Clinical and ultrasonographic findings of ovarian tumours in bitches: A retrospective study.

A retrospective study was carried out to investigate incidence, clinical signs and ultrasonographic findings of ovarian tumours in a population of dogs referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Perugia (Italy) and Anicura Tyrus Veterinary Clinic (Terni, Italy). The period of study ranged from January 2005 to December 2021. A total of 1910 dogs were affected by neoplasia but only 35 of them (1.8%), of different breeds and ages, were found to have ovarian tumours. Ultrasound of the ovaries was performed based on clinical signs; the diagnosis was achieved after ultrasound findings prompted ovariohysterectomy and ovarian pathologic evaluation In our study, the age of bitches affected by ovarian neoplasia ranged from 3 to 20 years (mean 9.6 ± 3.8). The histopathological findings of ovarian masses identified 16 granulosa cell tumours (GCT) (46%), 7 adenomas (20%), 5 adenocarcinomas (14%), 2 teratomas (6%), 1 leiomyoma (3%), 1 luteoma (3%), 1 tecoma (3%), 1 dysgerminoma (3%), and 1 haemangiosarcoma (3%). In particular, with respect to clinical signs, 69% of bitches showed abnormalities of estrus cycle (short interestral interval, persistent estrus, prolonged interestral interval). The other main clinical signs included abdominal distention, palpable abdominal mass, vulvovaginal discharge, polyuria/polydipsia, mammary masses. When present, the laboratory abnormalities were slight anemia and leucocytosis with neutrophilia. The tumours were ultrasonographically classified as mainly solid: 12/35 (34%) (1 adenoma, 4 adenocarcinomas, 1 dysgerminoma, 1 haemangiosarcoma, 1 leyomioma, 1 luteoma, 1 GCT, 1 tecoma, 1 teratoma); solid with cystic component 13/35 (37%) (9 GCT, 2 Adenomas, 1 adenocarcinoma, 1 teratoma); and mainly cystic 10/35 (29%) (6 GCTs, 4 adenomas). In our study, the ultrasound examination allowed us to suspect ovarian neoplasia in asymptomatic subjects referred for breeding management or for preventive health check. On the basis of our data, we proposed to perform a complete periodic examination of the reproductive system once a year from 6 years. Nevertheless, the presence of ovarian neoplasms found in young subjects, during breeding management, suggest including routine ultrasound examination of the reproductive tract.

Isolation of extracellular vesicles from bitch's amnion-derived cells culture and their CD59 expression: Preliminary results.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small spherical particles surrounded by a membrane with an unusual lipid composition and a striking cholesterol/phospholipidic ratio. About 2000 lipid and 3500 protein species were identified in EVs secreted by different cell sources. EVs mediate cell to cell communication in proximity to or distant from the cell of origin. In particular, it was suggested that they represent modulators of multiple processes during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to identify the presence of EVs in canine amnion-derived cells (ASCs) culture and the expression of CD 59 on their surface. Amniotic membrane was collected in PBS with antibiotics added from 2 bitches during elective caesarean section. Cells culture was prepared and EVs were isolated. EVs were used to evaluate CD59 expression by flow cytofluorimetry. We found that the majority of EVs expressed CD59. Our results could increase the knowledge about the complex mechanisms that regulate the pregnancy in the bitch.

Presence and expression of apelin and apelin receptor in bitch placenta.

Apelin is a potent inotropic agent causing endothelium-mediated vasodilation and is involved in vessel formation by interacting with a specific receptor. Its cardiovascular profile suggests a role in the regulation of gestational hemodynamic changes. The expression of apelin and its receptor has been reported in some portions of the reproductive tract of different mammalian species. As far as we know, there are no reports describing the expression of apelin and apelin receptor in bitch's placenta. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the presence and distribution of apelin and apelin receptor in bitch placenta by molecular biology and immunohistochemical techniques. Sixteen adult female half-breed bitches were used. The animals were divided into two groups based on the stage of pregnancy: group 1 (mid-gestation n = 8) and group 2 (end gestation n = 8). These bitches were subjected to ovariohysterectomy (group1) or non-conservative caesarean section (group 2). The immunohistochemical technique revealed the presence of positive immune reaction for apelin and apelin receptor in all the samples examined at 30 days and at the end of pregnancy. In particular, apelin and apelin receptor staining was evident in the cytoplasms of cytotrophoblasts and in epithelial cells of the maternal portion. Even if not included into the structure of the placenta, the uterine glands also exhibited a positive immune reaction for apelin and apelin receptor. The RT-PCR analysis showed the presence of transcripts for apelin and apelin receptor in all the placenta samples examined. On the basis of our results it was also possible to hypothesize a potential role of apelin in the control of local placenta blood flow during pregnancy development in bitches.

Serum concentration dynamic of energy homeostasis hormones, leptin, insulin, thyroid hormones, and cortisol throughout canine pregnancy and lactation.

Pregnancy and lactation represent critical periods of canine reproductive life and different hormones are required to maintain homeostasis and the correct energy requirements. The aim of this study was to evaluate leptin, insulin, triiodotyronine (T3), thyroxin (T4) and cortisol serum concentrations to better describe the canine maternal energy metabolism. Twelve Bloodhound bitches that had at least one litter and were considered to be healthy submitted blood samples every 15 days starting from day 0 (ovulation) throughout pregnancy up to the end of lactation (day 120). We found that leptin concentrations increased from day 0 to reach maximum value at day 45 (P < 0.001), decreased at day 60 (P < 0.05) and rose again at day 105 and day 120 (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 respectively). Insulin concentrations significantly increased during pregnancy peaking at day 60 (P < 0.05). After parturition dropped and reached progressively lower values similar to those at day 0 at the end of lactation. During pregnancy Body Weight was in low correlation with leptin (r = 0.32, P < 0.01) and there was no correlation with insulin (r = 0.13, P > 0.1); moreover, no correlation was found during lactation. T3 concentrations showed a U-shaped trend with a significant reduction at day 75 (P < 0.05). T4 concentrations fluctuated without any significant change (ranging from 27.0 ± 1.6 nmol/l to 32.1 ± 1.9 nmol/l). Cortisol concentrations ranged within the reference values (minimal value at day 30 (49.8 ± 6.3 nm/L) and maximal value at day 45 (72.5 ± 16.1 nm/L)). Our study states that canine pregnancy and lactation evoke many hormonal changes necessary to mother and fetuses. In particular, this is the first report regarding the pattern of leptin during whole pregnancy and lactation. The present work lays the groundwork for further studies on endocrine homeostatic mechanisms using the dog as a model for human medicine.

Addition of different concentrations of prostasome-like vesicles at neutral or slightly alkaline pH decreases canine sperm motility.

Prostasome-like vesicles (PV) are components of the canine prostatic fluid during ejaculation and despite some enzymatic activities have been identified recently, their functions in the reproductive events in this species are still poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated at neutral or slightly alkaline pH, the effects of different concentrations of purified PV on sperm cell motility characteristics and the impact on the short- and long-term preservation of preserved semen maintained at room temperature. Two different experiments were performed. In the first experiment, purified PV were added at increasing concentration (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 µL equivalent to 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 µg of protein, respectively) to aliquots of 100 µL of preserved semen maintained at 22 °C at the following time points: 0, 30, 60, 120, 240, and 480 min. Computer-assisted sperm motility characteristics and pH were assessed three times at each time points, for each sample and for every concentrations. In the second experiment, the purified PV were added with the same methods as described above but only at time 0. Sperm motility characteristics and pH were assessed over the time. This study showed how the addition of purified PV to preserved semen affects negatively (p < 0.05) at neutral and alkaline pH, both total and progressive motility in a concentration depending manner. Furthermore, prostasome addition was demonstrated to change the quality of sperm movement which may represent a mechanism facilitating sperm cells attachment to the uterine epithelium and facilitating energy preservation before fertilization.

A retrospective study of canine prostatic diseases from 2002 to 2009 at the Alfort Veterinary College in France.

A retrospective study was used to investigate the incidence of prostatic diseases in a large population of dogs at Alfort Veterinary Hospital and to clarify epidemiologic features, which might be of a great help to veterinarians in managing and discriminating prostatic disorders. During the investigation period, a total of 72,300 male dogs (coming mainly from the Ile-de-France region) were registered in the Alfort Veterinary College database, and 481 of them (0.7%) were found to have prostatic disorder. The diagnosis was carried out on the basis of clinical signs and ultrasound findings. Among dogs experiencing a prostatic disorder, most frequently recorded diseases were benign prostatic hyperplasia (45.9%) and prostatitis (38.5%), followed by abscesses (7.7%), cysts (5.0%), neoplasia (2.6%), and squamous metaplasia (0.2%). Our study revealed an incidence of 0.3% of prostatic disorders observed in intact male dogs, except in the case of prostatic neoplasia. The mean age of the dogs experiencing prostatic disorders was 8.6 ± 3.2 years. This was significantly different (P < 0.001). Large dogs were significantly more affected by prostatic disorders (P < 0.05), except for prostatic neoplasia. A breed predisposition was suspected in German Shepherd (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-2.9), Rottweiler (OR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.2-2.7), American Staffordshire Terrier (OR = 3.8; 95% CI: 2.5-5.8), Berger de Beauce (OR = 3.7; 95% CI: 2.2-6.1), and Bernese Mountain Dog (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.3-4.7).

Presence of membranous vesicles in cat seminal plasma: ultrastructural characteristics, protein profile and enzymatic activity.

This study sought to verify the presence of membranous vesicles in cat seminal plasma by means of transmission electron microscopy and to identify protein profile and some of the enzymatic activities associated with these particles. The transmission electron microscopy observations showed the existence of different sized vesicular membranous structures of more or less spherical shape. These vesicles were surrounded by single-, double- or multiple-layered laminar membranes. The vesicle diameters ranged from 16.3 to 387.4 nm, with a mean of 116.5 ± 70.7 nm. Enzyme activity determinations showed the presence of dipeptilpeptidase IV, aminopeptidase, alkaline and acid phosphatase. To our knowledge, this is the first report that identifies and characterizes the membranous vesicles in cat seminal plasma. However, further studies are necessary to identify the exact site of production of these membranous vesicles in the cat male genital tract and to determine their specific roles in the reproductive events of this species.

Food restriction during pregnancy in rabbits: effects on hormones and metabolites involved in energy homeostasis and metabolic programming.

This study examined the effects of food restriction during rabbit pregnancy on hormones and metabolites involved in energy homeostasis and metabolic programming. Pregnant does were assigned to four groups: the control group was fed a standard ration while the others received a restricted amount of food (30% restriction) during early (0-9 days), mid (9-18 days), and late (19-28 days) pregnancy. The pregnancy induced a coordinated range of adaptations to fulfil energy requirements of both mother and foetus, such as hyperleptinaemia and hyperinsulinaemia, reduced insulin sensitivity, increased cortisol and non-esterified fatty acid. Food restriction altered leptin, insulin, T3, non-esterified fatty acids and glucose concentrations depending on the gestational phase in which it was applied. Collectively, present data confirm that the endocrinology of pregnancy and the adaptive responses to energy deficit make the rabbit an ideal model for studying nutritional-related disorders and foetal programming of metabolic disease.

Effects of a bacterial lipopolysaccharide on the reproductive functions of rabbit does.

Systemic and local infections and inflammations are known to cause infertility in humans and animals. However, the mechanisms by which infection/inflammation induces infertility are only partially known. The objectives of this study were: (i) to provide models of systemic (acute) and local (sub-acute) inflammation by intra-peritoneal injection or intra-cervical deposition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the rabbit and (ii) to assess their effects on uterine tissues and sperm transport in the genital tract of rabbit does. Intra-peritoneal administration of different doses of LPS induced systemic effects such as fever, anorexia and changes in white blood cells (WBC) count. In our study, LPS inoculation (100µg/kg) produced an inflammation-like status that lasted for about 3 days, with minimal distress for the animals. Intra-peritoneal administration of LPS 60h before artificial insemination induced a rapid increase of IL-1ß concentrations. The intra-cervical inoculation of LPS did not show any systemic effects, as confirmed by the lack of changes in body temperature, feed intake and WBC count. Histological examination of uterine tissues showed an endometritis-like inflammation status in LPS-treated does, more severe in those inoculated intra-cervically. The number of spermatozoa recovered from uterine horns and oviducts of intra-cervically treated does was less than that retrieved from intra-peritoneally treated animals and controls. These results suggest (i) that sub-acute or acute inflammation may cause infertility by compromising the uterine environment and/or impairing sperm transport and (ii) that the LPS-induced -infection/inflammation experimental model is useful for studying the mechanisms involved in reproductive dysfunctions in the rabbit.

Evaluation of testicular artery blood flow by Doppler ultrasonography as a predictor of spermatogenesis in the dog.

The present study examines the relationship between reproductive and seminal characteristic with blood flow supply of the testis in male dogs by means of Doppler ultrasonography. Five male dogs were subject to a clinical examination, blood sampling, B-Mode and Doppler ultrasonography of the testis, semen evaluation at collections and after storage at 4°C for 24, 48 and 72 h in three replicates 30 days apart. Peak Systolic Velocity was positively correlated with testicular volume and negatively with live sperm at collections and after 24h. A negative correlation existed between Resistive Index and Pulsatility Index with total and progressive motility at collections and also after 24, 48 and 72 h. Resistive Index and Pulsatility Index were also negatively correlated with the percentage of membrane intact sperms with curled tails at collections while the latter was positively correlated with End Diastolic Velocity. Moreover, positive linear correlations of weight with bilateral testicular volume and total sperm concentration and also between age and abnormal sperm at collections and after 24h were established. The results suggest that the Resistive Index and Pulsatility Index seem to be potential markers of seminal quality in dogs.

Power and pulsed Doppler evaluation of prostatic artery blood flow in normal and benign prostatic hyperplasia-affected dogs.

This study was carried out with the objectives to test the differences in the haemodynamic characteristics of the prostatic artery in normal and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-affected dogs using Doppler ultrasonography. In sixteen male German shepherd dogs, prostatic volume was detected and prostatic biopsy was performed. The prostatic artery blood flow parameters determined were as follows: peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), Resistive Index (RI) and Pulsatility Index. The power Doppler mode was used for colour flow mapping of the prostatic artery. In PW mode at marginal locations, the waveforms recorded showed a continuous pattern typical of the high-resistance vessels, while in subcapsular locations, the waveforms recorded were continuous characteristic of the low-resistance vessel. Peak systolic velocity and EDV in both locations were significantly higher in BPH group (p < 0.001) than normal group (p < 0.05). Pixel number in BPH group in both locations was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to the normal group. This study shows that Doppler ultrasonography represents a valid and non-invasive method for the characterization of the blood flow in the prostatic artery in dogs affected with BPH. Moreover, statistically significant differences of blood flow velocities in prostatic artery in normal and BPH-affected dogs were detected. The RI was not able to differentiate normal dogs from dogs affected by BPH and therefore is not a parameter usable for diagnostic purposes, while Power Doppler could represent an additional diagnostic tool.

Clinical efficacy of the GnRH agonist (deslorelin) in dogs affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia and evaluation of prostatic blood flow by Doppler ultrasound.

In six German Shepherds dogs, GnRH agonist implants (Deslorelin) were inserted subcutaneously one month after histological confirmation of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Prostatic volume (PV), characteristics of ejaculate, serum testosterone concentrations and Doppler parameters of prostatic and subcapsular arteries were detected at different time intervals, for 6 month. The prostatic volume showed a significantly reduction starting at day 37. The decrease in sperm concentration, motility and increase in morphological abnormal sperm were observed from day 22 to day 37, when it was no longer possible to obtain the ejaculate. The values of peak systolic velocity and end-diastolic velocity in prostatic and subcapsular arteries showed from day 11 a gradual decrease, significant at day 22 until day 37 and reaching the lowest values at day 52 until the end of observation. The power Doppler pixel intensity of both arteries showed a gradual decrease from day 5 until day 52. In particular, a significant decrease was observed for both arteries from day 11. Testosterone serum concentration decreased to undetectable levels by day 11 until the end of the observations. All these Doppler parameters and testosterone values were positively correlated with the prostatic volume. Furthermore, testosterone values were positively correlated with peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity and pixel numbers. The use of implants containing GnRH analogues, even in asymptomatic subjects, is effective for the control of BPH and the application of Doppler exam of prostatic blood flow represent an non-invasive tool for monitoring the response of medical treatment.

Ultrastructural and enzymatic activity of membranous vesicles isolated from canine seminal plasma.

The objectives of this study were to verify the presence of membranous vesicles (MV) in canine seminal plasma by mean of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), to describe the ultrastructural characteristics and to identify some enzymatic activity associated with them. Semen samples, collected by digital manipulation from dogs with proven fertility, were pooled and used for membrane vesicles preparation according to conventional procedures. TEM observations showed the existence of vesicular membranous structures of more or less spherical shape with different sizes. These vesicles were surrounded by a single-, double- or multiple-layered laminar membranes. The mean vesicle diameter was 117.6 ± 86.9 nm ranging from 24.4 to 716.6 nm. Enzyme activity determinations showed the presence of adenosine deaminase, 5'-nucleotidase, ADPase, ATPase, dipeptilpeptidase IV, alkaline phosphatase, total acid phosphatase and prostatic acid phosphatase, while the aminopeptidase activity was absent. In conclusion, results of this study, compatible with results from other mammals, showed for the first time the presence of MV, their ultrastructural and enzymatic characteristics in dog seminal plasma.

Power and pulsed Doppler evaluation of ovarian hemodynamic changes during diestrus in pregnant and nonpregnant bitches.

The aim of the study was to further characterize the relationship between hemodynamic changes in the ovary and luteal function in pregnant and nonpregnant bitches. Fourteen German Shepherd bitches were monitored three times a week from the first day of cytological diestrus (D1) until parturition or the end of diestrus (progesterone <2 ng/mL) by color Doppler, pulsed wave spectral Doppler, and power Doppler (PD) ultrasonography. By means of PD the total number of color pixels were calculated. The Doppler parameters evaluated were: peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and both resistive and pulsatility indices. Blood samples were collected three times a week throughout the experiment to determine progesterone (P4) concentrations. The length of diestrus in pregnant versus nonpregnant group was significantly shorter (P < 0.01; 57 ± 1 vs. 63 ± 1, respectively). By means of pulsed wave spectral Doppler the waveform showed a typical pattern of a low-resistive vessel characterized by a rapid systolic peak followed by a slow telediastolic decrease with a relatively high end-diastolic velocity. Blood flow parameters did not differ between left and right ovary. In both groups PSV and EDV showed a gradual decrease with the progress of diestrus; however, the values of PSV and EDV were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the pregnant group versus nonpregnant group from D31 to D61 and from D49 to D58 respectively. Moreover, a significantly decrease (P < 0.05) of PSV and EDV in the pregnant group was observed from D46 to D58 and from D49 to D55, respectively. The resistive and pulsatility indices showed an increase during diestrus and the values were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the pregnant group from D49 to D61. By means of PD, the pixel number was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the pregnant versus nonpregnant group from D40 to D61. In particular, a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the pixel number in the pregnant group was observed from D46 to D61. The comparison of the P4 values with the ovarian pixel number in the pregnant and nonpregnant group showed a direct correlation (r = 0.792, N = 59 and r = 0.774, N = 59, respectively). In particular, the P4 values were higher (P < 0.05) in the pregnant than in the nonpregnant group from D37 to D52. In conclusion, significant physiological differences between pregnant and nonpregnant bitches in terms of P4 and ovarian blood supply are reported. In addition it was possible to define that blood flow pattern during diestrus in pregnant bitches is not always closely related with P4 production.

Immunohistochemical detection of the orexin system in the placenta of cats.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence and distribution of cells containing orexin A (OXA), and orexin type 1 and 2 receptors (OX1R and OX2R, respectively) in the feline placenta by means of immunohistochemical technique. OXA was identified in several decidual and syncytiotrophoblastic cells present in the lamellar portion of the placenta. In the same placental structures, few decidual and syncytiotrophoblastic cells showed the presence of OX1R-like immunoreactivity. Characteristically, immunopositivity for OX2R, but not for OX1R, was evidenced in the cells of the glandular layer. The orexinic system was not expressed in the uterine structures that were not engaged by the chorion. Our results provide the first evidence of the presence of a placental orexinic system in a mammalian species. Orexin A and both OX1R and OX2R are unequally distributed within the cat placenta. Local OXA production and the presence of specific receptors, differentially expressed in the placental structures of the cat, suggest that the orexinic system may participate in placental growth and development as well as in the regulation of its steroidogenic capacity via endocrine, paracrine and/or autocrine mechanisms.

Aglepristone (RU534) administration to non-pregnant bitches in the mid-luteal phase induces early luteal regression.

The effect of the antiprogestagen aglepristone (10 mg/kg bw), administered at days 29 and 30 following the estimated day of LH surge (day 0), on corpora lutea (CL) function was examined during the diestrus phase of non-pregnant bitches. Aglepristone shortened (P < 0.01) the luteal phase and complete luteolysis (progesterone <2 ng/mL) was observed at days 40.8 +/- 3.5 and 71.5 +/- 4.6 (means +/- SD; n = 9/group) in treated and control bitches, respectively. Peripheral estradiol-17beta concentrations declined from 91.5 +/- 14.3 pg/mL at day 9 to 50 pg/mL at day 18, remaining at approximately the same levels thereafter in both treated and control bitches. Intraluteal in vitro synthesis of progesterone and estradiol-17beta released by CL explanted at day 38 from control bitches (511.9 +/- 285.6 and 40.7 +/- 17.2 pg/mg protein, respectively) did not differ from that of treated. From day 38, intraovarian hemodynamic variables (arterial blood flow, systolic peak, and end-diastolic velocities), monitored by color-coded and pulsed Doppler, decreased more steeply (P < 0.01) in aglepristone-treated (n = 4) than in control (n = 4) bitches, whereas the resistance index increased (P < 0.01) in treated animals. All the blood flow parameters were undetectable at 60 +/- 3.6 and 68 +/- 2.0 days (medians +/- SD) after LH peak in treated and control bitches, respectively. In conclusion, aglepristone administration to dogs during the mid-luteal phase markedly accelerates the luteolytic process which is accompanied by a parallel decline in ovarian blood flow supply with a shift from approximately 8 to 10 days.

Doppler evaluation of maternal and fetal vessels during normal gestation in rabbits.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the hemodynamic changes in the utero-placental arterial vessels in rabbits (Orictolagus cuniculus) throughout pregnancy as well as those in the umbilical cord, aorta, and caudal vena cava of fetuses to establish their normal reference ranges for systolic peak velocity (SPV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI), and resistance index (RI). The blood flow waveforms were monitored every 4 d in 10 rabbits from Day 10 of pregnancy onward by means of color and pulsed wave Doppler ultrasonography using a 5.5-7.5 MHz microconvex transabdominal probe. The utero-placental blood flow was characterized by steep increases and decrease in the SPV with a slow diastolic wave and relatively high EDV, whereas that of the umbilical artery was discontinuous until Day 22 of pregnancy, when a diastolic waveform was also detectable. From Day 10 to 22 of pregnancy, the fetal aorta blood flow was discontinuous, but thereafter a diastolic peak was measurable. The blood flow of the fetal caudal vena cava was characterized by a systolic peak followed by a small diastolic peak. Throughout the gestation, the SPV and the EDV of maternal and fetal vessels increased (alpha<0.05), whereas the PI and the RI decreased (alpha<0.05), except for the utero-placental vessels. This work confirms that the rabbit could also be a valid experimental animal model to study, by Doppler ultrasonography, functional hemodynamic changes of the fetuses and placenta vessels in both normal and pathophysiologic conditions.

Doppler evaluation of maternal and foetal vessels during normal gestation in queen.

The aim of this work is to evaluate the haemodynamic characteristics of maternal and foetal vessels during normal pregnancy in queens, using colour Doppler and pulsed wave Doppler ultrasonography, in order to obtain information about maternal and foetal circulation. The blood waveforms of the uteroplacental arteries, aorta, caudal cava vein and umbilical cord of the fetuses were recorded weekly in seven healthy pregnant queens. Also, the measurements of peak systolic, end diastolic velocities, resistance and pulsatility indices were carried out. Uteroplacental blood flow was biphasic while the ones of the umbilical artery and aorta were first systolic and then diastolic. The caudal cava vein showed a typical waveform of venous vessels. During gestation the EDV and PSV of foetal vessels increased (alpha<0.05) while the PI and RI of all vessels examined decreased (alpha<0.05) except for the IP of the aorta. The Doppler ultrasonography, also in queens, can be used to evaluate the characteristics of maternal and foetal vessel flow and their progressive changes during pregnancy. This study can be considered the basis for further contribution in diagnosing and monitoring high-risk pregnancies in Veterinary Medicine.

Doppler evaluation of maternal and fetal vessels during normal gestation in the bitch.

The aim of this work is to evaluate the haemodynamic characteristics of maternal and fetal vessels during normal pregnancy in bitches, using Colour and Pulsed wave Doppler ultrasonography, in order to obtain more information about maternal and fetal circulation. The blood waveforms of the uteroplacental arteries, aorta, caudal cava vein and umbilical cord of the fetuses were recorded weekly in 16 pregnant bitches. Also, the measurements of Peak Systolic, End Diastolic Velocities, Resistance and Pulsatility Indices were carried out. Uteroplacental blood flow was biphasic while the ones of the umbilical artery and aorta were first systolic and then diastolic. The cava showed a typical waveform of venous vessels. During gestation the EDV and PSV of fetal vessels increased (alpha<0.05) while the PI and RI of all vessels examined decreased (alpha<0.05) except for the IP of the Aorta. The Doppler ultrasonography was used to study the characteristics of maternal and fetal vessel flow and their progressive changes during pregnancy. This study can be considered a further contribution in diagnosing and monitoring high-risk pregnancies in Veterinary Medicine.