Bovine Non-Infectious Infertility and Toxicants Flashcards
Describe uterine involution
- takes 25-50 days
- lochia is expelled (blood tinged fluid, tissue, and debris)
- blood vessels to caruncles vasoconstrict and slough
- endometrial epithelium repairs
What is metritis?
severe inflammation involving all layers of the uterus
- usually occurs within 10 days after parturition
What are the clinical signs associated with metritis?
- fetid red-brown watery uterine discharge
- reduced milk yield
- dullness, inappetence
- elevated heart rate
- dehydration
How is metritis treated?
- systemic antibiotics: Ceftiofur, Penicillin, Oxytetracycline
- anti-inflammatories
- +/- uterine lavage
What is endometritis?
inflammation of the endometrium extending no deeper than the stratum spongiosum
- occurs at least 21 days after parturition
How is endometritis diagnosed?
- rectal palpation, ultrasound
- examine vaginal contents
- presence of > 50% purulent material in uterine discharge after 21 days (score 3)
- presence of mucopurulent material in vagina after 26 days (score 2)
What are the treatment options for endometritis?
- systemic or intrauterine antibiotics: penicillin, ceftiofur sodium, ceftiofur crystalline free acid, oxytetracycline
- hormone therapy: PGF2a, oxytocin, estrogen
- supportive care
What is pyometra?
collection of purulent exudate within the endometrial cavity
How is pyometra caused?
- metritis, endometritis, lochia, or other contents are present and ovulation occurs, resulting in CL formation
- inhibition of PGF2a release, and CL is maintained
How is pyometra diagnosed?
- history of unobserved estrus
- rectal exam: thin walled, fluid filled uterus
How is pyometra treated?
removal of the CL
What is true anestrus?
insufficient hormonal stimulus resulting in no cycle
Describe the pathophysiology of a freemartin
- twins share chorioallantoic membrane
- male twin develops first, leads to AMH production
- AMG inhibits female duct system
Describe the internal genitalia of a free martun
- vestigial ovaries
- reduced development of paramesonephric ducts
- some development of male ducts
- small genital tract, hypoplastic ovaries, short vagina, absent cervix
What are the characteristics and signs associated with ovarian follicular cysts?
- anestrus is primary sign
- irregular estrus intervals
- may show nymphomania
- may have bull-like appearance
How are ovarian cysts caused/formed?
- no LH surge
- dominant follicle reaches ovulatory size but fails to ovulate
- growth continues until cystic
What is produced by ovarian follicular cysts?
estradiol
inhibin A
How are ovarian follicular cysts treated?
- spontaneous recovery
- manual rupture not recommended
- luteinize/lyse it: GnRH/PGF2a or hCG/PGF2a
- progesterone for 7 days, then lyse
Which plants/toxins are teratogens?
- locoweed
- poison hemlock
- lupines
- tree tobacco
Which plants/toxins cause abortions?
- locoweed
- nitrates
- ponderosa pine
- broomweed
Which plants/toxins cause infertility?
- locoweed
- fescue
- insecticides
What is caused by poison hemlock?
crooked calf syndrome
- multiple congenital contractures
- unable to extend appendages
What is caused by lupines?
- severe limb and spinal deformities
- cleft palate
What is caused by tobacco?
arthrogryposis of the forelimbs and curvature of the spine
What is caused by locoweed?
- neurologic signs
- abortion
- fetal abnormalities
Which plant contains the swainsonine toxin?
locoweed
Which plant contains the isocupressic acid toxin?
ponderosa pine
What is caused by ponderosa pine?
- abortion
- vasoconstriction at caruncles
- hemorrhagic placentitis
What is caused by broomweed?
abortions and retained fetal membranes
What is caused by fescue?
- peripheral vasoconstriction
- “summer slump”: decreased milk production and fertility
What is caused by nitrates?
- fetal hypoxia and death
- late gestation abortions
