Clinical relevance Flashcards
What parts of the male reproductive anatomy can be assessed using ultrasound?
- Testes (incl. epididymis)
- Prostate
What trasnducer should be used for ultrasonography of the male reproductive tract?
8MHz curvilinear array/microconvex
Describe the method for ultrasonography of the scrotum, testes and epididymis
- Sagitaal, transverse, frontal planes
- Apply lube to caudal asspect of scrotum
- Apply transducer to scrotal skin
- Image in all views
- can identify mediastinum testis, mostly in saggital plane
- Identify epididymis
Describe ultrasonography of the prostate in large animals
- Transrectal
- Can see all accessory glands
Where is the prostate located in the dog?
At neck of bladder encircling urethra
Describe ultrasonography of the prostate in dogs
- Topographical landmark is pubis
- Dog in RLR, transducer sagitall plane
- Parallel to prepuce just cranial to pubis
- Identify bladder
- Move transducer caudally to bladder neck, then continue until find prostate
- Fan transducer to identify whole structure
- return to centre of prostate, turn to get transverse plane image
Describe the appearance of the testicular parenchyma on ultrasonography
- Hypoechoic
- Regular diffuse echogenic stippling throughout organ
Describe the appearance of the mediastinum testis on ultrasonography
- Centrally within testis in dog
- In sagittal is echogenic line approx 2mm wide, from cranial to caudal pole
- In transverse appears echogenic circular structure
- Often see acoustic shadow distal to mediastinum
Describe the appearance of the testucular and vaginal tunic, cremaster and scrotal skin on ultrasonography
- Often summed together
- Well defined hyperechoic line surrounding the testicle
- Scrotal surface distal to transducer more readily imaged than that near to transducer
Describe the appearance of the epididymis on ultrasonography
- Hypoechoic compared to testicular parenchyma
- Close to testicular tunic
- Cannot apply line of separation
Describe the ultrasonographic appearance of the prostatic parenchyma
- Moderately echogenic
- Diffuse coarse stippling
- Well circumscribed
- Symmetrical bi-lobed outline, midline furrow dorsal to the prostatic urethra
- Urethra and capsule difficult to identify, vas deferens not possible to visualise
- Small and hypoechoic in castrated male
What is the main reason for veneral swabbing in stallions?
- Swabbing for contagious equine metritis (Taylorella equigenitalis)
- Also Kelbsiella
Describe the method for veneral swabbing in stallions
- Stallion erect, urethra lubricated
- First swab urethra, then urethral space, then shaft
- Different swab for each location
- Medium sized tip, charcoal transport medium
Why might a reproductive exam be performed in the cow?
- Abnormalitites before, during or after calving
- Non-bulling cows
- Failure to conceive
Outline the features of a reproductive clinical history in the cow
- Calving date
- Abnormalities observed around parturition
- Abnormalities in pre/post calving period
- Observed oestrus
- Service dates and history
- Previous repro treatment
- General health and milk production
- Milk progesterone profile (not routine)
What is the actioin of GnRH?
Stimulates FSH adn LH release
What are the potential pharmacological effects of GnRH administration in the follicular phase?
- Superovulation
- Treatment of follicular cysts
- Increases pregnancy rates
- Improved concption rates if at time of service
- Stimulates ovulation if dominant follicle present
What are the potential pharmocological effects of GnRH in the luteal phase?
- Induction of parturition, increased regression of CL
- Gonadal suppression if too much administered(negative feedback to reduce GnRH secretion)
- Speed up development of follicles, or formation of accessory follicles
What is the action of FSH in the female?
- Stimulation of E2 production
- Recruitment of small antral follicle
What are the potential pharmacological effects of FSH in the follicular phase?
Superovulation due to stimulation of multiple follicle growth
What are the potential pharmacological effects of FSH in the luteal phase?
- Stimulate new follicle wave
- Little effect
- May aid dominant follicle develop further
What is the action of LH in the female?
- Stimulates dominance and growth of large antral follicles
- Stimulates E2 and ovulation
- Luteal P4 production
What are the potential pharmacological effects of LH in the follicular phase?
- Stimulate ovulaton
- Improves conception
- Treatment of cystic ovaries
What are the potential pharmacological effects of LH in the luteal phase?
Maintain CL (2-3 days) if given 12 days after heat (useful to synchronise herd)
