bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ovulation Compensatory Function After Unilateral Ovariectomy in Dogs
Authors: Tsutsui T , Hori T , Takahashi F , Concannon PW 
Published: December 2012

ContentsAs a step towards elucidation of the timing and mechanism of the determination of the number of ovulated ova in dogs, we excised one ovary 2, 5 and 8 days after the beginning of vulval bleeding and examined whether the lost ovulation function, assessed by estimating the number of ovulated oocytes, would be compensated for by the remaining ovary. The number of ovulated ova was maintained by the remaining ovary in the group that underwent unilateral ovariectomy 2 days after the beginning of vulval bleeding. However, in the groups ovariectomized 5 or 8 days after the beginning of vulval bleeding, no compensation for the number of ova that would have been ovulated from the lost ovary was observed; ova were ovulated only from the follicles 3 mm or greater in diameter observed in the remaining ovary at unilateral ovariectomy. Thus, in dogs, the number of ovulated ova is considered to be determined within 5 days after the beginning of vulval bleeding.
Ovulation Day After Onset of Vulval Bleeding in a Beagle Colony
Authors: Hori T , Tsutsui T , Amano Y , Concannon PW 
Published: December 2012

ContentsThis study investigated the duration of the interval between the onset of vulval bleeding at pro‐oestrus and ovulation estimated from the plasma progesterone concentration in a large number of beagle bitches. The influence and association of individual variation, ageing and duration of the oestrous cycle were also investigated. The mean time of ovulation after the onset of vulval bleeding was 11.1 ± 0.2 days, but it widely ranged from 3 to 31 days. This timing was not influenced by age or duration of the oestrous cycle, and within‐individual variation was small. As there has been no previous report in which the ovulation day was investigated by the age, these data may be very valuable.
Intravaginal Artificial Insemination in Bitches Using Frozen/Thawed Semen after Dilution in Powdered Coconut Water (ACP‐106c)
Authors: Uchoa DC , Silva TFP , Mota Filho AC , Silva LDM 
Published: December 2012

ContentsThe aim of this study was to evaluate powdered coconut water extender (ACP‐106c; ACP Serviços Tecnológicos Ltda, ACP Biotecnologia, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil) as a diluent for freezing dog semen and the fertility after vaginal insemination of semen frozen therein. Ten ejaculates were collected from five dogs, evaluated fresh, diluted in ACP‐106c, 10% egg yolk and 6% glycerol, cooled and frozen. In the first phase of the study, straws with frozen semen were thawed and immediately subjected to the same analysis as the fresh semen and, in addition, to Computer‐Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA). In phase 2, 10 bitches that had been subjected to natural breeding during a preceding oestrous cycle were vaginally inseminated with thawed semen that had been re‐diluted in ACP‐106c. After thawing, a mean of 77% sperm motility was obtained through subjective analysis and 77.3% through CASA. Following artificial insemination, a 60% pregnancy rate was observed, resulting in a 50% parturition rate and a mean litter size of 3.4 (SEM 0.6), with 47.1% males and 52.9% females. ACP‐106c can be successfully used for freezing canine semen, and vaginal deposition of such semen yields similar pregnancy rates to those reported in other studies.
Prenatal and Neonatal Adaptations with a Focus on the Respiratory System
Authors: Vannucchi CI , Silva LCG , Lúcio CF , Regazzi FM , Veiga GAL , Angrimani DS 
Published: December 2012

ContentsAmong the modifications that occur during the neonatal period, pulmonary development is the most critical. The neonate's lungs must be able to perform adequate gas exchange, which was previously accomplished by the placenta. Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome is defined as insufficient surfactant production or pulmonary structural immaturity and is specifically relevant to preterm newborns. Prenatal maternal betamethasone treatment of bitches at 55 days of gestation leads to structural changes in the neonatal lung parenchyma and consequently an improvement in the preterm neonatal respiratory condition, but not to an increase in pulmonary surfactant production. Parturition represents an important challenge to neonatal adaptation, as the uterine and abdominal contractions during labour provoke intermittent hypoxia. Immediately after birth, puppies present venous mixed acidosis (low blood pH and high dioxide carbon saturation) and low but satisfactory Apgar scores. Thus, the combination of physiological hypoxia during birth and the initial effort of filling the pulmonary alveoli with oxygen results in anaerobiosis. As a neonatal adaptation follow‐up, the Apgar analysis indicates a tachypnoea response after 1 h of life, which leads to a shift in the blood acid–base status to metabolic acidosis. One hour is sufficient for canine neonates to achieve an ideal Apgar score; however, a haemogasometric imbalance persists. Dystocia promotes a long‐lasting bradycardia effect, slows down Apgar score progression and aggravates metabolic acidosis and stress. The latest data reinforce the need to accurately intervene during canine parturition and offer adequate medical treatment to puppies that underwent a pathological labour.
Molecular Markers of Spermatogonial Stem Cells in the Domestic Cat
Authors: Vansandt LM , Pukazhenthi BS , Keefer CL 
Published: December 2012

ContentsSpermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) represent an exciting new avenue for assisted reproduction in endangered and genetically valuable species. Before this technology can be applied to wildlife, species‐specific markers are required to evaluate SSC enrichment strategies and monitor subsequent in vitro culture. This study was designed to evaluate six conserved SSC markers (THY1, GPR125, GFRalpha1, PLZF, UCHL1 and OCT4) in the cat. Testes from three juveniles and three adults were obtained following routine castrations and processed for mRNA extraction. RT‐PCR of whole testis and cell suspensions enriched for SSCs by differential plating confirmed that all six SSC markers are expressed in both the whole testis and SSC‐enriched cell fractions. The expression of all six putative SSC marker genes in the cat testis suggests conservation of SSC markers, and perhaps self‐renewal mechanisms, in felids.
Clinical Evaluation of Deslorelin to Induce Oestrus, Ovulation and Pregnancy in the Bitch
Authors: von Heimendahl A , Miller C 
Published: December 2012

ContentsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the practical use of Deslorelin in a clinical setting to induce oestrus and ovulation and to assess pregnancy rates. Sixteen anoestrus bitches that were brought into the clinic were implanted subcutaneously in the ventral abdomen with Deslorelin. Implants were removed after ovulation was assumed to have occurred. All bitches came into oestrus and 13 ovulated. 11 of 16 bitches became pregnant (68.8%) and all continued to term. Average litter size was 7.6 puppies. On average, the implant was in place for 13.8 days.
Preservation of Primordial Follicles from Lions by Slow Freezing and Xenotransplantation of Ovarian Cortex into an Immunodeficient Mouse
Authors: Wiedemann C , Hribal R , Ringleb J , Bertelsen MF , Rasmusen K , Andersen CY , Kristensen SG , Jewgenow K 
Published: December 2012

ContentsAssisted reproductive technology (ART) is considered an important tool in the conservation of endangered species, but often the most limiting factor of ART is the availability of mature oocytes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility of preserving female germ cells from ovaries of female lions (Panthera leo). Good quality cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were isolated and subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM). In addition, ovarian cortex was obtained and cut into pieces for culture and cryopreservation by slow freezing. The survival of ovarian follicles was assessed by histology. Frozen–thawed samples of ovarian cortex samples were xenotransplanted under the skin of ovariectomized immunodeficient mouse for 28 days. Overall, 178 intact COCs were obtained from 13 lions, but only 28.1% were matured in vitro indicating insufficient IVM conditions. In contrast, almost all follicles within the ovarian cortex survived culture when the original sample was from a young healthy lion collected immediately after euthanasia. Within the xenotransplants, the number of primordial follicles decreased after 28 days by 20%, but the relation between primordial and growing follicles changed in favour of follicular growth. Female gamete rescue from valuable felids may be performed by slow freeze cryopreservation of ovarian cortex. Although the IVM protocol for lions is not yet optimized, mature oocytes may be obtained after long‐term xenotransplantation and IVM and could potentially represent one way of salvage of endangered felid species in the future.
Litter Size Response to Oestrous Induction with Deslorelin (Ovuplant®) in Dogs
Authors: Wolf T , Meyer H , Kutzler M 
Published: December 2012

ContentsFour German Shorthair Pointer bitches each produced from two to five (total of 14) purebred litters in response to natural matings to either natural oestrus (n = 8) or oestrus induced by Ovuplant®, a sustained‐release implant containing 2.1 mg deslorelin (n = 6). All bitches initially produced litters from natural oestrous matings prior to producing litters from induced oestrus, and two of the bitches also produced natural litters subsequent to their Ovuplant® litters. Mean litter size was lower for Ovuplant® litters (5.4 vs 8.6 puppies; p < 0.001) and within each bitch every induced litter was smaller than any of her natural litters.
Testicular Steroids, Prolactin, Relaxin and Prostate Gland Markers in Peripheral Blood and Seminal Plasma of Normal Dogs and Dogs with Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Wolf K , Kayacelebi H , Urhausen C , Piechotta M , Mischke R , Kramer S , Einspanier A , Oei CHY , Günzel‐Apel A 
Published: December 2012

ContentsConcentrations of 17β‐oestradiol (E2), testosterone (T), 5α‐dihydrotestosterone, prolactin (PRL) and relaxin (RLN) were determined in peripheral blood serum or plasma and prostatic secretion of 77 physically healthy intact male dogs (19 Rhodesian Ridgebacks/RR, 58 dogs of other breeds, 1–9 years of age). Furthermore, the concentrations of acid phosphatase in prostatic secretion and canine prostate‐specific esterase (CPSE) were measured in blood plasma. All dogs were submitted to a complete breeding soundness examination, including B‐mode sonography. Prostatic volume was larger, and blood plasma levels of CPSE were higher in ageing dogs and in dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) compared with young dogs and dogs with normal prostate. Furthermore, a higher E2/T ratio was found in dogs with BPH. Despite missing significant differences in PRL concentrations, the slight increases in PRL concentrations in the prostatic secretion observed both with increasing age and in dogs with BPH and the observed correlations between concentrations of PRL and testicular steroids may possibly indicate a role of PRL in the pathogenesis of canine BPH. Serum RLN concentrations were at similar level in all dogs. Regarding breed differences, an appreciably larger prostatic volume and higher concentration of CPSE were verified in RR than in other pure‐bred dogs, confirming our suspicion of a premature enlargement of the prostate gland, which may result from a genetic disposition for BPH in this breed.
Validation of a Model to Develop a Symptom Index for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Dogs
Authors: Zambelli D , Cunto M , Gentilini F 
Published: December 2012

ContentsBenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a spontaneous and age‐related condition in humans and intact male dogs. A symptom index forBPHin men was created by theAmericanUrologicalAssociation. In this study, it has been developed and statistically validated as a model to assign an objective score to canineBPHseverity based on clinical signs observed and/or subjectively reported to the veterinarian by dog owners. The medical records of theAnimalReproductionUnit ofUniversity ofBologna (Italy) were used to select dogs with a clinical diagnosis ofBPH. A data set was built up, and the animals were included in the statistical analysis as dependent variables. A score of 1–3 was assigned to the disease severity of each case based on signs annotated, graded using a scale ranging from 1 to 4. Signs ofBHPwere entered as predictors while disease severity as dependent variable to generate the predictive model. The model was finally used to re‐classify each case of the data set, and the percentage of corrected predictions calculated. Overall, 373 subjects were entered in the model. Between them, 243, 107 and 23 animals have been represented based on medical records with aBPHseverity score of 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The model correctly predicted the response variable in 97.3% of the cases. In this study, aBPHsymptom index was created for the first time in dogs, which may be useful to standardizeBPHseverity with an objective score and to evaluate the necessity, the kind and the effectiveness of treatment.
Monophasic Teratoma of the Ovarian Remnant in a Bitch
Authors: Rota A , Tursi M , Zabarino S , Appino S 
Published: December 2012

ContentsAn exploratory laparotomy on a mixed‐breed bitch of an estimated age of 5 years revealed that she had undergone ovariectomy in the past, but a cystic structure was present in the area of the right ovary and a whitish mass, approximately 3 cm in diameter, in the area of the left ovary. These structures were removed together with an apparently normal uterus. Histological examination of the cyst showed a thin layer of connective tissue, while the left ovarian mass revealed ovarian tissue and highly differentiated nervous tissue, confirmed through immunohistochemistry. A presumptive diagnosis of mature ovarian teratoma was made. Although teratomas generally contain recognizable elements from more than one of the three germ cell layers, they can also be monophasic, when there is only one germ layer component. Ovarian teratomas are rare in the dog and never before have been reported in an ovarian fragment.
Canine Herpesvirus During Pregnancy and Non‐Pregnant Luteal Phase
Authors: Ström Holst B , Hagberg Gustavsson M , Grapperon‐Mathis M , Lilliehöök I , Johannisson A , Isaksson M , Lindhe A , Axnér E 
Published: December 2012

ContentsCanine herpesvirus (CHV) is a widespread infection among dogs that typically get latently infected after exposure and can reactivate the infection after stress. The aim of the present study was to study the effects of latentCHVinfection during pregnancy on pregnancy outcome, and to study if there are signs of genital viral reactivation during pregnancy or during non‐pregnant luteal phase. Twelve mated bitches and eight control bitches were followed and sampled regularly during pregnancy or non‐pregnant luteal phase. Blood samples were taken for antibody analysis and vaginal swabs for real‐timePCRanalysis. Three of the pregnant bitches were vaccinated againstCHVduring pregnancy. All bitches had antibodies toCHV. Two pregnant bitches that were not vaccinated had a twofold or larger increase inCHVtitre, with no negative effects detected on pregnancy. Higher titres were not associated with smaller litters or with vaccination. There was no consistent variation in antibody titres due to pregnancy or non‐pregnant luteal phase. Vaginal excretion ofCHVwas not detected from any of the bitches.
Application of Vaginal Temperature Measurement in Bitches
Authors: Maeder B , Arlt S , Burfeind O , Heuwieser W 
Published: December 2012

ContentsFinding innovative, non‐invasive methods for continuously measuring body temperature minimizing human interference is important for accurate data collection. The objective of this study was to assess feasibility and accuracy of continuous body temperature measurements with loggers placed in the vaginal cavity of bitches. First, an in vitro experiment was performed to compare values obtained by temperature loggers (n = 26) to a calibrated liquid‐in‐glass thermometer. The mean differences between the two methods were low. Next, an in vivo experiment was performed using five healthy bitches, and values obtained by the vaginal loggers were compared to measurements collected rectally with digital thermometers. The results show that rectal and vaginal temperatures were correlated. The mean differences between rectal and vaginal temperatures were negligible. We conclude that the utilized temperature loggers provide accurate and reliable data.
Effect of Simulated Stages of the Canine Oestrous Cycle on Escherichia coli Binding to Canine Endometrium
Authors: Krekeler N , Lodge KM , Anderson GA , Browning GF , Charles JA , Wright PJ 
Published: December 2012

ContentsPyometra, a prevalent infectious uterine disease that affects intact middle‐aged bitches, is typically associated with Escherichia coli. Our hypotheses were (i) that bacterial adhesion to canine endometrium differs between different stages of the oestrous cycle and (ii) that the adhesin FimH facilitates this adhesion. Twelve post‐pubertal, ovariectomized greyhound bitches were treated with exogenous hormones to simulate different stages of the oestrous cycle. Tissue samples from each uterus were incubated with a pathogenic E. coli strain carrying the fimH gene, but no other adhesin genes (P4‐wt)–or an E. coli strain in which fimH was insertionally inactivated (P4‐∆fimH::kan)–or with phosphate‐buffered saline as a negative control. After washing, tissue samples were homogenized for quantification of adherent bacteria. The differences in binding to canine endometrium at different stages of the oestrous cycle were not significant. However, the mean difference in binding of the P4‐wt and the P4‐∆fimH::kan across all stages of the simulated oestrous cycle was significant (p < 0.001 by paired t‐test on geometric means). Individual differences in numbers of P4‐wt bacteria bound between dogs might suggest genetic variations or epigenetic differences in FimH receptor expression by the endometrium, unrelated to the stage of the oestrous cycle.
Food Intake and Nutrition During Pregnancy, Lactation and Weaning in the Dam and Offspring
Authors: Fontaine Emmanuel 
Published: December 2012

ContentsIn mammalian species, the connection between reproduction and nutrition is undeniable and illustrated by numerous publications: its role concerning regulation of hormonal secretions, fertility, pregnancy outcome, lactation and neonatal development indeed retains the attention of the scientific community. The interest on the influence of nutrition in dog and cat reproductive physiology is growing. Awareness on the key aspects of feeding during critical periods like pregnancy, lactation and weaning is essential to optimize the reproductive performances in these species.
Breed Variations in the Incidence of Pyometra and Mammary Tumours in Swedish Dogs
Authors: Jitpean S , Hagman R , Ström Holst B , Höglund OV , Pettersson A , Egenvall A 
Published: December 2012

ContentsDogs enrolled in a Swedish insurance company (during 1995–2006) were studied for development of pyometra and mammary tumours (MTs), with special attention to breed and age. There were over 260 000 female dogs with over 1 000 000 dog‐years at risk (DYAR) in the database, using data on bitches up to 10 years of age and 110 breeds with over 1000 DYAR. In total, 20 423 bitches were diagnosed with pyometra and 11 758 with MTs and 30 131 with either or both of the two diseases. The incidence rate (IR) for pyometra was 199 (95% CI 196–202), for MTs 112 (95% CI 110–114) and for either or both of the two diseases 297 (95% CI 294–301) dogs per 10 000 DYAR. The mean age of diagnosis pyometra was 7.0 years (SD ± 2.2), MTs 8.0 years (SD ± 1.6). In all breeds, the overall proportion of the bitches that developed disease by 10 years of age was for pyometra 19%, MTs 13%, and either or both of two diseases 30%. The top 10 breeds diagnosed with either or both of the two diseases were the Leonberger (73%), Irish Wolfhound (69%), Bernese Mountain Dog (69%), Great Dane (68%), Staffordshire Bull Terrier (66%), Rottweiler (65%), Bullterrier (62%), Doberman (62%), Bouvier des Flandres (60%), Airdaleterrier (60%). These data provide information of the combined disease incidence in a large number of different breeds. Breed variations in incidence rate suggests genetic components in disease development. Our study may be valuable in the search for genetic risk‐factors or protective factors.
The Localization of Toll‐like Receptor 2 (TLR2) in the Endometrium and the Cervix of Dogs at Different Stages of the Oestrous Cycle and with Pyometra
Authors: Chotimanukul S , Sirivaidyapong S 
Published: December 2012

ContentThe aim of this study was to localize and evaluate the role of Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) in the endometrium and cervix of bitches at different stages of the oestrous cycle and in bitches with pyometra. Sixty‐seven nulliparous dogs, ranging in age from 1 to 13 years, were allocated amongst five groups (pro‐oestrus; n = 7, oestrus; n = 10, dioestrus; n = 16, anoestrus; n = 11, pyometra; n = 23). Blood samples were collected for the measurement of progesterone concentration. The mean progesterone concentration was analysed as a parameter for validating the stage of the oestrous cycle in bitches. Tissues collected from uterine horn and cervix were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for immunohistochemical examination of TLR2. The expression of TLR2 was assessed semi‐quantitatively. No pathological changes were found in the uterine samples of healthy dogs. In bitches with pyometra, the glandular epithelium expressed TLR2 more intensely than the surface epithelium. The expression of TLR2 in the glandular epithelium was also significantly higher in healthy dogs at oestrus, dioestrus and dogs with pyometra compared with anoestrous dogs (p < 0.01). The expression of TLR2 in the stroma was not observed in the group of healthy dogs at all stages. The surface epithelium of cervix in dogs with pyometra expressed TLR2 significantly more intensely than did the stoma, whereas the expression of TLR2 during oestrus and dioestrus was absent in the stroma of cervix. This study provides the first report of immunohistochemical localization of TLR2 in the canine reproductive tract. In the present study, TLR2 was expressed in endometrial epithelium but was absent in the endometrial stroma of healthy dogs at all oestrous cycle stages. These findings suggest differential expression of TLR in endometrial cells. On the other hand, the lack of TLR2 in the stroma of healthy uteri of dogs may predispose to infection from the invading pathogens once the epithelial cells have been destroyed by the pathogens, especially Gram‐positive bacteria.
Successful Management of Metastatic Transmissible Venereal Tumour to Skin of Mammary Region
Authors: Varughese EE , Singla VK , Ratnakaran U , Gandotra VK 
Published: December 2012

ContentsA Dalmatian female presented with a history of vaginal bleeding and was diagnosed as having transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) after cytological examination of the vaginal growth revealed typical TVT cells. A cytology of the aspirate from multiple nodules in the skin near the abdominal and inguinal pair of mammary glands revealed similar cells suggestive of metastasis to skin of mammary region. Chemotherapy was initiated with weekly injections of vincristine sulphate (0.025 mg/kg BW, IV, SID) and haematological examination was performed pre‐ and post‐treatment to assess the prognosis of the patient and side effects of the drug. The major side effects observed during the course of the treatment were high body temperature, mild neutropaenia and significant decrease in packed cell volume, haemoglobin, total leucocyte and erythrocyte count. Four weekly injections of vincristine were administered, and 4 weeks from initiation of treatment, the tumour and nodules were gone, suggesting complete recovery.