Pregnancy Diagnosis Flashcards
Which species cannot be assumed to be pregnant if no return to oestrous?
Bitch – however in other species there might be mis-timing of observations, pathological conditions or short oestrus intervals
What are the two types of pseudopregnancy in the mare?
Type I – days 15-36, MRP occurred, primary CL will persist for normal lifespan (40 days), PGF2α can be administered
Type II – days 36-140, endometrial cup shave formed, secondary CLs will persist for normal lifespan (150 days), PGF2α cannot be administered
What are the main PD detection methods?
Protein/endocrinological change associated with pregnancy in urine/blood, detection of fetus or fetal membranes directly or indirectly, physical changes in the dam which are associated with her accommodation a fetus, maternal changes, secondary to endocrinological changes
What is early conception factor?
Pregnancy glycoprotein produced within 48 hours of conception in cattle and horses, however unacceptable low accuracy for PD
Why is measuring progesterone levels unadvisable?
False positives caused by persistent CLs & false negatives caused by confusing animals
Which MRP can be used in PD?
hCG in humans and eCG in mares from day 36 (not strictly pregnancy recognition factor)
What hormones are pregnancy specific and can therefore be used in PD?
Pregnancy specific oestrogens (higher in mid-pregnancy), relaxin (in bitches), placental lactogens (few commercial tests)
What is being detected by abdominal palpation?
Enlargement of the uterus &/or ballottement of the fetus
What are the secondary changes to pregnancy?
Non-return to oestrus, teat and mammary gland changes, cervical mucus may become very dry and tacky, vaginal wall thickening
What physical changes can be observed during pregnancy?
Increased appetite, weight gain, abdominal enlargement, relaxation of the perineal tissue, auscultation of the fetal heart beats, enlargement of the uterine artery
What is the most common form of PD used in the ewe, sow & bitch?
Transabdominal ultrasound
What is the most common form of PD used in the mare?
Transrectal ultrasound
What is looked for on ultrasound?
Normally an anechoic structure representing the yolk sac
What is rectal palpation used to detect?
Pregnancy specific enlargement of the uterus, fetal membranes & ballottement of the fetus
When can the fetus itself be felt by rectal palpation in the cow?
90 days
