LA theriogenology 1st half

What happens to the mare in the few days leading up to parturition?

wax build up on teats, udder begins to fill, teats distend, pre colostrum analysis, relaxation of gluteal and other tailhead mm

What do we see in the first stage of labor in the mare?

colic signs, restlessness, pacing, pawing, off feed, nesting, flehmen response, sweating, rising and laying down

What do we see in the second stage of labor in the mare?

max 30 min, chorioallantois ruptures- water breaks, usually lie down, front feet of foal followed by head, passage of shoulders is common point of dystocia

What do we see in the third stage of labor in the mare?

max 12 hours, uterine involution to pass placenta, foal stays attached to umbilicus for about 5 min then can be separated, foal attempts to rise and ingest colostrum, mare exhibits maternal behavior

What are the complications of parturition in equids?

premature placental separation, dystocia, C section, retained placenta, rectovaginal tear

What causes a premature placental separation?

more common in chemical induction, common with thickened placentas due to fescue toxicosis

What happens in premature placental separation?

red bag protrudes from vulva, cervical star may be present, leads to intrauterine asphyxiation, increased intrauterine pressures, need to manually rupture bag and get foal out

What can cause dystocia in a mare?

twins, malpositioning, maternal fetal size incompatibility, previous pelvic fracture in mare, fetal anomaly, ruptured prepubic tendon (holds belly up and helps push)

How does a C section stress the foal?

time before decision, dystocia, and anesthesia

What can a retained placenta result in?

endometritis, then septicemia, then laminitis

What is the difference between prematurity and dysmaturity?

premature- foal born before 325 days gestation; dysmature- born after 325 days but has premature characteristics

What causes premature birth?

maternal stress (illness, lameness, transport, surgery), or placental insufficiency (twins, placentitis)

What is the biggest flaw in premature foals?

underdeveloped pulmonary system, decreased surfactant leads to alveolar collapse and sloughing of alveolar cells (hyaline membrane disease) leads to resp distress syndrome

What are the clinical signs of a premature foal?

small, thin body condition, smooth silky haircoat, progressive weakness, slow to rise, weak joints, +/- failure of ossification of carpal and tarsal bones, respiratory distress syndrome

How do we diagnose and treat a premature foal?

history, clinical signs, arterial blood gas shows hypoxemia, rads show ground glass appearance; oxygen therapy

What is neonatal hypoxic brain injury and what are its other names?

series of clinical changes within first 24 hours of life, where foal was normal at birth and deteriorates due to hypoxic brain injury; neonatal maladjustment syndrome, neonatal encephalopathy, dummy foal

What are the clinical signs of neonatal hypoxic brain injury?

loss of suckle reflex, loss of affinity for mare, incessant chewing, hypersensitivity to stimuli, +/- wandering, +/- opisthotonus (see saw horse), +/- convulsions/coma

How do we diagnose neonatal hypoxic brain injury?

neuro exam, opthalmic exam (retinal petechia, papilledema), lots of blood tests to rule out other stuff

What are the differentials for suspected neonatal hypoxic brain injury?

trauma, septicemia, meningitis, hypoxemia, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, hypocalcemia, acid base imbalance, congenital abnormalities

What do we use to sedate neonates?

benzodiazepines- diazepam

How do we treat neonatal hypoxic brain injury?

anticonvulsants, oxygen therapy, IV fluids, acidosis therapy, prophylactic antibiotics, feed, mannitol or DMSO

What is the prognosis of neonatal hypoxic brain injury?

50% survive with treatment, if survive they do fine

How do we classify failure of passive transfer?

below 400 mg/dL complete failure; 400-800 partial failure; above 800 adequate passive transfer

What causes failure of passive transfer?

premature lactation often due to placentitis, inadequate colostrum production, neonatal weakness or maladjustment, congenital limb abnormalities, rejection of foal, gut closes around 18 hours after birth, stress

What are the clinical signs of failure of passive transfer?

none until septicemia develops

How do we diagnose failure of passive transfer?

blood tests to look for septicemia, determine colostral IgG concentration, determine foal serum IgG concentration

How do we determine the foals serum IgG?

SRID (gold standard but takes 24 hours), SNAP ELISA test, immunoturbidimetric test, zinc sulfate turbidity, glutaraldehyde coagulation

What should NOT be used to measure a foals IgG?

protein electrophoresis, A/G ratio, and total protein

How do we treat failure of passive transfer if the foal is under 18 hours old?

orally: high quality colostrum, plasma, lyophilized equine IgG

How do we treat failure of passive transfer if the foal is over 18 hours old?

IV therapy: plasma, can even get disease specific rich plasma

What is important to do when treating a FPT foal?

recheck IgG next day to ensure its rising

How do we prevent failure of passive transfer?

observe colostrum ingestion, routine FPT screening on all foals, maintain a colostrum bank, dam should be on foaling premises 1-2 months prior to labor

What pathogens are most likely to cause neonatal septicemia?

E coli, actinobacillus equuli, streptococcus, pseudomonas, klebsiella, salmonella, and clostridium

What are the clinical signs of neonatal septicemia?

signs at birth from in utero infection or a few days later if post birth; lethargy, dehydration, reduced suckle reflex, CNS signs, pneumonia, diarrhea, joint effusion, omphalophlebitis, uveitis

How do we diagnose neonatal septicemia?

failure of passive transfer hx, leukopenia, L shift, fibrinogen or SAA elevation, hypoglycemia, renal/liver failure, low IgG, can tap things that are effected, sepsis score

How do we treat neonatal septicemia in foals?

antibiotics (penicillin and aminoglycoside), NSAIDs (flunixin meglumine), anti ulcer meds (omeprazole, sucralfate), umbilical tx

How do we prevent neonatal septicemia in foals?

cauterize umbilicus, document FPT, keep neonates environment clean/dry, monitor

What are the clinical signs of neonatal isoerythrolysis in foals?

foal born normal, progressive weakness, elevated HR and RR, no fever, icteric, dark urine, terminal seizures

How do we diagnose neonatal isoerythrolysis in foals?

anemia, direct coombs test, hemolyzed plasma, hyperbilirubinemia, increased blood and protein in urine, high anti RBC antibodies in mare

How do we treat neonatal isoerythrolysis in foals?

RBC transfusion, supportive care, corticosteroids

How do we prevent neonatal isoerythrolysis in foals?

monitor mare with previous sudden death foals, prevent foal from nursing mare if known issue

What are the clinical signs of a ruptured bladder in a foal?

weakness, anorexia, abdominal distension, stranguria, HR and RR elevated, shock

How do we diagnose a ruptured bladder in a foal?

BUN/creatinine elevated, abnormal serum electrolytes (low Na and Cl high K), metabolic acidosis, creatinine higher in abdominal fluid than serum

What is an important differential to rule out in a suspected ruptured bladder foal?

meconium impaction

How do we treat a ruptured bladder foal?

correct K before sx (saline IV, glucose, insulin), peritoneal fluid drainage, antibiotics, surgical correction of bladder or urachal defect

What do we use a direct coombs test for in foals?

use foals RBC checking if anti RBC antibodies are presently on foals RBC

What is indirect coombs test for in foals? What does it test for?

use mares plasma to check for anti RBC antibodies in plasma, tests for neonatal isoerythrolysis

If there is an increased PCO2 what does this mean?

hypoventilation

Is a GGT elevated in a neonate worrisome?

no bc goes up in babies that get colostrum

Why do we perform male ruminant BSE?

ID sub fertile animals, maximize repro efficiency, maximize economic efficiency

What is the ideal amount of cows a bull should service?

30 cows over 60 days

What is the brief PE done for bull BSE?

attitude, BCS (want slightly over conditioned- will lose during season), locomotion, conformation of feet/legs, eyes, sheath (not too floppy)

What should we examine specifically for a BSE in cattle?

palpate testes (2, normal, freely movable, medial side has epididymis and vas deferens), scrotal circumference (min 34 cm), rectal palpation to check accessory sex glands, electroejactulator, look at penis when out, sperm morphology and mobility

What do we want for sperm morphology in bulls?

min 70% normal morph, higher for freezing semen

What do we want for sperm motility in bulls?

min 30% motility, above 70% for freezing semen

What are the outcomes for a male ruminant BSE?

satisfactory potential breeder, classification deferred (deficient but may improve), unsatisfactory potential breeder

Why should a female ruminant get a BSE?

select replacement heifers, pre breeding exam of open or problem cows, infertility work up, pre purchase exam, postpartum repro exam, prior to breeding season

What must a female ruminant be able to do?

reach puberty, conceive, carry pregnancy to term, deliver without dystocia, return to cyclicity while raising offspring

What should we examine for replacement heifer?

ID, age, breed, pedigree, genomic selection, general PE, weight (55-65% expected mature weight), BCS (slightly over conditioned), repro tract score of 3 or above

What is the RTS (reproductive tract scoring) for heifers?

1- small uterine horns and ovaries, no structures; 2- small/medium uterine horns and small ovaries, small follicles; 3- medium uterine horns and medium ovaries, medium follicles; 4- med/large uterine horns and large ovaries, large follicles; 5- large uterine horns and large ovaries, CL

What is pelvic area measurement used for?

predicts heifer dystocia risk, measure pelvic area internally, genomics used more

How do we do a mature cow repro exam?

history!!, perineal conformation, vulva and vestibule exam, check for mounting marks, cervical adhesions, ovarian adhesions, uterus tone/fluid, ultrasound helps

What is the postpartum dairy specific focus?

uterine involution scoring, ovarian activity resumption, negative energy balance, ketosis, metritis

What are the common pathologic findings in non pregnant cows?

freemartin, cystic ovarian disease, pyometra, metritis, hydrometra, mummified fetus, segmental aplasia, adhesions

How do we examine small ruminants for repro exams?

vulva, examine for intersex conditions, vagina and cervix exam, ultrasound, BCS, general PE

What does a stallion BSE answer?

ability to copulate or be collected, sperm production, semen quality, capacity for proposed mare book, health or defects that limit breeding

What is the first cycle pregnancy rate and its meaning?

pregnant/ mares bred on first cycle; early efficiency

What is the per cycle pregnancy rate and its meaning?

pregnant cycles/ cycles bred; cycle level performance

What is the seasonal pregnancy rate and its meaning?

mares pregnant/ mares bred; culmulative outcome

What is the foaling rate and its meaning?

live foals/ mares bred; includes pregnancy losses

What is the returns/barren mares and its meaning?

review individual basis; may reveal mare or management bias

What do we need to examine of external genitalia of stallion?

scrotal skin, symmetry, mobility, scars, edema, temp, on testes look at position, orientation, size, shape, consistency, tenderness, each epididymis and spermatic cord, prepuce and penis, inguinal rings when needed

What testicular measurements are used in stallion?

length width, height, use calipers or ultrasound

What is the equation for DSO for stallion?

DSO= (0.024 X (L *W *H * 0.5233))- 0.76

How can we measure DSO for a stallion?

testicular volume equation (rapid baseline), daily collections to plateau (best for actual DSO), 2 ejaculates 1 hour apart (practical same day eval), and single ejaculate (affected by abstinence interval)

What should be examined in the stallion penis?

glans, urethral process, urethral fossa, shaft, prepuce, scars, plaques, masses, edema, dermatitis, trauma, discharge, erection, extension, retraction, evaluate sensation, maintain erection

What internal genitalia need to be examined in stallion?

ampullae, vesicular glands, prostate, bulbourethral glands, pelvic urethra and inguinal

What do we evaluate in stallion semen?

concentration, sperm number, total and progressive motility, morphology

Why do we collect a second ejaculate from stallions?

reduces effect of stored reserves, reflects current output under depletion, tests repeatability, 1 hour interval is normal

When should we consider semen sampling a stallion?

genital lesions, discharge, abnormal color or inflammatory cells, hx of venereal disease, repeated mare cultures, breed requirement

What can cause azoospermia in stallions?

retrograde ejaculation, ampullary sperm accumulation, testicular degeneration, hypoplasia, severe thermal or toxic insult, chromosomal or genetic abnormality, bilateral destruction

What are the classifications for a stallion BSE result?

satisfactory- meets criteria; questionable- uncertain or conflicting findings; unsatisfactory- major limitation to repro use; special use suitable- under more management may be ok

What might a maiden mare have more risk of and how do we mitigate that?

tight cervix, confirm uterine relaxation and ovulation

What might an old maiden mare have more risk of and how do we mitigate that?

fibrosis, cervical dysfunction, earlier complete breeding soundness exam

What might a barren mare have more risk of and how do we mitigate that?

reason for failure matters and should be taken into account, define failure and make plan

What might a foaling mare have more risk of and how do we mitigate that?

uterine involution, foaling trauma, examine before foal heat breeding

Where is endometrial edema in the mare?

submucosa

How long is mare estrus and what do we see?

4-7 days; estrogen, relaxed open cervix, endometrial edema, dominant follicle

How long is a mare in diestrus and what do we see?

14-15 days; progesterone, toned closed cervix, reduced edema, CL

What is a complete repro exam for a mare?

perineal conformation and discharge, tail and vulvar competence, speculum exam of vagina and cervix, transrectal palpation of uterus and ovaries (should have ovulation fossa), follicles, CLs, endometrial edema, uterine fluid, cervical appearance, ensure not lame

What follicle size indicates ovulation is close in mare? If induced how long after until ovulation?

35 mm; 36-48 hours

When is a breeding investigation warranted in a mare?.

abnormal discharge, persistent intrauterine fluid, hx of repeated failure, poor perineal conformation, abnormal cervix or uterus, older maiden mare

What are the options for semen deposition in mares?

conventional- in uterine body; deep horn- near uterotubal junction of ovulating ovary

How can we prevent common breeding errors in horses?

use serial ovarian, uterine and cervical findings, recheck

What is the normal post breeding response in mares?

neutrophil influx, myometrial contractions move content out, relaxed cervix allows drainage, by 48 hours no fluid

Who gets persistent breeding induced endometritis in horses?

older mares, poor perineal conformation, cervical dysfunction, delayed uterine clearance, reduced myometrial activity, repeated breeding or large volumes of semen

How do we deal with retained intrauterine contents in mares? reduced contractility?

uterine lavage; oxytocin

How do we deal with poor cervical drainage in mares? barrier defect?

manual dilation; caslick

When does embryo fixation occur in the mare? when can heartbeat be found?

day 15-16 (find twins before this); day 24-25

How many beef cows in a herd do we target wean a calf?

88%