Logical Approach to Clinical Disease of the Reproductive Tract in Small Animals Flashcards
Common female problems owners consult the vet about
Neutering Stopping a season Suspected pregnancy Misalliance (inadvertant mating) Calling False pregnancy Lactation Dystocia Mating time Fertility problems Vulval discharge Vulval mass Vulval swelling Abdominal distension Systemic illness
Common male problems owners consult the vet about
Neutering Behavioural modification Testicles missing Testicles of different sizes Difficulty defecating (dyschezia) Systemic illness Preputial discharge Penis sticking out Penile mass Penile/testicular injury
What do you need to question when presented with a reproductive issue?
If it a manifestation of normal reproductive physiology or clinical disease
What history would you want to take when investigation a suspected reproductive problem?
Reason for consultation Age, breed, sex Neutered/entire Females \+ Last season (when, normal/abnormal, mating?) \+ Breeding history Current/planned use of animal Previous illnesses/surgeries Additional general info
Outline the female reproductive tract examination…
General physical exam Vulva Mammary glands Vaginal examination (?) Rectal examination (?) Response to behavioural stimuli eg. pressure on rump
Outline the male reproductive tract examination
General physical exam Scrotum and testes Prepuce and penis Mammary glands (?) Rectal examination
What are you looking for in a mammary gland examination?
Enlargement Lactation Masses Pain Discharge
What are you looking for on scrotal examination?
Checking skin
Presence of two testicles
Testicular size, shape, consistency
Any pain
What are you looking for on vulva/prepuce examination?
Check size, shape, position Look for skin abnormalities Check for discharge Check mm Extrude penis and examine
What are you looking for in a rectal and vaginal exam of the small animal?
Anal sacs Urethra Prostate Vagina LNs Pelvic diameter
What needs to be considered when investigating a repro problem of a female dog?
Signs of oestrus: Vulval enlargement Standing when pressure applied to tail/rump Haemorrhagic/straw coloured discharge Characteristic smell
What further diagnostic tests could be useful in a repro investigation of small animals?
Blood work
+ CBC/biochem
+ Hormone assays
DI
+ Radiography and contrast
+ US
+ CT/MRI
Endoscopy
Urinalysis
Pathology
+ Aspirate
+ Cytology
+ Biopsy
Why is urinalysis important in reproductive disease?
Reproductive and urinary tract intimately associated so infection in one is closely related to infection in the other.
What hormone assays can be done in the small animal in term of repro disease?
Testosterone
Oestrogen
Progesterone
Relaxin
What are the uses of vaginal cytology in repro disease?
Assessing stage of reproductive cycle
