Flashcards: Reproductive Pathology

What species are most commonly affected by uterine prolapse?

Dairy & beef cows, ewes; less frequent in sows.

Describe the pathophysiology of uterine prolapse.

The tip of the uterine horn invaginates, leading to prolapse.

List three predisposing factors for uterine prolapse.

Excessive traction (dystocia, retained fetal membranes), Uterine atony, hypocalcemia, lack of exercise, Grazing estrogenic pastures.

When does uterine prolapse most commonly occur?

Immediately postpartum when the cervix is open, and the uterus lacks tone.

What are key steps in treating uterine prolapse?

Remove placenta, clean endometrial surface, Reduce edema with sugar or hypertonic saline, Administer epidural anesthetic, Carefully replace the uterus while applying steady pressure from the cervix toward uterine horns.

What are possible complications of untreated uterine prolapse?

Laceration, necrosis, infection, hemorrhage, uterine artery rupture, shock.

Which species are most commonly affected by vaginal prolapse?

Cattle and sheep.

When does vaginal prolapse typically occur?

In the last trimester of pregnancy.

Name three predisposing factors for vaginal prolapse.

Increased intra-abdominal pressure (gravid uterus, fat, rumen distension), Recumbency, lack of exercise, estrogenic exposure, Breed predisposition (e.g., Brahman, Hereford, Kerry Hill, Romney Marsh).

What are the four grades of vaginal prolapse?

Grade I: Intermittent prolapse (visible when recumbent), Grade II: Continuous prolapse, Grade III: Prolapse with bladder/cervix involvement, Grade IV: Chronic prolapse with necrosis/infection.

How is vaginal prolapse treated?

Epidural anesthesia, lavage, lubrication, repositioning, Buhner suture.

Define abortion in reproductive pathology.

Termination of pregnancy after organogenesis but before fetal viability.

What are two types of pregnancy loss besides abortion?

Early Embryonic Death (pre-organogenesis loss), Stillbirth (full-term, non-viable fetus).

Name three non-infectious causes of abortion.

Genetic defects, twinning, heat stress, Toxins (Ponderosa pine, moldy sweet clover), Vitamin deficiencies, MLV vaccines.

Name four infectious causes of abortion.

BVD-V, Brucellosis, Campylobacteriosis, Leptospirosis.

How is Brucellosis prevented in cattle?

Calfhood RB-51 vaccine, avoiding raw milk.

Which abortion-causing disease is transmitted by canines?

Neosporosis (Neospora caninum).

What is the primary method of controlling Toxoplasmosis in sheep and goats?

Preventing exposure to cat feces.

What protozoan causes Trichomoniasis in cattle?

Tritrichomonas foetus.

What zoonotic bacterial infection causes stillbirths and abortion and is linked to hygiene issues?

Q-Fever (Coxiella burnetii).

What mycotoxin is associated with reproductive issues, including infertility and embryonic death?

Zearalenone (an estrogenic mycotoxin from Fusarium spp.).

How can Zearalenone contamination be prevented?

Feed management and toxin testing.

What is the primary cause of prolonged gestation?

Defective hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

How is prolonged gestation managed?

Induction with corticosteroids or prostaglandins, C-section if necessary.

What is the timeframe for diagnosing retained fetal membranes (RFM)?

Horses: Retained if not expelled within 3 hours. Cattle: Retained if not expelled within 24 hours.

Why should retained fetal membranes not be manually removed?

Manual removal can cause trauma and increase the risk of infection.

What are the key complications of retained fetal membranes?

Metritis, systemic illness (mastitis, pneumonia, ketosis).

Differentiate metritis, endometritis, and pyometra.

Metritis: Postpartum bacterial infection of the uterus, Endometritis: Chronic uterine inflammation leading to infertility, Pyometra: Accumulation of pus in the uterus.

What are the primary treatments for metritis, endometritis, and pyometra?

Metritis: Antibiotics, supportive care, Endometritis: Culture, ultrasound, antibiotic treatment, Pyometra: Uterine lavage, antibiotics, prostaglandins.

What is Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM), and why is it significant?

Highly contagious bacterial infection causing infertility and mucopurulent discharge; requires strict hygiene control.