Page 2145 - Cote clinical veterinary advisor dogs and cats 4th

1070 Breeding Soundness Exam: Female Dog

Pearls • As an alternative to placing aspirate on AUTHORS: Brian K. Flesner, DVM, MS, DACVIM;
• Aspirate is often adequate for cancer staging, standing slides that allow blood to drain Deborah J. Tate, RVT, VTS
EDITORS: Leah A. Cohn, DVM, PhD, DACVIM; Mark S.
assessment of megakaryocyte numbers, or
VetBooks.ir recognition of infectious pathogens, but watch glass in EDTA and a pipette used to Thompson, DVM, DABVP
away, the entire sample can be placed on a
biopsy is needed for architectural detail of
pick out the spicules that are then transferred
marrow.
to microscope slides.
• Tenting the skin and moving through layers • Aspiration itself is the most painful part of the
of subcutaneous tissue before making contact procedure but is over quickly. For nonsedated
with bone will alleviate slippage off of bone or lightly sedated animals, be prepared for a
and soft-tissue trauma. reaction during the actual aspiration.

Breeding Soundness Exam: Female Dog

Difficulty level: ♦♦ ○ Duration of interestrus intervals crenulation as well as the presence or absence
○ Progesterone/vaginal cytologic evaluation of vaginitis can be observed.
Overview and Goal results and dates from previous estrous • Vaginoscopy (p. 1184) requires a rigid
Evaluate the physical and physiologic param- cycles or flexible endoscope at least 30 cm long
eters of the breeding female to determine her ○ Insemination dates and semen evaluation (depending on the size of the bitch). This
likelihood for normal fertility. (if performed) will allow visualization of the entire vagina
○ Date(s) and method(s) of pregnancy and external cervical os. Strictures, persistent
Indications diagnosis (p. 816) median septa, and other abnormalities may
• Before breeding, to ensure general health ○ Whelping dates and litter sizes be observed.
and likelihood of a healthy litter ○ Dates and results of Brucella canis tests • Vaginal culture should be obtained after a
• Prepurchase evaluation of a female intended ○ Vaccination and general health history: sterile prep of the vulva and careful retraction
for breeding take into account factors and diseases of the vulvar lips or insertion of a sterile
• A breeding female with a history of abnormal that could alter fertility, including vaginal speculum.
estrous cycles or failure to conceive when thyroid disorders (p. 525), prolonged ○ Contamination can be prevented by using
bred to a fertile male with appropriate treatment with glucocorticoids (e.g., for a double-guarded swab.
breeding management skin problems), and potential exposure ○ Careful interpretation of the vaginal
to reproductive pathogens such as canine culture is required; if high numbers
Equipment, Anesthesia herpesvirus. of potentially pathogenic bacteria are
• Canine vaginal speculum • The following diagnostic samples should be cultured, the result may be considered
• Pediatric proctoscope and a penlight collected. significant.
• Cotton-tip swab, slides, and Romanowsky ○ Serum progesterone: result should coincide ○ Culture should be interpreted together
stain (Diff-Quik) for vaginal cytologic with the expected stage of the estrous with the history and vaginal cytologic find-
evaluation cycle. ings. If there is no evidence of infertility
• Double-guarded swabs for culture of the ○ Vaginal cytologic sample: result should or inflammation, a positive culture—even
cranial vagina coincide with the stage of the estrous with a potential pathogen—is most likely
• Blood collection supplies cycle (p. 1061) and could potentially insignificant.
• Ultrasound reveal inflammation. ○ If Mycoplasma canis is a concern, the
• If vaginoscopy is required ○ Brucella canis serologic testing should be diagnostic lab should be contacted regard-
○ Rigid endoscope performed every 12 months. ing the culture procedures and shipping
○ Sedation/anesthesia ○ CBC and serum biochemistry profile, requirements before obtaining a sample.
thyroid function tests • Ultrasonography of the uterus and ovaries
Anticipated Time • A complete physical exam, including careful is part of a complete breeding soundness
30-90 minutes palpation of the mammary glands and a exam. In larger bitches, it can be difficult to
digital vaginal exam. Physical factors that image the ovaries consistently. The uterus is
Preparation: Important may reduce fertility include abnormal vulvar located dorsal to the bladder and should be
Checkpoints conformation, vaginal strictures, and a per- followed to the horn tips.
Be aware of available breed-specific genetic sistent median septum. Potential hereditary ○ The features of the uterus will vary with
testing. disorders such as orthopedic disorders (hip the stage of the estrous cycle. During
dysplasia [p. 469], elbow dysplasia [p. 288], proestrus and estrus, the uterus will be
Procedure cranial cruciate ligament rupture [p. 218]), edematous and have a heterogeneous
• Obtain a complete reproductive history; ophthalmic disorders, and heart conditions echotexture. There may be a small amount
this information is used for determining should be brought to the attention of the of fluid present in the lumen at this time.
the diagnostic approach required and should breeder. During diestrus, the uterus will have a
include • Vaginal speculum exam performed using a more homogeneous echotexture and may
○ Fertility of dam, sire, and littermates canine vaginal speculum and/or the pediatric have a convoluted course. The uterus will
○ Date and age at first estrus proctoscope (p. 1184) allows visualization of have a greater diameter during diestrus
○ Duration of estrus the caudal vagina only. The degree of vaginal compared to proestrus or estrus. Cystic

www.ExpertConsult.com