Female Reproductive Pathology

Question 1

Cystic Ovaries

Answer 1

Cow and sow most commonly
Dairy cows (high producing) in early postpartum period are at highest risk
A persistent (>10d) follicle >25mm in diameter is considered to be an anovulatory (cystic) follicle

Question 2

Causes: Cystic Ovaries

Answer 2

Inadequate or mistimed LH surge
Insufficient estrogen production by follicle

Question 3

Consequences: Cystic Ovaries

Answer 3

Mature follicle fails to ovulate (follicular cyst)
Partial luteinization may occur (luteal cyst)
Increased days open (decreased fertility)

Question 4

Clinical Signs: Cystic Ovaries

Answer 4

Behavioral changes (persistent estrus, masculinization, anestrus behavior)
Elevated tail-head
Cystic endometrial hyperplasia
Mucometra
Vulva enlargement

Question 5

Treatment: Follicular Cyst

Answer 5

1: luteinization of cyst with GnRH or hCG
2: luteolysis with prostaglandins

Question 6

Treatment: Luteal Cyst

Answer 6

1: luteolysis with prostaglandins

Question 7

Cystic Ovaries: Horses

Answer 7

Anovulatory follicles
Follicular or luteal

Question 8

Primary Luteal Insufficiency

Answer 8

Lack of development of CL, low progesterone production

Question 9

Premature Luteolysis

Answer 9

Inflammation of the endometrium (endometritis) can result in PGF release and premature luteolysis
= short cycling
Luteal phase is shortened, not follicular phase

Question 10

Persistence of Luteal Function - ‘Pseudopregnancy’

Answer 10

Goats: anestrus, hydrometra, ‘cloud burst’, lactation
Horses: anestrus for 2 to 3m
Dogs: abdominal enlargement, contraction, lactation, mothering behavior

Question 11

Persistence of Luteal Function in Large Animals: Causes, Dx, Tx

Answer 11

Inadequate PGF release
Embryonic loss after maternal recognition of pregnancy
Severe uterine pathology
Dx: progesterone measurement
Tx: prostaglandins

Question 12

Alterations in Luteal Function due to Infection: Large Animals

Answer 12

Shortened luteal phase = acute infection - caused by prostaglandin release from the endometrium associated with acute inflammation
Prolonged luteal phase = chronic infection - caused by failure of adequate prostaglandin release from the endometrium due to loss of endometrial function associated with chronic infection

Question 13

Granulosa Cell Tumor

Answer 13

Hormonally active = AMH, inhibin, testosterone
Behavioral changes = stallion-like, persistent estrus, anestrus

Question 14

CEH: Dogs

Answer 14

Leads to hyperplastic, polycystic endometrium and is an antecedent to pyometra

Question 15

CEH: Cows, Ewes

Answer 15

Following estrogen exposure via plants containing phytoestrogens

Question 16

CEH: Swine

Answer 16

After ingesting feed contaminated with estrogenic mycotoxin (zearalenone)

Question 17

Endometritis

Answer 17

Acute or chronic inflammation of the endometrium

Question 18

Metritis

Answer 18

Full thickness inflammation of the uterine wall

Question 19

Pyometra

Answer 19

Suppurative (purulent) endometritis

Question 20

Open v Closed Pyometra

Answer 20

Open: cervix is open and a vaginal discharge is present
Closed: cervix is closed, no vaginal discharge, all fluid retained in uterus

Question 21

Predisposing Factors: Pyometra

Answer 21

Poor perineal conformation
Progesterone exposure (suppression of uterine immune system)
Mating (introduction of behavior)
Parturition (dystocia, retained placenta)
Trauma to reproductive tract

Question 22

Acute v Chronic Uterine Infections in Cows

Answer 22

Acute: result in short cycling
Chronic: result in pyometra and a prolonged luteal phase
Cow is not systemically ill with uterine infections

Question 23

Acute v Chronic Uterine Infections in Mares

Answer 23

Acute: result in short cycling
Chronic: result in pyometra and a prolonged luteal phase
Mare is not systemically ill with uterine infections

Question 24

Uterine Infections in the Bitch and Queen

Answer 24

All uterine infections are referred to as pyometra
Sequellae to CEH following bacterial infection
Occurs most commonly in diestrus (i.e. 4 to 8 weeks after estrus)
Affected animals are systemically ill