Normal and abnormal discharges - female

Question 1

In females, what can abnormal discharge be a result of?

Answer 1

o Infection of urinary tract and/or vagina
o Trauma to vagina or uterus
o Cancer of the pelvic region
o Physical defect

Question 2

Explain the oestrus cycle of the dog, cow and mare and how they differ.

Answer 2

Question 3

In the bitch, what discharge, visible features and microscopic features would you expect to see in proestrus?

Answer 3

• Serosanguinous vulval discharge (uterine source)
• Marked vaginal epithelial proliferation (layer thickens and keratinisation occurs)
• Vulval swelling (occurs to varying degree in other species)

Question 4

In the bitch, what would you expect to see in the vagina and vulva in the oestrus stage?

Answer 4

• Vagina - desquamation of keratinised epithelial cells
• Vulva - straw-coloured discharge

Question 5

In the mare, what would you expect to see in oestrus? (think about the type of discharge and visible signs)

Answer 5

• Vulva - mucoid discharge (variable), exposure of clitoris ‘winking’ (variable)

Question 6

In the cow, what discharge would you expect to see in oestrus?

Answer 6

Vulva - stringy mucoid discharge

Question 7

What general changes to the genetial tract (specifically the uterus and cervix) do you expect to see in metoestrus and dioestus?

Answer 7

• Muscle tone increases and tract becomes firmer
• Uterus - Endometrial glands coil and secretion maximal, Tissue hyperaemia and congestion, Spontaneous myometrial activity suppressed
• Cervix - Mucous production decreases and canal sealed with mucoid plug

Question 8

What are the stages of the birthing process and what is involved in each stage?

Answer 8

• Stage 1: Preparation of the birth canal and foetus for expulsion (softening and dilation, myometrial contractions, relaxation of vilva and sacroiliac ligaments, udder development), vulval dischage and loss of mucous plug. In the mare, will see behavioural and physiological changes 24-48 horus before foaling
• Stage 2: Expulsion of foetus for monotocous OR foetuses and membranes expelled together for polytocous. Structures appear at vulval cleft (amniotic sac or chorioallantois, foetal limbs or foetal head)
• Stage 3: Expulsion of foetal membranes (generally consumed, except in the mare)

Question 9

What is decidua?

Answer 9

• Relates to the maternal component of the placenta that is lost

Question 10

What is lochia? What does it play a role in?

Answer 10

• Material inluding mucous, foetal fluids, blood and tissue debris (foetal membrane remnants and endometrial components) discharged from the vulva.
• Lochial discharge plays a role in bacterial flushing and is aided by myometrial contraction

Question 11

How long is it normal to see lochial discharge in the cow, mare and bitch?

Answer 11

• Cow: 14-18 days (blood and tissue between 5-10 days)
• Mare: approx 3 days (slight in quantity)
• Bitch: green for 12-48 horus then blood tinged and mucoid for approx 21 days.

Question 12

Why is lochial discharge green inititally in the bitch?

Answer 12

Heme from maternal blood on the endometrium is immediately broken down by hemoxidase into biliverdin which is bright green.

Question 13

In neonate calves, what is the eponychium?

Answer 13

The yellowish protective layer on the hooves -> dries and sloughs once born

Question 14

In neonate calves, what is the meconium?

Answer 14

The first faeces of the newborn - consists of epithelial debris, hair that had been ingested, glandular secretions and bile.

Question 15

What is the birthing process of the sow?

Answer 15

• Adjacent chorionic sacs entwined with membranes often expelled as 2-3 masses

Question 16

What is the whelping process in the bitch?

Answer 16

• Puppy may be born in amnion or bitch bites the membrane during stage 2 of delivery
• Green colour is normal after pups have been delivered as this signifies placental separation
• The bitch will often eat the placenta
• Retained placenta is rare
• Umbilical cord  cord ruptures and the cord remnant is shed

Question 17

In the bitch, how long does it take for the endometrium to be restored following birth? Name the three complications that can occur during this process?

Answer 17

• 3-4.5 months PP

When things go wrong
- cystic endometrial hpyerplasia pyometra complex: most common endometrial disorder in bitches.
- Metritis: PP infection of uterus. Predisposing causes include prolonged delivery, dystocia and retained foetuses or placentas. You will see purulent vilvar discharge and the animal will be systematically unwell. Treat with antibiotics, fluids +/- uterine drainage
- Retained foetal membranes

Question 18

In cows, explain what we may expect to see with retained foetal membranes?

Answer 18

• Failure to expel foetal membranes within 24 hr (normally occurs within 3–8 hr).
• More likely with abortion, dystocia, twin birth, stillbirth, hypocalcemia, older age, premature birth or induction, placentitis and some nutritional deficiencies
• Increases risk of metritis, displaced abomasum and mastitis but cows often well
• Degenerating, discoloured, smelly membranes are seen hanging from vulva
• Occasionally they are in the uterus - foul-smelling discharge

Question 19

In mares, explain what we may expect to see with retained foetal membranes?

Answer 19

• Foetal membranes are normally expelled within 3 hr (up to 12)
• Higher risk with infection, abortion, short or prolonged gestation, poor uterine tone and dystocia
• Retention of only a portion of the foetal membranes within the uterus can occur, so expelled membranes should be examined to check they are complete
• Can lead to metritis, peritonitis or laminitis
• Oxytocin is often given if not expelled within 3–4 hr