Diagnostic imaging techniques are routinely used in bitches during pregnancy. Ultrasound examination (UE) and radiographic imaging (RI) are the two most frequently employed exams, for pregnancy diagnosis, assessment of fetal vitality and parturition date prediction, and for determination of litter size, respectively. In human medicine, the effects of radiation exposure resulting from diagnostic imaging, as well as radiation thresholds above which the risk of permanent damage to the offspring is significant, are well documented. Although no such information is available in veterinary medicine, breeders are increasingly skeptical about the use of X-rays in bitches in late-stage pregnancy, both because of the potential harm caused by the stress of the exam and because of the direct effects of radiation on the dam and fetuses. Stress is known to exert an effect in the reproductive processes in many species with one of the greatest stressors being the separation of the bitch from the pups for transport to the veterinary clinic during or right after parturition. This review also demonstrates that the harm resulting from radiation exposure from a radiographic study in a bitch during late-stage pregnancy and for its fetuses, who have already completed organogenesis, is poorly researched. While breeders’ hesitations may be perceived as unfounded by the veterinarians, it is crucial that they are taken into consideration and that clear communication between the breeder and veterinarian is established. Owners should be informed of the lack of studies on the subject in the domestic dog but also presented the available information for other species including the human.

Artificial insemination (AI) plays an important role in threatened raptor species conservation, as well as in falconry for commercial purposes. There is still a need to identify a suitable extender that maintains an adequate environment for sperm function. The present report was aimed at describing the proficient use of a Tris-based extender (TbE) applied during AI procedure in a hybrid falcon (Falco rusticolus × Falco cherrug). During the reproductive season, a total of 15 semen samples of a hand-reared, 11-year-old Gyr-saker hybrid falcon were analyzed for volume, color, pH, and concentration. Sperm viability was tested on undiluted and TbE-diluted samples, while total and progressive motility was assessed according to the use of extender after 0 (T0), 20 (T20), or 40 (T40) minutes from semen collection. The dilution with TbE did not result in any significant difference in motility parameters compared to undiluted samples and did not cause significant alteration in sperm viability. TbE was able to support sperm motility for at least 40 min at room temperature.

Objectives The queen is recognised as an induced ovulator. Ovulation without male contact is generally regarded as spontaneous. The aim of this study was to provide an estimate of the incidence of spontaneous ovulation in a population of intact queens presented to a veterinary care facility for both reproductive and non-reproductive reasons. The secondary objective was to determine the roles of age, breed, body weight, presence of tom cats or other cycling queens, and physical contact with humans on triggering spontaneous ovulation, along with its implications. Methods Serum samples from post-pubertal intact queens presented between January 2020 and June 2023 to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Padova, Italy, were retrieved and assayed for progesterone (P4) levels. Serum P4 above 2.0 ng/ml without a history of male contact was considered as proof of spontaneous ovulation. Results In total, 31 serum samples from 29 intact post-pubertal queens were obtained. Of the 31 samples, 14 had a P4 concentration above 2.0 ng/ml and 9/29 (31.0%) queens ovulated spontaneously. The mean age and weight of the nine spontaneously ovulating queens were 4.3 ± 5.7 years and 3.7 ± 0.8 kg, respectively. One queen ovulated spontaneously at her first heat at 6 months of age, which makes it the earliest spontaneous ovulation reported. Conclusions and relevance As both our findings and previous publications indicate that the incidence of spontaneous ovulation in queens is consistently ⩾30%, cats should not be considered strictly induced ovulators, but as a species in which ovulation can be either spontaneous or induced. Since the risk of progesterone-dependent conditions (cystic endometrial hyperplasia – pyometra complex, feline mammary hypertrophy) is increased in these queens, veterinarians should be aware and advise breeders and clients accordingly.

Endotracheal intubation in rabbits is challenging and supraglottic airway devices, such as laryngeal masks (LMA), represent an alternative as they are easy to insert, and do not stimulate the larynx requiring therefore a lighter plane of anaesthesia for their insertion and positioning than the endotracheal tubes. We investigated whether, compared to an endotracheal tube, the LMA can reduce the negative effects of general anaesthetics on some cardiovascular and respiratory parameters routinely monitored in rabbits anaesthetized for elective gonadectomy. The records of 21 adult mixed breed pet rabbits were collected retrospectively. Rabbits were divided in two groups based on the type of airway device used. A laryngeal mask secured the airway in group LMA (n = 11), and in group ETT (n = 10) an endotracheal tube was used. The amount of propofol used before successful insertion of the airway device was recorded. A pitot-based spirometer was connected and ventilatory variables were measured immediately after insertion. Pulse rate, non-invasive arterial blood pressure, haemoglobin oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, end-tidal carbon dioxide and volatile anaesthetic consumption were also monitored during the surgical procedure; extubation time was noted as well. The use of LMA required significantly less propofol (0.8 to 4 mg/kg) for insertion than the ETT (1.2 to 5.6 mg/kg), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). No differences were observed in ventilatory variables measured immediately after airway positioning. Intraoperatively, there were no differences between groups for respiratory and cardiovascular variables, and amount of isoflurane administered. In all rabbits mean and diastolic blood pressure progressively decreased during surgery. Mean extubation time was shorter in group LMA (6 ± 2 min) than group ETT (8 ± 3 min, P < 0.01). The airway device did not clinically affect the cardiovascular and respiratory variables during anaesthesia. Intraoperative hypoventilation was observed in most rabbits regardless of the device being used; therefore ventilatory support may be required. Rabbits with the laryngeal masks were extubated earlier.

Chicken muscle triose phosphate isomerase was immobilised by attachment to Sepharose 4B. The immobilised dimeric enzyme was dissociated with guanidinium chloride to yield bound monomeric triose phosphate isomerase. This regained activity on removal of the denaturant, showing that isolated monomers possess activity; the apparent Km of the immobilished subunits was the same as that of the immobilised dimers. Under appropriate conditions, it was possible to rehybridise the immobilised monomers to native dimers, and also to form a hybrid dimer from the chicken muscle and rabbit muscle enzymes.

Dystocia in the canine species is a common problem, and elective cesarean sections (C-sections) have become more frequent in breeds that are at risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of C-section and contributing factors and to compare data on elective and emergency C-sections (e.g., regarding stillbirth). Using a questionnaire, a total of 423 bitches of 80 breeds and their 899 litters were included. The mean number of litters per bitch was 2.1 ± 1.1 litters. The overall rate of stillbirth was 6.7%. Of all litters, 194 were born via C-sections (21.6%), of which 35 were declared as elective and 159 as emergency due to dystocia. Significantly more C-sections were performed in either small litters (1-2 pups) or large litters (>12 pups) (p < 0.001). Bitches that have had prior C-sections had a 4-fold increase in the risk of successive C-sections (RR = 4.54 (95%CI 2.56–7.70; p < 0.001). Furthermore, primiparous bitches of advanced age had a significantly higher incidence of emergency C-sections (p = 0.004). Stillbirth was significantly higher in emergency C-sections compared with that in elective C-sections (p = 0.003). Also, timing of intervention had a significant impact on stillbirth in emergency C-sections (p = 0.025). Within a breed-specific evaluation, significant differences were observed between breeds regarding incidence of C-section and stillbirth. Lesser-known breeds were represented in the population, and the results showed that the Norwich Terrier had the highest (51.6%) and the Gordon Setter had the lowest (4.8%) incidence of C-section (p < 0.001). The inclusion and evaluation of lesser-known breeds regarding incidence of C-section is of importance as it shows that certain breeds without phenotypical traits such as brachycephaly may also have an increased incidence of emergency C-section and stillbirth. We further conclude that more importance may be given to the age at first parturition concerning the occurrence of dystocia and the decision making regarding possible elective C-sections.

We evaluated the performance of a third-generation fluorescence enzyme immunoassay kit (FEIA; Tosoh Bioscience) for progesterone (P4) measurement in canine serum to identify the day of luteinizing hormone (LH) peak and ovulation in bitches. We conducted P4 assays on 54 serum samples using a FEIA and a chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA; Siemens). For the FEIA kit, the linearity test, recovery test, inter- and intra-assay CVs, and total error observed (TEo) were calculated. Serum samples from 28 bitches were used to evaluate the association of P4 concentration with the day of LH peak and the day of ovulation based on P4 thresholds (P4 ≥ 2 ng/mL, and doubling at 4–8 ng/mL in the following 48 h), and with pregnancy length. Linearity was 75–97% and 86–94% for high (37.0 ng/mL) and medium (3.8 ng/mL) pool serum samples, respectively. Recovery was 86.4–119%. Intra-assay CVs were 2.6%, 3.3%, and 5.2% for low (0.23 ng/mL), medium (6.24 ng/mL), and high (38.3 ng/mL) pool concentrations. Inter-assay CVs were 2.22% and 2.53% for P4 concentrations of 2.70 ng/mL and 8.2 ng/mL, respectively. TEo was 8.72% and 22.7% for P4 concentrations of 2 and 8 ng/mL, respectively. The mean pregnancy length from the day of LH peak and ovulation were 64.6 ± 1.7 and 63.3 ± 1.1 d, respectively. The third-generation FEIA kit that we tested was highly reliable.

Background Dystocia is an important limiting factor in animal breeding due to its cost, stress for the mother and risk of death for the neonates. Assessment of incidence and characteristics of dystocia and the inherent risk of Cesarean section are of major importance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of Bernese Mountain Dogs in Switzerland, with a particular focus on the prevalence of Cesarean sections due to dystocia, and identification of possible risk factors. Results The investigated population included 401 bitches, 207 sires, and 1127 litters. Litter size was significantly influenced by age and parity of the dam. Incidence of Cesarean section was 30.4%, with 2.0% of procedures being elective. History of previous Cesarean section, age of the dam, and a small litter size significantly influenced the risk for Cesarean section. The stillbirth rate was 12.0%, and the number of stillborn pups was significantly higher for litters delivered by Cesarean sections after birth of the first pup. The inbreeding coefficient had a low to non-significant impact on all reproductive parameters (e.g., litter size, number of stillborn pups). Conclusion The sample of Bernese Mountain Dogs of our study had an increased prevalence of Cesarean sections compared to the literature, and advanced age of the dam, litter size and prior Cesarean sections in the dam’s reproductive history was identified as significantly influencing factors. In order to improve pups’ survival rate, elective Cesarean section may be indicated in bitches that have had a previous Cesarean-section/s, are of advanced age, and/or have a small litter.

To assess the effects of dry period (DP) length on metabolic, reproductive, and productive parameters, second- (SP) and third- (TP) parity cows were assigned to a traditional (9 weeks, T) or short (5 weeks, S) DP, obtaining four subgroups: second-parity cows with traditional (SPT = 8) and short (SPS = 8) DP, third-parity cows with traditional (TPT = 8) and short (TPS = 10) DP. Plasma insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels were assessed from 5 weeks before to 14 weeks after parturition. IGF-I concentrations were affected by parity (P < 0.05) and by the interaction of time and DP length (P < 0.01). NEFA levels were affected only by time (P < 0.01). S DP cows showed a shorter interval between calving and ovarian cyclicity resumption (P < 0.01) and a higher milk yield (P < 0.01) and fat and protein corrected milk (P < 0.01) compared with T DP cows. Decreased milk protein content was found in the SPS group compared to the SPT (P < 0.05) and the TPS (P < 0.05) group. In conclusion, a short DP length does not affect reproductive performances, except for hastening the resumption of ovarian cyclicity. A short DP appears to increase milk production and is associated with higher IGF-I levels both in the prepartum and the postpartum period.

Background This is the first report about a vaginal leiomyoma concomitant with an ovarian luteoma in a bitch. Case presentation A 11-year-old intact female Labrador retriever was referred because of anuria, constipation and protrusion of a vaginal mass through the vulvar commissure. The bitch had high serum progesterone concentration (4.94 ng/ml). Because of the possibility of progesterone responsiveness causing further increase of the vaginal mass and since the bitch was a poor surgical candidate a 10 mg/kg aglepristone treatment was started SC on referral day 1. A computerized tomography showed a 12.7 × 6.5 × 8.3 cm mass causing urethral and rectal compression, ureteral dilation and hydronephrosis. A vaginal leiomyoma was diagnosed on histology. As serum progesterone concentration kept increasing despite aglepristone treatment, a 0.02 ng/mL twice daily IM alfaprostol treatment was started on day 18. As neither treatment showed remission of clinical signs or luteolysis, ovariohysterectomy was performed on referral day 35. Multiple corpora lutea were found on both ovaries. On histology a luteoma was diagnosed on the left ovary. P4 levels were undetectable 7 days after surgery. Recovery was uneventful and 12 weeks after surgery tomography showed a reduction of 86.7% of the vaginal mass. The bitch has been in good health and able to urinate without any complication ever since. Conclusions This case demonstrates the importance of identifying progesterone related conditions as well as the importance of judiciously using a combined medical and surgical approach.

Weight at birth (bBW) and early weight gain have been linked to the risk of neonatal mortality. Pups are described to be of low bBW if weighing less than one standard deviation (SD) below the mean. Most studies classified breeds according to their expected adult bodyweight. Our aim was to evaluate the breed specificity of these parameters. We assessed the bBW of 213 puppies of Bernese Mountain Dog (BMD), Tibetan Terrier (TT), and Lhasa Apso (LA) breeds, as well as the neonatal growth rate of 133 puppies of BMD and TT. BMD puppies were born relatively smaller than puppies of TT and LA (p ≤ 0.0001) and gained less weight than TT puppies during the first 14 days (p ≤ 0.05). Litter size had a significant impact on bBW and daily gain until the onset of the third week for BMD (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0005, respectively) and TT (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.0064, respectively). When using bBW means and SD specifically assessed according to breed, 29 out of the 213 neonates of our study were judged as being of low bBW, whereas, when using the classical criteria (based on breed groups), the number of low bBW pups was 160 of 213. These results suggest that evaluations of bBW and neonatal growth should be performed in a breed-specific manner.

Deslorelin implants have been used to produce a reversible sterilization in several species. In cats, the prolonged duration (12–15 months in tomcats and 18–22 months in queen) is often too much for cat breeders who request early implant removal. The interval between implant removal and resumption of reproductive function in cats has never been investigated. Eighteen tomcats received a 4.7 mg deslorelin implant placed in the periumbilical area and surgically removed during all seasons of the year after 3, 6, or 9 months (n = 6, 6, and 6 cats, respectively). Following implant removal, all cats received a clinical exam every two weeks, including testicular ultrasonographic measurement, observation of penile spikes, and blood collection for serum testosterone assay. Restoration of serum testosterone secretion occurred after 23 ± 6, 23 ± 6, and 22 ± 7 days in the 3-, 6-, and 9-month groups, respectively. Restoration of testicular function was confirmed by histology in 13/15 cats undergoing orchiectomy at the end of the study while the owners of the remaining two cats opted to maintain their animals intact. Removal of a 4.7 mg deslorelin implant after 3, 6, or 9 months is followed by resumption of serum testosterone secretion after about 3 weeks independent of age or season.

The European hedgehogs may require the use of chemical restraint for clinical examination because of their tendency to roll up as a defensive behaviour. This study evaluated the effects of alfaxalone combined with dexmedetomidine for restraint of hedgehogs undergoing pre-release health checks and atipamezole for recovery. Twenty hedgehogs received alfaxalone 2 mg/kg and dexmedetomidine 0.05 mg/kg intramuscularly in the quadriceps. If the righting reflex was still present, both drugs were administered at half of the initial doses. A semiquantitative scale scored sedation; clinical variables evaluated included pulse rate, respiratory rate, arterial haemoglobin oxygen saturation, end-tidal CO2 and body temperature. The righting reflex disappeared between 141 and 880 seconds. Overweight animals required one additional injection to achieve adequate relaxation. Pulse rate decreased during the procedure and increased after atipamezole administration. Respiratory rate and end-tidal CO2 did not change statistically throughout the procedure but one hedgehog showed haemoglobin oxygen saturation lower than 90%. Recovery after atipamezole was smooth and complete. Body temperature decreased over time. The sedation protocol may represent an effective combination to restrain European hedgehogs and atipamezole provides a rapid antagonism. Additional sedatives administration may be required in overweight animals and an external source of oxygen should be available.

Background: Rabbits are particularly sensitive to develop hypotension during sedation or anaesthesia. Values of systolic or mean non-invasive arterial blood pressure below 80 or 60 mmHg respectively are common under anaesthesia despite an ongoing surgery. A reliable method of monitoring arterial blood pressure is extremely important, although invasive technique is not always possible due to the anatomy and dimension of the artery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between a new oscillometric device for non-invasive arterial blood pressure measurement and the invasive method. Moreover the trending ability of the device, ability to identify changes in the same direction with the invasive methods, was evaluated as well as the sensibility of the device in identifying hypotension arbitrarily defined as invasive arterial blood pressure below 80 or 60 mmHg. Results: Bland-Altman analysis for repeated measurements showed a poor agreement between the two methods; the oscillometric device overestimated the invasive arterial blood pressure, particularly at high arterial pressure values. The same analysis repeated considering oscillometric measurement that match invasive mean pressure lower or equal to 60 mmHg showed a decrease in biases and limits of agreement between methods. The trending ability of the device, evaluated with both the 4-quadrant plot and the polar plot was poor. Concordance rate of mean arterial blood pressure was higher than systolic and diastolic pressure although inferior to 90%. The sensibility of the device in detecting hypotension defined as systolic or mean invasive arterial blood pressure lower than 80 or 60 mmHg was superior for mean oscillometric pressure rather than systolic. A sensitivity of 92% was achieved with an oscillometric measurement for mean pressure below 65 mmHg instead of 60 mmHg. Non-invasive systolic blood pressure is less sensitive as indicator of hypotension regardless of the cutoff limit considered. Conclusions: Although mean invasive arterial blood pressure is overestimated by the device, the sensitivity of this non-invasive oscillometric monitor in detecting invasive mean pressure below 60 mmHg is acceptable but a cutoff value of 65 mmHg needs to be used.

OBJECTIVES:The objective of this study was to assess duration of efficacy, side effects and return to fertility following use of the 9.4 mg deslorelin implant (Suprelorin 12; Virbac) in cats, and test whether efficacy and duration of action are influenced by implantation site (interscapular vs periumbilical). METHODS:Sixteen healthy adult tom cats were checked with (1) reproductive examination, (2) gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test and (3) semen collection until achievement of sterility, then with (1) and (2) only at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months, and every 6 months thereafter until treatment effect disappeared. RESULTS:Serum testosterone reached basal levels by 7 days post-treatment. Semen quality improved initially then started to worsen by 1 month post-treatment and after 70 days post-treatment all cats were sterile. Early in the third month post-treatment there was a significant decrease in testicular volume and penile spikes. Testicular histology was normal upon neutering performed after resumption of fertility. No injection site lesions or treatment-related side effects were observed. There was no difference between periumbilical and interscapular placement for all criteria, but there was a trend for the decrease in testicular volume to last longer and for the regression of penile spikes to start sooner after interscapular administration. One of 16 cats did not respond to treatment. Six cats were lost at variable times during the study while fully responding to treatment. In the cats that completed the study, normal fertility was regained after 805 days, on average, but with a variable duration of effect from 750-850 days. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:Treatment with a 9.4 mg deslorelin implant in male cats was effective for a period of 750-850 days, which is 1.5-2 times longer than the effect of the 4.7 mg deslorelin implant. Fertility (based on serum testosterone production and the presence of penile spikes) was regained at the end of the study. Placing implants in the intrascapular vs periumbilical location did not affect duration of suppression of testosterone production. The interscapular location may be characterised by a better efficacy, although further studies are needed to clarify this issue.