the subcutaneous space lateral to the rib cage. After stabilization of the patient with fluid therapy and analgesia, the bitch was anesthetized with propofol intravenously, and maintained with isoflurane diluted in oxygen. Cephazolin was administered intravenously 30 min prior to the surgery as prophylactic antibiotic therapy. An exploratory celiotomy was then performed, where a defect in the internal and external oblique abdominal muscles and transverse abdominal muscle was observed at their point of origin and insertion at the thirteenth rib. The left uterine artery and vein were also observed to be compromised, with several areas of hemorrhage noted on the left uterine horn. Surgical repair of the muscle defect was performed, anchoring the affected muscles to the rib. Ovariohysterectomy was performed after fetal death was confirmed. Patient recovery was uneventful after the procedure.Discussion: Paracostal eventration is the rarest type of herniation in small animals, and the fact that the uterus was dislocated in this case makes it even more atypical. A complete physical examination with special attention to the abdominal contour is extremely important in patients that have suffered trauma. The most characteristic sign of paracostal eventration is the change in abdominal and thoracic wall contours, as observed in the present report. Exploratory surgery is recommended as quickly as possible and as soon as the patient is stable enough to be anesthetized since this is an acute eventration with a risk of incarceration of the affected organs. In the present case, because it was a pregnant uterus, there was the risk of organ rupture or toxemia due to fetal death, which could bring more complications to the patient; these risks justify a ovariohysterectomy. The transverse abdominal and external and internal oblique abdominal muscles were anchored onto the last rib, as described in the literature. In conclusion, diagnosis of a paracostal eventration was possible from the medical history, physical exam, imaging studies, as well as exploratory celiotomy to evaluate the extent of the muscular defect and visceral damage and also to allow surgical correction. Suture of the abdominal musculature with anchorage to the thirteenth rib was an effective treatment.

Pregnancy-associated immune-mediated polyarthritis in a dog

A two-year and seven-month-old female entire golden retriever was referred for investigation of sudden-onset, suspected immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA). The dog was five weeks into gestation. On presentation, the dog was...

Hypoplasia of ribs associated with cleft palate, cleft lip, and unilateral renal agenesis in a neonate dog of undefined breed

Congenital defects can cause changes in the normal function or morphology of organs, thus contributing to neonatal mortality. Malformations in dogs occur as a result of genetic factors or by the action of teratogenic agents during pregnancy. Genetic defects can be inherited from one or both parents. These defects are more common in purebred puppies or can even be the result of consanguinity. Teratogenic agents, such as toxins, drugs, infectious diseases, mechanical influences, and irradiation, may affect the litters during gestational development. Hypoplasia of ribs has been described in human newborns. It is a rare and lethal malformation of autosomal recessive inheritance that prevents thoracic expansion and reduces pulmonary compliance, causing respiratory failure. A pregnant bitch of undefined breed was submitted to caesarean section. At birth, a neonate exhibited respiratory distress, and the palpation of the thorax indicated absence of ribs. In addition, the newborn had cleft palate and cleft lip, which led to perform the euthanasia of the animal. Post-mortem examination indicated hypoplasia of ribs and unilateral renal agenesis. As in the canine neonate, hypoplasia of ribs in human newborns is also associated with other malformations, such as cleft lip, cleft palate, and urogenital defects. The present report describes the first case of hypoplasia of ribs associated with other malformations in a canine neonate, the cause being possibly related to a genetic hereditary factor.

Effect of vaginal fold prolapse occurrence in a pregnant bitch on parturition process

Vaginal prolapse is defined as a protrusion of edematous vaginal tissue into the vaginal lumen and often through the vulvar lips of the bitches. Vaginal prolapse is frequently related to the increase in plasma estrogen level during the proestrus, estrus period and at the end of the pregnancy. In the pregnant bitches, however, vaginal prolapse is a rare condition. The objective of this case was to determine the effect vaginal fold prolapse events occurred during the last period of pregnancy on parturition. This article describes a 1-year-old Dogo Argentino bitch, weighing 29kg, presented due to vaginal prolapse which occurred during the last trimester of pregnancy. On clinical examination, the case was diagnosed as vaginal fold prolapse with about diameter of 50mm. Transabdominal ultrasonography was performed to evaluate the bitch's pregnancy status and revealed live fetuses in the uterus. The bitch and fetuses were healthy in performed examinations. And then the vaginal mass was cleaned and placed into normal position. Blood samples were taken for hematological tests. The results of complete blood count were within normal range. Serum estradiol and progesterone levels were 6.93 pg/ml and 23.27 ng/ml, respectively. Parturition was started spontaneously 58 days after mating and a healthy puppy was born. Unborn puppies were detected and C-section was performed. Seven live puppies were removed from the uterus. In conclusion; it was determined that the vaginal fold prolapse event that occurred during the last period of pregnancy was no effect to start of parturition. And also, it was concluded that monitoring of the parturition process would be beneficial for the health of the mother and the puppies.

Neonatal puppy survival after planned caesarean section in the bitch using aglepristone as a primer: A retrospective study on 74 cases.

Since most of dystocia end up in caesarean sections (C-sections), the history of any problem during whelping is a good reason to plan in advance a further C-section. Our aim was to confirm that on a large sample and over an extended period of time, mortality in puppies <2weeks of age was low, born after a planned C-section using aglepristone as a primer. Seventy-four C-sections on 59 different bitches were included. Bitches were monitored during oestrus to estimate the day of ovulation by progesterone assays; 60, 61 or 62days after ovulation, foetal viability was checked by ultrasonography and progesterone plasma level was measured. None of the bitches was at term (progesterone plasma level >2ng/ml). An injection of aglepristone was performed in late afternoon to block the effect of progesterone, mimicking its drop at the end of pregnancy. The C-section was conducted the following morning. Twenty-one breeds were represented most of which were bulldogs (26%, 21/74) and Great Danes (16%, 13/74). Four hundred and thirty-five puppies were born. A total of 43/435 puppies died within the first 2weeks (9.89%). None of the puppies showed any external signs of prematurity. The average number of deaths per litter relative to the date after ovulation was similar (0.5 pups per litter at day 60, 0.7 at day 61, 0.4 at day 62). This study shows that planned C-section after an accurate determination of ovulation and using aglepristone as a primer is a safe procedure for bitches and their offspring. It may be offered to owners if a pregnant bitch is "at risk" of dystocia.

Hypoglycemia Associated with Ketosis in Bitches in the Final Phase of Gestation

Background: Pregnancy toxemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by hypoglycemia and ketonemia, resulted from the inability of the animal to maintain an adequate energetic balance associated with increased corporal fat mobilization to supply energetic requirement, that can place the health and life of the bitch and their fetus at risk. Despite well recognized in sheep as pregnancy toxemia and in women as preeclampsia, hypoglycemia and ketosis is an uncommon condition in bitches. Apparently, five documented cases have been published since 1964. The objective of this work is to discuss clinical cases of hypoglycemia and ketosis.Cases: Two cases of gestational ketosis in bitches on late gestational phase are reported. Case 1. In the first one, a small bitch was presented in labor, with fetus insinuation, prostration, dehydration, pale mucous membranes with laboratorial signs of normochromic and normocytic anemia and anisocytosis, signals of fetal distress in abdominal ultrasonography, hypoglycemia (43 mg/dL) and ketonemia (3.6 mmol/L). Therapeutic course consisted of correction of dehydration and 50% glucose replacement at the dose of 0.5 mg / kg, followed by caesarean section and ovariohysterectomy. Except for the insinuated fetus, all the five remainings were born alive and survived, and the post-surgical recovery occurred without complications. Case 2. The second case involved a small 55-day pregnant bitch, presenting depression, apathy, anorexia, dehydration, abdominal distention compatible with final third of pregnancy without delivery signs. There were signs of fetal distress at ultrasonographic examination, with depression and lack of responses to mechanical stimuli. Laboratory findings include microccytic hypochromic anemia, hypoglycemia (31 mg/dL) and ketonemia detected by urinalysis reagent tape. Three hours after intravenous administration of 50% glucose at the dose of 1.0 mg/kg, the animal was alert and nourished. Upon repeated ultrasonography, fetuses had normal heartbeats, with adequate response to mechanical stimuli. Dietary correction was recommended and after one week the bitch gave birth to six pups, three of them survived and stayed healthy.Discussion: Pregnancy is a physiological state of intense energy consumption, since the demand for glucose is increased for the supply directed to the uterine and fetal development. Pregnancy hypoglycemia in bitches is a rare condition, since progesterone normally acts as a potent insulin antagonist, reducing the transport of glucose into the cell, resulting in hyperglycemia. Suppression of insulin secretion, as a result of hypoglycemia, promotes the mobilization of stored fat and the release of fatty acids and ketones. In extreme cases the result may be hypoglycemia and ketosis. This combination characterizes pregnancy toxemia, an unusual finding in bitches. The main clinical manifestation is depression and anorexia, and the diagnosis is confirmed by the demonstration of ketonuria without glycosuria associated with hypoglycemia. The treatment for hypoglycemic crisis consists of immediate correction of hypoglycemia, by intravenous administration of 50% glucose at a dose of 0.5 to 1 mL / kg, as well as the correction of hydroelectrolytic and dietary disorders. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are critical to preserving maternal and fetal health. This is a metabolic disorder with pathophysiological bases that have not yet been completely clarified.Keywords: gestational ketoacidosis, bitches, preparturient hypoglycaemia.

Angiography of ovarian and uterine vessels of the dog

A thorough knowledge about anastomoses between uterine and ovarian arteries could have great impact in surgical interventions. The present study aimed to use an angiographic procedure to show the vascular relationship between uterus and ovaries, possible anastomoses between uterine arteries during pregnancy, blood supply to gestational sacs, and the vascular pattern in the uterus of a bitch with pyometra. Uteri from 6 dogs (3 non-pregnant, 2 pregnant, and one with a pyometra uterus) were collected after ovariohysterectomy. A suspension of barium sulfate was injected into the middle uterine artery and, dorso-ventral radiographs were taken. In non-pregnant uteri, a contrast medium flowed into the middle uterine artery and, after covering all of its branches, the medium entered the ovarian parenchymal vessels. In addition, in the 35-day pregnant uteri, by injecting the contrast medium into the middle uterine artery of one horn the contralateral middle uterine artery received the media once the arteries of the initial horn were filled. The results showed some anastomoses between arteries of the two horns at this age of the pregnancy. The blood circulation of the gestational sacs in each uterine horn started from the base of the horn and continued to the apex. In conclusion, there are anastomoses between uterine and ovarian arteries in non-pregnant, and between arteries of different uterine horns in pregnant bitch.

Hypoluteoidism in a dog associated with recurrent mammary fibroadenoma stimulated by progestin therapy

BackgroundHypoluteoidism in the bitch is characterized by insufficient production and secretion of progesterone by the corpora lutea. It is a rare pathologic condition and during pregnancy, it leads to embryonic resorption or fetal abortion. Supplementary therapy with progestins is indicated during pregnancy to obtain delivery of vital puppies but unwarranted side effects of such treatment are poorly documented.Case presentationA 4-year-old, nulliparous, female Istrian Shorthaired Hound dog had been mated repeatedly in six heats with different dogs of proven fertility but signs of pregnancy did not develop. Estrous cycles, mating and pregnancies were monitored as hypoluteoidism or genital disease was suspected. During the first monitored estrus, the bitch was mated and on day 18 [day 0, day of estimated peak of luteinizing hormone (LH)], ultrasound examination showed three amniotic vesicles that were however found to be resorbed between day 20 and 23. Progesterone concentrations, measured by ELISA, were >8 ng/mL until day 12 and 1–2.5 ng/mL on days 20, 23 and 26. Primary hypoluteoidism was therefore suspected. In the second monitored estrus, the bitch was mated and during pregnancy, progesterone concentrations were >8 ng/mL until day 17 and 1–2.5 ng/mL on day 19. On days 20 and 22, two out of three embryonic vesicles had been resorbed. The bitch was treated with progesterone in oil from day 19 to day 58. Increase in the size of 2nd left thoracic mammary gland (T2-L) was observed and on day 46, ultrasound evaluation and biopsy were performed revealing a low-cellularity fibroadenoma. Parturition started spontaneously at day 65 but due to dystocia caused by fetal macrosomia, a Caesarean section was performed. During the next (third) monitored estrus, the bitch was bred again and during pregnancy, early decrease in progesterone concentration confirmed the diagnosis of primary hypoluteoidism. The bitch was treated with synthetic progestin (altrenogest) from day 8 to day 57. Five amniotic vesicles were detected by ultrasonography. Recurrence of swelling of T2-L was observed. On day 60, the bitch whelped five pups, two males and three females. As reported later by the owner, the latter did not show any sign of heat over the past 3 years. In one of them, clitoral hypertrophy and a blind ending vagina were diagnosed.ConclusionsThis is the first description of early hypoluteoidism in a pregnant bitch developing a mammary fibroadenoma under progestin treatment.

Canine Fetal Peritonitis

Background: The occurrence of neonatal diseases and neonatal deaths in canines are considered higher in the first days of life of individuals and bacterial diseases are considered the second most common cause. Inflammation of the mesothelial lining of the abdominal cavity is referred peritonitis, which can be classified as primary or secondary and there is no description on the occurrence of canine fetal peritonitis in the veterinary literature. The objective of this study is to describe a case of canine fetus peritonitis, presenting abnormal sonographic findings of the fetus and abnormalities identified after birth that were not yet described in veterinary literature.Case: A female Poodle, six years of age, considered healthy and without clinical complications during the gestational period, was referred for sonographic evaluation at the end of the pregnancy, in order to evaluate of the fetal viability and estimate the gestational period. By ultrasound examination, two canine fetuses were identified and based on its morphogenesis and biparietal diameter, the estimated gestational age was approximately 58 days. On the individual examination of each of the fetus by ultrasound, it was found that one of them had normal sonographic findings and on the second canine fetus it was found an increase of the intra-abdominal echogenicity of tissues, loss of the sonographic definition of the intestinal loops and presence of laminar anechoic areas between the interfaces of organs, consistent with abdominal effusion. Parturition occurred the following day of the ultrasound examination no complications and with the birth of two canine fetuses. About six hours after birth, one of the neonates showed dyspnea, hypothermia, areas of ecchymosis, suffusion in the ventral abdominal region, icteric and pale mucous membrane and the presence of abdominal fluid and came to death about 30 min after. Cytological analysis of the sample revealed exuberant amount of erythrocytes, fibrin and leukocytes. Culture revealed infection by Staphylococccus aureus and Enterococcus sp. Presence of bloody fluid in the abdominal cavity was observed at necropsy, with yellowish parietal surface of the thoracic and abdominal cavities and petechiae on the lungs, heart, stomach surfaces and intestinal mucous membrane. Microscopically, the lungs showed extensive areas of parenchymal consolidation, vascular congestion and intense inflammatory infiltrate in the alveolar wall; the liver was characterized by vascular congestion, areas of degeneration of hepatocytes and presence of calcified foci, necrosis and inflammatory infiltrates. Associating the results and findings of the exams was possible to conclude the diagnostic of fetal peritonitis.Discussion: The visualization of abnormal findings in affected fetus by a gestational ultrasound exam makes this report inedited and relevant for veterinary obstetrics. This demonstrates the importance of ultrasound exam in pregnant bitches for early detection of maternal fetal diseases. Presence of abdominal fluid and increased mesenteric ochogenicity associated with loss of the intestinal loop definition corroborates with the clinical suspicion of peritonitis in fetus. Findings on the anatomopathological examination, cytology and culture allowed conclusion of the cause of death. Bacterial forms in the cytological smear supported the diagnostic suspicion of peritonitis. Gestational ultrasound exam performed in this report was essential for proper conduct of the pregnant bitch and viability of the fetuses, suggesting that the detected fetal abnormalities showed predictive value in the viability of diseased individual. This case report contributes with the description of canine fetal peritonitis.

The use of semi-quantitative tests at Cesarean section delivery for the differentiation of canine fetal fluids from maternal urine on the basis of biochemical characteristics

In dogs, there is no diagnostic test to identify and differentiate fetal fluids from maternal urine in the event that a clear–yellowish vulvar discharge is observed pre-whelping. The objective of this study was to find a test that could easily and accurately identify rupture of the fetal membranes preceding parturition. Maternal urine, and amniotic fluid (AMF) and allantoic fluid (ALF) from only one fetus per bitch, were collected intraoperatively during Cesarean section. Specific gravity (SG) was analyzed with a refractometer, whereas the presence of leukocytes, protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, urobilinogen, nitrite, erythrocyte/hemoglobin (Hb), and the pH were assessed using a urine dipstick (Combur-Test®). Combined calcium and magnesium (Ca/Mg) content were evaluated with the Total Hardness Test. The AmniSure test, which detects rupture of fetal membranes in women on the basis of the presence of human placental alpha microglobulin-1, was also performed on canine AMF, ALF, and urine. Data were analyzed using the Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Pearson's correlation. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR) were calculated for parameters with significant difference between urine and both fetal fluids. Maternal urine had higher SG and lower leukocyte, protein, Hb, and Ca/Mg content than AMF and ALF. Glucose was more often present in AMF (n = 17) and ALF (n = 12) than in urine (n = 1), whereas ketone bodies were rarely detected in ALF compared with urine. Bilirubin content was higher in urine and ALF than in AMF. AMF pH was less variable and higher than the pH of ALF or urine. The AmniSure was negative in all samples tested. Sensitivity and specificity for SG and for the detection of leukocytes, protein, glucose, Hb, Ca/Mg, and glucose without ketones in urine and fetal fluids were between 42% to 100% and 65% to 100%, respectively. Best positive LR was achieved for the detection of glucose without ketones and best negative LR for SG of 1.022 or less. In conclusion, the AmniSure test, which is used in humans with high diagnostic accuracy, cannot identify AMF and ALF in dogs. On the basis of our results in 26 dogs undergoing Cesarean section, the presence or absence of fetal fluids could be best determined by a positive glucose test without ketone bodies or by SG higher than 1.022, respectively. These tests may serve as additional tools to recognize parturition if clear–yellowish vulvar discharge is present in a term pregnant bitch, but their accuracy and practicability in the clinical setting need to be confirmed.