AbstractAn effective long‐term treatment is necessary for mares with pyometra, because the condition tends to recur. In many affected animals, several conformational or anatomical anomalies contribute to impaired uterine clearance. Ovariohysterectomy is the surgical procedure of choice. Conservative therapy consists of draining and flushing the uterus, and systemic anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial treatment. Uterine secretions tend to accumulate again after local treatment, especially in mares with poor vaginal conformation or cervical adhesions. Herein, we describe three cases in which a cervical stent was used in mares after mechanical or manual dilation of the cervix to achieve permanent draining of the uterus. The mares remained symptom‐free for up to 6 years and exhibited good clinical progress and good performance in competitions. Potential complications of the procedure include loss of the stent and obstruction caused by viscous secretion. A cervical stent is a relatively easy and low‐cost option for the long‐term treatment of pyometra in mares, particularly in cases where excessive costs of surgery and risks of a general anaesthesia are to be avoided.

Objective In some cases, classical diagnostic procedures of bovine mastitis, including adspectation, palpation, and examination of milk samples, are of limited reliability, such that histological examination of udder tissue would be a useful addition. The study aimed to identify localizations for tissue sampling and to validate the biopsy technique. Animals and methods In the present study, sonographic examinations on bovine udders (n =16) were performed, to identify ideal localizations for tissue sampling, which were tested in slaughterhouse organs (n=10) and verified in udders of lactating cows (n=16). Results Ideal localizations fort issue sampling, avoiding puncturing of blood vessels, were sonographically identified in the area of the udder cistern. Tissue sampling in lactating cows proved to be free of complications in 73 % of cases and all tissue specimens obtained were suitable for histology. Conclusion and clinical relevance Tissue sampling by biopsy for microbiological and histopathological examinations supplements common procedures in the diagnostics of mastitis in the dairy cow and, if performed in the area of the udder cistern, can be conducted without sonographical control under field conditions.

Cleft palate in dogs is a congenital defect that mostly leads to euthanasia of the affected puppy. If an attempt is made to raise the puppy, it is generally fed via an orogastric tube. Here, we describe the management of cleft palate in three puppies (two Boxers, one Collie) using a customised temporary prosthesis, which allowed the puppies to be bottle-fed and successfully raised by their owners (Cases 2 and 3) and the author (Case 1). The temporary palatal prosthesis was manufactured from a mouthguard intended for human children, which is made of thermoplastic silicone. The preparation procedure was simple and cost-effective. All puppies underwent corrective surgery at 5–6 months of age. After surgery, one of the Boxer puppies showed mandibular mesioclusion, while the other two showed no aberrations. All puppies gained the same amount of weight as their littermates, although the weight gain of the two Boxers was slower than that of their littermates. In summary, this case report describes an easy and effective way to raise puppies with cleft palate until corrective surgery can be performed.

The aim of this study was to summarize the current status of the possible causes, clinical symptoms and pathogenesis of abortion in the mare and to evaluate the frequency of varying causes of abortion in German thoroughbred breeding. An analysis of the literature using electronic libraries, journals and textbooks was performed. In addition, the results of examinations of 123 abortions of thoroughbred breeding in central Germany were evaluated. In the literature, bacterial infections are the most frequently described cause of abortion. Other important causes are infections with equine herpesvirus (EHV)-1 or -4, twin pregnancy and umbilical cord anomalies. Examples of rare causes of abortion are equine viral arteritis (EVA), equine infectious anemia, fungal or parasitic infections, fetal malformations and diseases of the mare. In our study of 123 abortions, no cause was found in 47.2 % of the analyzed abortions. Infections were responsible for 26.8 % of the abortions. The main pathogens were bacteria in 17.1 % of the cases followed by viruses (EHV-1/4) in 8.9 % of the cases. Fungal infection was diagnosed in 0.8 % of the cases. The most common cause of a non-infectious abortion was twin pregnancy (21.1%). Other causes of non-infectious abortion were fetal malformations (3.3 %), umbilical cord strangulations (0.8 %) and uterine torsion (0.8 %). The results of our own study suggest that in the future greater attention should be paid to ultrasonographic examinations in the early pregnancy to reduce the rate of abortions because of a twin pregnancy. To increase the detection rate of unknown causes of abortion, rarer causes of abortion should be investigated, including for EVA and chlamydia, as a matter of routine.

In this study we investigated changes of serum leptin in 74 newborn lambs and associations with environmental temperature (from - 8°C to + 25°C), body temperature, and concentrations of plasma lipids, 3-beta-hydroxybutyric acid and blood glucose. A leptin radioimmunoassay was established, using an antiserum (rabbit) produced against a partial sequence of ovine leptin (31-44). Before measurement, serum samples were denatured. The sensitivity of the assay was 0.4 µg l(-1) and intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were 5.1% and 2.5%, respectively. Blood samples were collected immediately after birth up to 24 h postnatally (pn). Median leptin concentrations at birth and 24 h pn were 20.9 and 52.7 µg l(-1), respectively. Because of non-normal distribution, leptin concentrations were converted to log(leptin) before further statistical processing. The change in log(leptin) during the first 24 h was highly significant (p<0.0001). Correlation analysis showed significant associations between serum leptin and the following variables: environmental temperature 24 h pn (r=0.34, p<0.005), log(plasma triglycerides) 24 h pn (r=0.50, p<0.001), log(plasma 3-beta-hydroxybutyric acid) 24 h pn (r=-0.50, p<0.001), blood glucose 6 h pn (r=0.43, p<0.001) and plasma cholesterol 12 h pn (r=0.38, p=0.001). We conclude that this radioimmunoassay is suited to measure total serum ovine leptin and that total leptin is already regulated in the very early postnatal phase. Leptin is increased at higher environmental temperatures, consistent with leptin's suppressive effect on energy expenditure and appetite. Furthermore, leptin levels are associated with plasma concentrations of lipids and lipid metabolites.

A three-day-old warm blood foal was presented with progressive dyspnoea and weakness. The clinical examination revealed signs of prematurity. Arterial blood gas analysis showed a severe hypoxemia with PaO2 26.9 mmHg and hypercapnia with PCO2 73.4 mmHg. The x-rays of the lung showed a severe diffuse interstitial pattern with bullae and echocardiography documented a severe pulmonary hypertension. A Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome was diagnosed. The treatment consisted of a continuous-positive-airway-pressure-ventilation and oxygen application for 12 hours in combination with a low-dose corticosteroid therapy for nine days. The clinical condition of the foal improved consistently over the next days. The foal was discharged from the clinic in a stable general condition. Twelve month later the owners were satisfied with the development of the foal.

Meconium retention represents a common problem in newborn foals; especially in more often affected male individuals. The present overview outlines clinical symptoms, theories concerning pathogenesis, diagnostic procedures, therapeutical concepts and prognoses.

Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate surgical technique, intra- and postoperative complications and outcome of conventional surgery compared to laparoscopic techniques for uni- and bilateral ovariectomy in mares. Materials and methods: In 116 clinical patients 153 ovariectomies were performed. In group 1 11 mares underwent conventional surgery in dorsal recumbency. The enlarged ovary was exteriorised through a ventral midline incision and the ovarian pedicle was dissected with a TA 90 stapling device. Optimal haemostasis was achieved by stainless steel staples in combination with a circular ligature. In group 2 103 mares underwent a standard laparoscopic procedure for ovariectomy in the standing sedated horse. In four of these cases with a big ovarian tumor the ovary was extracted by a midline celiotomy after dissecting the ovarian pedicle endoscopically. In two cases the laparoscopic procedure was performed in lateral recumbency because of the mares' behaviour. Haemostasis and transection of the ovarian pedicle was carried out alternatively by a linear stapling device, a vessel-sealing device, an electrosurgical bipolar forceps, a diode-laser or modified Roeder knot. Results: In group 1 4/11 patients (36.4%) developed postoperative complications. In three mares significant postoperative haemorrhage necessitated relaparotomy and intensive care. One of these horses finally had to be euthanized. In group 2 142 standard laparoscopic ovariectomies were performed in 105 horses without significant complications during surgery. Effective haemostasis could not be achieved by using a diode-laser or modified Roeder knot as a single method. Postoperative significant pedicle haemorrhage was not recorded in any of the 142 cases. Twelve mares (8,4%) developed postoperative complications. Conclusion and clinical relevance: The standard laparoscopic technique in the standing sedated horse, now favoured for routine ovariectomy, can be performed safely and reliably for removal of normal and pathologically enlarged ovaries. To avoid incisional complications big-sized ovaries should be exteriorised after size reduction by using a specimen bag or removing the ovary by midline incision.

In the wild, Alpine marmots (Marmota marmota) spend most of their time in underground burrows. Thus the observation of reproduction biology during mating season, gestation, and the early juvenile development is extremely challenging. An ultrasonographic follow-up of pregnancies in captive alpine marmots illustrates the characteristic findings of different gestational phases. The first ultrasonographic proof for a pregnancy was detected on day -25 (day 0 defined as partus). At day -18, first heartbeats were visualized, followed by spontaneous fetal movements on day -14. At day -7, the mineralization of the skeletal system was demonstrated. It was possible to evaluate and monitor the integrity of pregnancy. Ultrasonography is a noninvasive, alternative tool to the classical verification of pregnancy in marmots by progesterone measurement from serum samples.

Zusammenfassung: Ziel der retrospektiven Studie war ein Vergleich zwischen konventionell chirurgischer und minimal invasiver Operationstechnik hinsichtlich Operationssicherheit, intra- und postoperativen Komplikationen und Erfolgsraten bei uni- und bilateraler Ovariektomie der Stute. Material und Methoden: Bei 116 Patienten erfolgten 153 Ovariektomien. Elf Stuten wurden über eine mediane Laparotomie in Allgemeinanästhesie operiert. Hämostase und Dissektion des Mesovars wurden mit dem TA-90-Linearstapler in Kombination mit einer Gekröseligatur durchgeführt. Bei 103 Pferden erfolgte der Eingriff endoskopisch am stehenden sedierten Tier über einen Optikzugang im 17. Interkostalraum und zwei ipsilaterale Instrumentenzugänge in der Flanke. In vier Fällen erforderte die Größe des Ovarialtumors ein biphasisches Vorgehen (Absetzen des Ovars unter endoskopischer Kontrolle, Exstirpation über mediane Laparotomie). Bei zwei unkooperativen Stuten wurde das laparoskopische Verfahren unter Allgemeinanästhesie in Seitenlage vorgenommen. Hämostase und Dissektion des Mesovars erfolgten bei den Patienten dieser Gruppe mittels Linearstapler, Vessel-Sealing-System (LigaSure®), bipolarer Hochfrequenzchirurgie, Diodenlaser oder modifizierter Roeder-Schlinge. Ergebnisse: Bei konventionell operierten Pferden traten in 36,4% (4/11) der Fälle signifikante intra- und/oder postoperative, zum Teil lebensbedrohliche Komplikationen auf, die in drei Fällen eine Relaparotomie und intensive Therapie erforderten und in einem Fall final zur Euthanasie führten. Bei minimalinvasiver und biphasischer Technik ergaben sich bei 105 Patienten und 142 Ovariektomien intraoperativ keine signifikanten Komplikationen. Postoperativ entwickelten 12 Pferde (8,4%) geringgradige Komplikationen. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Minimal invasive Verfahren sind konventionell chirurgischen Techniken wegen deutlich geringerer Invasivität und Morbidität sowie operationstechnischer Vorteile vorzuziehen. Als Methode der Wahl erweist sich die laparoskopische Ovariektomie am stehenden Tier. Alternativ ist der endoskopisch-chirurgische Eingriff in Seitenlage einer Operation in Rückenlage vorzuziehen.

OBJECTIVE:To report on the outcome of surgical treatment of uterine torsion in preterm mares.DESIGN:Retrospective case series of pregnant mares with uterine torsion presented to the Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals.METHODS:Hospital records of all pregnant mares that underwent ventral midline laparotomy for uterine torsion between 1998 and 2004 were reviewed. The signalment, history, clinical signs, results of diagnostic procedures, direction and degree of the uterine twist, treatment and outcome were retrieved from each case record.RESULTS:This study comprised 19 mares between months 5 and 11 of pregnancy (8.7 +/- 1.9) and suffering from uterine torsion. In all cases ventromedian laparotomy was carried out under general anaesthesia. Gastrointestinal disorders were also present in 52.6% of horses. Postoperative complications included subcutaneous seromas (five mares), peritonitis (one mare) and abortion (two mares). In four mares (21%) the operation was unsuccessful (i.e. these mares had to be euthanased intra- or postoperatively). Of the surviving 15 mares, 13 (86.6%) gave birth to viable foals at full term. The foals developed normally. Only two mares aborted.CONCLUSIONS:Because of its versatility the ventral midline approach should be considered for correction of uterine torsion. The approach has many advantages, including rapid and clear access to the abdominal cavity, safety, visual assessment of uterine wall viability, correction of concomitant gastrointestinal tract problems, and performance of hysterotomy or hysterectomy, if indicated. In this study, managing uterine torsion in this way resulted in a high percentage of cases (86.6%) in which pregnancy was maintained, with the birth of a viable, mature foal.

Zusammenfassung Gegenstand und Ziel: Der Zustand einer Torsio uteri ante partum bei der Stute wird vorwiegend durch operative Retorsion unter gleichzeitiger Entfernung des Fetus mittels Hysterotomie behoben. Diese Vorgehensweise birgt jedoch das hohe Risiko der Entwicklung einer prämaturen und häufig noch nicht lebensfähigen Frucht sowie das der Nachgeburtsverhaltung mit den daraus resultierenden Konsequenzen. Die Studie ging der Frage nach, ob eine Belassung des Fohlens in utero nach Retorsion des Uterus nicht vorteilhafter ist. Material und Methoden: Das Patientenkollektiv setzte sich aus 23 Stuten verschiedener Rassen im Alter zwischen drei und 16 Jahren (10,5 ± 4,0) mit Torsio uteri ante partum zusammen. Die Stuten befanden sich zwischen dem fünften und 11. Monat (8,7 ± 1,9) der Gravidität. Bei allen Patienten wurde unter Allgemeinanästhesie eine ventromediane Laparotomie durchgeführt. Nach Exploration der Bauchhöhle und intraabdominaler Orientierung erfolgte die Retorsion des Uterus. Bei positivem Befund der fetalen Reflexe wurde das Fohlen in utero belassen und die Stute postoperativ hinsichtlich des Erhaltes der Gravidität intensiv therapiert. Ergebnisse: Zwei der 23 Stuten mussten in tabula wegen einer Magenruptur bzw. massiven, torsionsbedingten Alterationen des Uterus und der Adnexe euthanasiert werden. Bei zwei weiteren Stuten führte die Operation nicht zum gewünschten Erfolg. Sie entwickelten postoperativ eine Peritonitis respektive eine Typhlokolitis. Von den verbliebenen 19 Stuten gebaren 17 termingerecht vitale Fohlen, die sich komplikationslos weiterentwickelten. Zwei Stuten abortierten am dritten Tag respektive drei Monate post operationem. Schlussfolgerungen und klinische Relevanz: Die Ergebnisse der Studie belegen, dass bei Stuten mit einer Torsio uteri ante partum mit zum Zeitpunkt der Operation noch lebendem Fetus das Belassen der Frucht nach Retorsion des Uterus sinnvoll ist. In einem hohen Prozentsatz lässt sich bei den Stuten die Gravidität erhalten und mit einer termingerechten Geburt eines vitalen, maturen Fohlens beenden.

Objective: So far, torsio uteri ante partum in the mare has been treated by operative retorsion and simultaneous removal of the fetus by hysterotomy. This method carries the risks of producing a premature, unviable foal and retention of the fetal membranes. The study presented here seeked to evaluate if, following retorsion of the uterus, the fetus should not be left in utero. Material and methods: 23 pregnant mares of various breeds, aged between three and 16 years (10.5 +/- 4.0) and suffering from uterine torsion, were enrolled in the study. The mares were between month five and 11 (8.7 +/- 1.9) of pregnancy. Ventromedian laparotomy and uterine retorsion was carried out under general anaesthesia. If fetal reflexes were present,the fetus was left in utero, and the mare underwent intensive treatment aimed at the maintenance of pregnancy. Results:Two of 23 mares had to be euthanized intra operatively due to gastric rupture and massive alterations of the uterus and the adnexa, respectively. In two mares the operation was unsuccessful. They developed a postoperative peritonitis and typhlocolitis, respectively. Of the remaining 19 mares, 17 gave birth to viable foals at full term. The foals developed normally. Two mares aborted three days and three months after the operation, respectively. Conclusions and clinical relevance: The results of the study show that, in mares with a uterine torsion ante partum and a live fetus at the time of the operation, it is possible to leave the fetus in utero after repositioning of the uterus. In a high percentage of cases, pregnancy can be maintained and results in the birth of a viable, mature foal.

Horses with third-degree perineal lacerations require surgical treatment. To reduce the risk of postoperative dehiscence of the surgical site caused by tension, bacterial contamination, and mechanical abrasion, a preoperative and postoperative fasting up to 14 days was performed. A complete blood cell count, concentrations of electrolytes, urea, creatinine, glucose, lactate, cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase, glutamate dehydrogenase, γ-glutamyl transferase, creatine kinase, and alkaline phosphatase were determined. Fasting resulted in a marked decrease in intestinal motility and an increase in the concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol. The activity of the glutamate dehydrogenase increased three-fold during the presurgical period. The other biochemical values showed few fluctuations. Based on these data, we concluded that presurgical and postsurgical fasting causes no severe imbalances in the metabolism in mares.

The endometrial biopsy is, in most cases, the method of choice in diagnosing the condition of the endometrium in mares and making a prognosis regarding a mare's fertility. In doing so, oftentimes a "blind" biopsy in or near the corpus uteri is taken. Clinical trials have found, however, that blind biopsies do not always accurately reflect the true condition of the endometrium. This has become clear through comparison of biopsy results with results obtained by hysteroscopy. Possible local irregularities of the endometrium remain undetected even though they could be the potential cause of continual infertility. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of local irregularities and the relevance of the use of a combination of hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. For each of the 40 sample mares, a conventional ("blind") as well as endoscopic biopsy was taken and used to determine the diagnostic similarities and differences between the two methods. The study attempted to determine whether biopsies taken using endoscopy are preferable over conventional blind biopsies with respect to the quality of the diagnoses of pathological irregularities of the endometrium. The two biopsies were compared with respect to their pathohistologic diagnoses. Among mares with local irregularities, biopsies taken by hysteroscopy resulted in significantly more frequent negative diagnoses than biopsies taken by the conventional method (p=0.045). These results demonstrate the advantage to using endoscopically obtained biopsy specimens in mares with local irregularity.

Zusammenfassung Gegenstand der Untersuchung: Die Arbeit erfasste die Häufigkeit von Veränderungen der Zitzenzisternenschleimhaut und überprüfte vergleichend die Diagnoseverfahren Palpation, Sonographie und Endoskopie. Material und Methoden: 436 Zitzen von 109 aus unterschiedlichen Gründen geschlachteten Milchkühen typischer Niederungsrassen wurden palpatorisch, sonographisch und endoskopisch auf das Vorhandensein von Schleimhautläsionen untersucht. Nach Befundung erfolgte zur makroskopischen Untersuchung die Eröffnung der Zitzen in Längsrichtung. Bei Vorliegen von Auffälligkeiten schloss sich eine histopathologische Untersuchung an. Die Resultate der Diagnoseverfahren wurden basierend auf den Ergebnissen der makroskopischen und histopathologischen Untersuchungen vergleichend ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: In 38 Fällen (8,7%) fanden sich makroskopisch auffällige Befunde, die alle lediglich durch die Zitzenendoskopie via Strichkanal detektiert worden waren. Mit den beiden anderen Diagnoseverfahren ließen sich weitaus weniger Veränderungen diagnostizieren. Beim Vergleich der diagnostischen Aussagekraft der angewandten Untersuchungsmethoden zeigten sich die Endoskopie (p ≤ 0,001) und die Sonographie (p ≤ 0,0001) der Palpation deutlich überlegen. Ein statistisch abzusichernder Unterschied zwischen den Ergebnissen der Sonographie und denen der Endoskopie bestand nicht (p > 0,05). Die histopathologischen Befunde spiegelten weitgehend die Ergebnisse der drei Untersuchungsmethoden wider. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Schleimhautveränderungen der Rinderzitze sind palpatorisch nicht ausreichend zu diagnostizieren. Bildgebende Verfahren (Sonographie/Endoskopie) erweitern das diagnostische Spektrum erheblich. Die Zitzensonographie reicht bei in der Zitzenzisterne gelegenen Veränderungen zur Beurteilung von Ausdehnung und Schweregrad meist aus, bei Läsionen im Bereich der Fürstenberg-Rosette oder des Strichkanals ist eine zusätzliche Zitzenendoskopie zu empfehlen. Basierend auf der eingehenden Befunderhebung ist so eine prognostische Einschätzung und die Festlegung eines geeigneten Therapieverfahrens möglich.

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of DL-Cloprostenol vs. D-Cloprostenol for cycle induction in dairy cows. Different indications (cycle induction in case of corpus luteum periodicum and after establishing nonpregnancy with existing corpus luteum persistens) were taken into account. Test animals and methods: The test cohort consisted of 134 cows at an average age of 4.0 +/- 0.5 years (99 lactating cows; 35 heifers). Prior to medication (group A: DL-cloprostenol; 500 mu g; n = 70; group B: D-cloprostenol; 150 mu g; n = 64), the serum-progesterone concentration was determined. Gynaecological checks covered the period of 0-3 d post injectionern (p. inj.), all test animals being inseminated on the third day. Results: On the third day p. inj., 67.1 (A) and 71.9% (B) of the cows showed good exogenous signs of estrus; 94.3 (A) and 89.1% (B) of them were characterized as capable of being inseminated. Regression of a corpus luteum persistens occurred significantly less progressively (p <= 0.024) than regression of a corpus luteum periodicum. Effects of the applied drug and gynaecological criteria were not to be detected. Prostaglandin-induced luteolysis, followed by insemination, led to less pregnancies (31.9%; p = 0.063) in cases of corpus luteum persistens than in those with corpus luteum periodicum (52.4%). Conclusions and clinical relevance: The application of DL-cloprostenol and D-cloprostenol leads to comparable results. However, using D-cloprostenol, better luteolytic effects can be achieved. Regardless the administered drug, the reaction of a corpus luteum persistens is less intensive than the reaction of a corpus luteum periodicum.