Uterine Diseases

Question 1

State the phases in the endometrial cycle

Answer 1

early proliferative
late proliferative
secretory
menstrual

Question 2

Define endometritis

Answer 2

inflammation of the endometrium
mildly, not detected
severely, swollen and corrugated mucosa with fibrin and necrotic debris

Question 3

Histology of endometritis

Answer 3

desquamation of surface epithelial cells
severe necrosis of endometrium
neutrophils in stroma and glands
necrotic tissue replaced by granulation tissue and subsequently fibrous connective tissue

best indication = accumulation of plasma cells and foci of lymphocytes in stroma

Question 4

Define CEM

Answer 4

contagious equine metritis

venereal disease of mares
notifiable !
caused by Tylorella equigenitalis
inflammation of endometrium, uterine tubes, cervis and vagina
mucopurulent discharge for 2-3 weeks
temporarily infertility

Question 5

Describe endometritis in cattle

Answer 5

more severe
seen in 10-15% of post-calving cows
enlarged and flabby uterus
lumen contains dark brown discharge
endometrium red and swollen

Question 6

Define metritis

Answer 6

inflammation of all layers of the uterine wall
more advanced and severe than endometritis
see a thickened wall and uterus may contain foul-smelling fluid

haemorrhaging of the serosa with a thin layer of fibrin
inflammation may penetrate the serosa and broad ligament, leading to septicaemia

Question 7

Histology of metritis

Answer 7

oedema and neutrophils are observed in the endometrium
exudate extends through the muscle layers to the serosa

Question 8

Define pyometra

Answer 8

an accumulation of pus in the uterine lumen

may be a sequelae of endometritis or metritis
can be acute or severe
common in the bitch and cow, especially in intact older dogs 4-8w after oestrus with CS of anorexia, depression, vomiting, PU/PD and discharge

Question 9

Gross features of pyometra

Answer 9

uterine distension
necrosis
ulceration
haemorrhage
dry, white, thickened finely cystic areas

Question 10

Histological features of pyometra

Answer 10

neutrophils in the lumen and uterine wall

Question 11

Define torsion

Answer 11

uncommon (except in cow and mare)
associated with gestationin uniparous species, entire organ is involved
minor (up to 90 degrees) resolve
>180 degrees may result in local circulatory embarrassment

Question 12

What is prolapse associated with ?

Answer 12

prolonged dystocia
retained placenta
post-parturient hypocalcaemia
vascular compromise causing congestion and oedema, in turn causing ischaemia, necrosis and sepsis

Question 13

Uterine rupture

Answer 13

spontaneous or iatrogenic
often a sequel to torsion
if mucosa rupture only, little consequences
complete ruptures may be fatal

Question 14

Common circulatory disturbances

Answer 14

rupture of the uterine a.
- postpartum haemorrhage
- common only in horses

Question 15

Define CEH

Answer 15

cystic endometrial hyperplasia

hyperplasia/hypertrophy of endometrial glands
usually high in dioestral period due to high progesterone concentrations
may be caused by excessive/prolonged oestrogen, persistent CL or endometrium stimulus

Question 16

Define adenomyosis

Answer 16

endometrial tissue in the myometrium, arising from a malformation or hyperplastic overgrowth

Question 17

Define endometriosis

Answer 17

endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, seen more in humans, causes chronic pelvic pain and subfertility

Question 18

Name some common pathologies of the cervix

Answer 18

cysts
stenosis
cervicitis (extension of endometritis or vaginitis)
cervical abscesses