pathology of the pregnant animal Flashcards
What is the definition of an embryo? Up to how many days is it considered to be an embryo in the cow and horse?
Once started developing along axis but organogenesis not appreciably begun. 35-45 days in cows and horses
What is the definition of an abortion in a cow?
Before 271 days. Born dead or lives less than 24 hours
Which species are CL dependent throughout pregnancy?
Dog, cows, pigs, goats
Which species are not CL dependent throughout pregnancy?
Sheep, horse, queen
How is parturition initiated
foetal stress foetal ACTH foetal cortisol increased oestrogen mother increased myometrial oxytocin receptors PGF placenta decreased progesterone myometrial contraction relaxin - placental detachment birth
What are the 3 main reasons for early embryonic loss?
Chromosomal abnormalities
Genetic factors
Uterine environment
What percentage can be considered normal for embryonic death in most species?
15-30%
What are the common infectious agents for embryonic death in cows?
Chlamydophila psiticae Plasmas (urea, myco, achole) BVDV IBR Tritrich fetus Blue tongue Campy fetus
What is the most common cause of SMEDI in pigs?
parvo
Mummification is usually caused by what kind of organism?
Virus, genetic, twin mare, placental insufficiency, protozoa, uterine torsion (queen)
NOT bacteria
In mummification there is odour yes/no?
closed cervix yes/no?
no odour
closed cervix
What causes maceration
Bacteria. Commonly venereal infections
Name 2 common venereal bacteria
tritrich fetus
campy fetus venerealis
Is maceration smelly?
yep. fetid
What organisms are involved in foetal emphysema?
Bacteria, usually gas producing e.g. clostridia
Is the cervix open or closed with fetal emphysema?
open
Does emphysema usually cause uterine lesions?
Yep. Often fatal to the dam through toxaemia
bacterial and fungal infections in the mare’s uterus are usually via ____ route
ascending
What percentage need to be aborting before it’s worth investigating in sheep?
1-2%
make sure to send placenta as well
What percentage need to be aborting before it’s worth investigating in cows?
3-5%
What percentage need to be aborting before it’s worth investigating in pigs?
only investigate outbreaks
What 3 things are important to submit for abortion investigation?
fresh fetus(es), placenta, dam serum
How do you usually diagnose bacterial and fungal causes of abortion?
culture of foetal stomach contents (+- lung and liver)
How do you diagnose leptospirosis abortion?
PCR foetal kidney
