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Prostatic Diagnostic Sampling 1153

more red/brown and scant over overgrowth of a single organism may be Pearls
time) ○ Milk cytologic exam, pH, and culture • Keeping the bitch/queen in a clean, comfort-
cause for concern.
VetBooks.ir Procedure • Abdominal ultrasonography and/or radiographs • Cooked pumpkin is a useful food additive
able, warm, and safe environment with plenty
Abnormal: cream colored or any of the
■
above with a significant odor
of fresh water is in her best interest.
○ Check for retained placenta or retained
fetus.
• Perform a postpartum physical exam of dam • Sometimes, additional treatments are to help correct diarrhea after placental
ingestion.
and offspring. necessary. • Do not neglect the importance of proper
○ Exam allows early detection of periparturi- ○ For postpartum dams, breeders may nutrition while the bitch/queen is pregnant
ent disorders if they arise. request a “clean-out shot,” meaning an and while nursing her offspring.
○ Lactating dam and offspring have an oxytocin injection. This is no longer • Feeding raw diets during pregnancy and in
increased susceptibility to infectious considered necessary because suckling postpartum period is discouraged.
disease. offspring have the same effect. • Temperature plays a huge role in successful
• Based on physical exam findings, decide ■ A dose of 2-10 units (up to a maximum postpartum health of dam and puppies/
whether a postpartum problem exists. of 20 units) oxytocin IM or intranasal kittens; pay close attention to the environ-
○ Often, postpartum problems present as aids in uterine involution if retained mental temperature. Procedures and Techniques
problems with offspring. placentas are suspected or offspring are • Know the signs of postpartum conditions
• Weight of dam, pups/kittens should be born dead. such as eclampsia.
ascertained at birth and recorded daily for ■ Do not give until an obstructive ○ Signs of eclampsia include tremors,
the first few weeks to document/address dystocia is ruled out. weakness, and a form of paralysis called
changes. puerperal tetany, characterized by stiff
• Some differential diagnoses to consider based Postprocedure limbs and an inability to stand or walk.
on exam findings: • The dam and offspring should be rechecked • Do not leave first-time mothers or nervous
○ Prolonged or abnormal-appearing vaginal at 3 and 6 weeks. bitches/queens alone with offspring until you
discharge: SIPS, metritis, retained placenta • After caesarean section, dam and offspring are sure the dam will not cannibalize the
○ Swollen mammary glands: mastitis, can continue to be monitored at home. young.
galactostasis, agalactia, hypogalactia • Strict adherence to biosecurity procedures
• Diagnostic testing may be necessary to helps to keep dam and offspring healthy. SUGGESTED READING
address a suspected problem. • Many drugs are excreted into the milk, which Johnston SD, et al: Periparturient disorders in the
○ CBC, serum biochemistry panel, can then be ingested at high (even toxic) bitch. In Johnston SD, et al, editors: Canine and
fibrinogen: healthy postpartum dams levels by the nursing offspring. Verification feline theriogenology, Philadelphia, 2001, Saunders,
may be slightly anemic, with an elevated of the potential for milk excretion and the pp 129-145.
fibrinogen and normal chemistry profile. effects of the drug on the neonates is essential
○ Vaginal cytologic exam: healthy dams before prescribing a drug to a lactating AUTHOR: Clare M. Scully, DVM, MA, MS, DACT
EDITORS: Leah A. Cohn, DVM, PhD, DACVIM;
typically have erythrocytes and hemosid- dam. Michelle A. Kutzler, DVM, PhD, DACT
erophages present in vaginal discharge for
4-6 weeks postpartum. Alternatives and Their
○ Vaginal culture: healthy postpartum dams Relative Merits
have positive bacterial cultures for normal The dam can be allowed to give birth without
vaginal flora, similar to all healthy bitches; any intervention.

Prostatic Diagnostic Sampling Client Education
Sheet

Difficulty level: ♦♦ • Prostate abscess (for automated needle biopsy • General anesthesia
and large-needle aspirate) • Ultrasound machine
Overview and Goal • Acute prostatitis (relative contraindication) Prostatic massage:
Nonsurgical techniques for obtaining prostate • Suspicion or possibility of urethral transi- • Urinary catheter that is long enough to reach
tissue samples for culture, cytologic analysis, tional cell carcinoma (for fine-needle aspira- the urinary bladder
and/or histopathologic examination tion [FNA] and automated needle biopsy). • Two 5-mL syringes
Diagnostic (traumatic) catheterization would • Two 5-mL aliquots of sterile saline
Indications be a safer option in this case to reduce the • Two sterile sample containers capable of
• Pyuria risk of tumor seeding. holding at least 5 mL of fluid
• Hematuria • Manual restraint to general anesthesia,
• Penile/urethral discharge Equipment, Anesthesia depending on the demeanor of the patient
• Prostate enlargement FNA: • Ultrasound guidance is helpful.
• Prostatic mineralization • 18-gauge needle Diagnostic catheterization:
• Asymmetrical/irregular/nodular prostate • 12-mL syringe • Urinary catheter that is long enough to reach
• Usually does not require sedation the prostatic urethra
Contraindications • Ultrasound machine • 60-mL syringe
• Inadequate restraint Automated needle biopsy: • Sedation pending patient
• Bleeding disorder • Automated biopsy needle (14-20 gauge) • Ultrasound is helpful.

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