Foetal pulmonary maturity in dogs: Estimated from bubble tests in amniotic fluid obtained via amniocentesis.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the reliability of amniocentesis during late pregnancy to assess lung maturity in puppies using a bubble test as described by Gunston and Davey (South African Medical Journal, 54, 1978, 495). Thirty-five bitches from eight different breeds were followed during late pregnancy before undergoing elective Caesarean (C)-section on days 61-62 after ovulation. Bubble tests were performed the day before the C-section (n = 11 bitches) and before the administration of aglepristone on amniotic fluid samples obtained via amniocentesis and were repeated the day of the surgery on amniotic fluid samples collected via puncture of the amniotic bags before they were opened (n = 35 bitches). No complications were observed following amniocenteses and the C-sections. The mortality rate (2.3%) was similar to the result of other studies using the same protocol for an elective C-section. Of the non-contaminated samples collected the day of the C-section, 89.6% were positive in the bubble test, which was consistent with observations of clinical maturity the day of the surgery and on the following days. In contrast, 70% of the samples collected the day before the C-section (when progesterone concentrations were still high) were negative, suggesting that the puppies were still immature at this point in the pregnancy. Additionally, we observed a significant difference in the bubble test results before and 18 hr after the administration of aglepristone, suggesting that aglepristone may act as an inducer of the final maturation of the puppies by inactivating progesterone receptors and simulating a physiological decrease in progesterone. Finally, we confirmed the need to exclude all contaminated samples, which could lead to false-negative results.

First description of scrotal testicles in a dog affected by 78, XX testicular disorder of sex development.

An eight-month-old female dog presented with ambiguous external genitalia. A thorough clinical examination together with various imaging techniques and a histology examination showed the presence of two testicles linked to both the Mullerian and Wolffian ducts. The discovery of the 78,XX SRY-negative karyotype led to the diagnosis of incoherence between the chromosomal and gonadal sex, which is typical for a 78,XX testicular disorder of sex development. Our case was unique because the testicles were still located in their normal scrotal position, whereas the literature contains reports of the presence of cryptorchid testicles in this karyotype setting. To our knowledge, this is the first case that describes an SRY-negative 78,XX testicular disorder of sex development with bilateral scrotal testicles.

Evaluation of newborn canine viability by means of umbilical vein lactate measurement, apgar score and uterine tocodynamometry.

Newborn viability evaluation and early detection of fetal distress could contribute to reducing mortality at birth in canine species. High neonatal mortality rate in dogs is reported subsequent to complicated or uncomplicated whelping. Umbilical vein lactate and tocodynamometry could provide valuable clinical information to the obstetricians so that appropriate medical and surgical treatments or oxygen and warm administration can be properly and timely applied to mother and newborn pup. In humans, the fetal lactate level represents an objective indicator of fetal distress and a valid predictor of babies' survival. Fetal acidosis recognition by umbilical lactate (UL) measurement, APGAR score classification, and uterine activity monitoring during labour, can represent an advanced system in the evaluation of the canine newborn patient. The purpose of this study was to correlate UL levels with canine neonatal morbidity and mortality within 48 h of birth. We evaluated the relationship among neonatal parameters at birth (mucous membrane color, heart and respiratory rate, reflex irritability, mobility, suckling and vocalization, UL, weight, and temperature) with labour characteristics (uterine contractions recorded by the tocodynamometric system of Whelpwise ™ Veterinary Perinatal Specialties ®, delivery time, and pup presentation), in view to predict pup viability. We considered also vaginal parturition versus elective and emergency Caesarean section, and uterotonic drugs influence on delivery. Umbilical lactate concentration proved to be useful to predict canine neonatal mortality within 48 h of birth (P < 0.05). We identified 5 mmol/L of vein umbilical lactate concentration as the cut off value, allowing us to distinguish between healthy and distressed pups. Higher values of UL were related with distressed pups, whereas lower values characterized vigorous pups. Lactate concentrations lower than 5 mmol/L and APGAR scores higher than 9, related to mean delivery time of 105 min with effective uterine contractions (10 mm of Hg of strength or more, frequency from 4 to 12 contractions per hour, and 2-5 min in duration), should be considered good prognostic factors in canine labour and neonatology.