Assessment of the optimal age for a preventive ultrasonographic screening of the uterine health in bitches

Abstract

Studies about prevalence of uterine pathologies in bitches are scarce. Although correlation between age and uterine disorders was documented, the most suitable age for a preventive sonographic screening has not been proposed yet. Present study aimed to estimate the eligible age for an ultrasonographic screening of uterine abnormalities in dogs. Data regarding ultrasound examination and clinical records of non‐pregnant intact females were retrospectively analysed. The age of each bitch was expressed as age ratio (actual/maximum age expected for the respective breed). The cut‐off age ratio was determined by a ROC curve for overall uterine abnormalities. Frequencies of different abnormalities below and over the cut‐off derived from the ROC curve were calculated and statistically analysed by chi‐Square and OR. Prevalence of three categories of ultrasonographic findings was as follows: cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) 18%; uterine collections (UC) 10.5%; masses (M) 1.3%. By the cut‐off age ratio (0.325), derived by ROC curve (AUC = 0.91; SP 84.23%; SE 79.2%; PPV 83.4%; NPV 80%), 228 cases were divided into two subgroups: bitches over (exposed group: n.83) and below cut‐off (control group: n.145). All abnormalities resulted more frequent in exposed group: OR was 24.96 (p < 0.0001: 71.1% over vs. 9% below cut‐off) for overall abnormalities; 13.68 (p < 0.0001: 40.9% vs. 4.8%) for CEH; 6.13 (p < 0.002: 21.7% vs. 4.1%) for UC; 12.65 (p = 0.09: 3.6% vs. 0%) for M. Cystic endometrial hyperplasia represents the most common finding in adult bitches, followed by UC. A preventive sonographic screening for uterine abnormalities should start from 33% of expected longevity to preventively select animals requiring further evaluations.

Fertility outcome after medically treated pyometra in dogs

“…Cystic endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra complex (CEH/P) represents a common life-threatening challenge in small animal reproduction [12]. Pyometra creates a medical emergency, requiring rapid intervention to prevent its progression to sepsis.…”

Highlights on the Canine Prostatic Specific Esterase (CPSE): A diagnostic and screening tool in veterinary andrology

“…In clinical practice, to increase canine well‐being, male dogs should receive the same attention normally paid to ageing bitches. In fact, BPH shares with cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) some epidemiological and etiological features (Bigliardi et al., 2004; Melandri, Barella, & Alonge, 2019b; Melandri, Veronesi, Pisu, Majolino, & Alonge, 2019a; Moxon, Whiteside, & England, 2016; Niskanen & Thrusfield, 1998): they are under age and hormonal control, and often symptomless before they can be complicated by prostatitis and pyometra, respectively. At least over the 40% of the expected life, calculated according to the breed, even asymptomatic male dogs should start to be screened by CPSE dosage in order to promptly suggest to the owner to go further in a more sophisticated and expensive diagnostic investigation to prevent complications which may become life‐threatening.…”

A Biotic Support During Pregnancy to Strengthen the Gastrointestinal Performance in Puppies

“…Elective C-section ( 21 ) was performed at term and following the clinical appearance of the onset of the first stage of labor, the clinical signs of which were represented by the vaginal elimination of the mucous plug and behavioral alterations (i.e., isolation, restlessness, and lack of appetite) ( 12 ).…”