[Inappropriate lactation syndrome in goats--case collection and experiences with mastectomy]. / Lactatio falsa bei der Ziege - Fallsammlung und Erfahrungen mit der Amputation des Gesäuges.

OBJECTIVE: Hobby keeping of goats and sheep confronts veterinarians with new challenges that rarely have to be faced in livestock husbandry. During the last five years five goats were presented to the Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany, with inappropriate lactation syndrome. Four of these animals had been previously treated with cabergoline without enduring success. According to the request of the owners (informed consent) and the clinical severity of the cases, a mastectomy was performed in all five animals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Surgery was performed under general anaesthesia using ketamine and xylazine, and with the patients in a recumbent position. RESULTS: Mastectomy in small ruminants requires knowledge of the anatomy of the udder and the possible positions of the supplying blood vessels. Our patients displayed a variety of dispositions of the Vena epigastrica caudalis superficialis. Special attention should be paid to a careful and blunt dissection of the mammary gland, and immediate control of haemorrhage, to maintain a clear view on the anatomic structures. Furthermore, dissection of the glandular tissue should be strictly avoided to prevent milk contamination of the surgical area. A sufficient skin flap has to be left to cover the surgical area after removal of the udder. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Even though udder amputation appears to be a radical and high-risk procedure, all five goats survived the surgery. The wound healing occurred in a reasonable time without any severe complications. In goats that are kept as "hobby animals" and in which an inappropriate lactation syndrome cannot be treated conservatively, mastectomy is a reasonable and promising therapy.

Pituitary adenoma with galactorrhea in an adult male cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis).

Although endocrinopathies in many animal species are well documented, an adult, male, wild-caught cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) presented an interesting diagnostic challenge. Previous physical examinations had been unremarkable with the exception of a heart murmur. The animal presented with ulcerative dermatitis in the dorsal cervical area, and physical exam revealed white material around the nipples. A white milky substance could be expressed bilaterally from the nipples. Hematologic, serologic, and urine samples revealed glucosuria, ketonuria, and hyperglycemia. Further diagnostic testing confirmed persistent hyperglycemia and revealed elevated serum prolactin and cortisol levels. During subsequent imaging studies, the animal underwent cardiac arrest and was euthanized. Gross necropsy findings included an enlarged pituitary gland. A prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma was confirmed on histopathology. In light of the results of serum biochemical analyses, the additional diagnosis of type II non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was made. This case represents the first documented antemortem diagnosis of a prolactin-secreting pituitary tumor in a cynomolgus macaque.

Gestation et lactation nerveuses de la chienne / Nervous pregnancy and nursing of the female dog

Dans les meutes de loups, il arrive souvent que plisieurs femelles allaitent les petits d'une même portée. Cela n'est possible que si elles ont du lait, malgré le fait qu'elles n'aient point mis bas, c'est le phénomène de la "lactation nerveuse". Tout se passe comme si les autres louves avaient... (AU)

Hyperprolactinaemia and galactorrhoea associated with primary hypothyroidism in a bitch.

An endocrinopathy characterised by hyperprolactinaemia and galactorrhoea was found to be associated with primary hypothyroidism in an entire bitch. Clinical diagnosis was confirmed by lowered baseline T4 blood levels, reduced response to the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test, elevated prolactin and TSH values, and echographic and scintigraphic examinations. Levothyroxine treatment resulted in a clinical improvement (especially of the galactorrhoea), and levels of prolactin, thyroxine, TSH, triglycerides and total cholesterol plasma returned to normal.

Galactorrhea in a male stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides).

A male Macaca arctoides imported as an adult in 1966, has demonstrated bilateral galactorrhea since 1973. The animal has not shown any clinical signs of gynecomastia, ill health, or reproductive failure. A sample of the secretion expressed from his nipples contained 2-5% lactose.