Physiology of Postpartum (Puerperium)

Question 1

Puerperium is another term for ____________

Answer 1

Postpartum

Question 2

What are the two main goals during postpartum?

Answer 2

• Uterine repair and return to normal size (involution)
• Ovarian function (cyclicity)

Question 3

Discharge that contains blood, mucus, uterine and placental tissue

Answer 3

Lochia

Question 4

(T/F) Lochia is normal, but it needs to be treated

Answer 4

False, doesn’t need to be treated

Question 5

What are the four events that have to happen?

Answer 5

• Lochial discharge
• Endometrial repair
• Ovarian function (cyclicity)
• Elimination of bacterial contamination

Question 6

The uterus decreases in size as a result of ___________

Answer 6

Uterine involution

Question 7

What specie has the longest involution period?

Answer 7

Bitches – 90 - 120 days

Question 8

How many days postpartum, in cows, is their uterus as close to normal?

Answer 8

21 days

Question 9

When is lochia not a sign of pathology unless there is ____________

Answer 9

an odor

Question 10

Postpartum Anestrus:
Depletion of ________ during late gestation (elevated E2) in cows

Answer 10

LH

Question 11

Postpartum Anestrus:
Suppression of __________ by suckling offspring

Answer 11

GnRH

Question 12

Which two events define the puerperium?

Answer 12

Uterine involution and resumption of cyclycity

Question 13

When is lochia considered abnormal?

Answer 13

When there is a foul odor associated with the discharge

Question 14

(T/F) Uterine involution is complete by day 14 in the bitch

Answer 14

False