A. Rota

An Apgar scoring system for routine assessment of newborn puppy viability and short-term survival prognosis.

The Apgar scoring system is an easy and reliable method for evaluating both human and animal neonates. However, its use is not widespread in veterinary medicine. The current study assessed a modified Apgar scoring system for routine evaluation of newborn puppies. Heart rate, respiratory effort, reflex irritability, motility, and mucus color have been evaluated in the score. Specifically, we used 5 min after birth Apgar score to assess newborn viability and short-term survival prognosis, as well as related characteristics, in 193 puppies from 42 litters, 65 born by spontaneous delivery, 66 by assisted delivery, and 62 by cesarean section. The percentage of puppies that were dead 2h after birth was higher in the 4 to 6 Apgar score group versus that in the 7 to 10 score group (P<0.01) and in the 0 to 3 score group versus that in the 7 to 10 score group (P<0.0001). Delivery method did not affect survival. There was a marked reduction in the number of puppies searching for the mammary gland in the 0 to 3 and 4 to 6 Apgar score groups compared with that in the 7 to 10 score group (P<0.0001); there was a difference between the 0 to 3 and the 4 to 6 score groups as well (P<0.05). Suckling/swallowing reflexes were present in fewer puppies in the 0 to 3 and 4 to 6 score groups compared with that in the 7 to 10 group (P<0.0001), with no significant differences between the 0 to 3 and the 4 to 6 score groups.

Immunohistochemical Evaluation of the Expression of Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Mature, Immature and Neoplastic Canine Sertoli Cells

In mammals, the earliest specific protein expressed by Sertoli cells (SCs) is the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), which induces the regression of Müllerian ducts and is produced by SCs until the functional maturation of the testes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of AMH by canine SCs during testicular maturation and neoplastic transformation. Testes from two fetuses, 18 newborn puppies, five puppies aged 43-180 days and six adult dogs, and 24 canine Sertoli cell tumours (SCTs) were studied immunohistochemically for expression of AMH. Fifteen of the 24 SCTs were classified as typical, eight as lipid-rich and one was considered malignant based on evidence of lymph node metastasis. SCs from fetuses and neonatal puppies and puppies up to 45 days old expressed AMH, while SCs from older puppies and adults were negative. All SCTs expressed AMH, suggesting that AMH expression is a useful marker of immature and neoplastic canine SCs.

Accuracy of the prediction of parturition date through ultrasonographic measurement of fetal parameters in the queen.

Accuracy of the prediction of parturition date through ultrasonographic measurement of fetal parameters in the queen M. Beccaglia & P. Anastasi & E. Grimaldi & A. Rota & M. Faustini & G. C. Luvoni Published online: 7 August 2008 # Springer Science + Business Media B.V. 2008

Characteristics of cryptic/ectopic and contralateral scrotal testes in dogs between 1 and 2 years of age

Testicular malposition represents a common developmental genital defect in dogs and can affect one or both testes. In both humans and dogs, unilateral cryptorchism is more frequently detected and thought to be the expression of a genetic abnormality affecting both the undescended and scrotal testis. In the dog, there is evidence of degenerative processes affecting the maldescended testis. However, the histologic and functional changes that occur in the scrotal testis of unilateral cryptorchid or ectopic individuals remain a source of debate. Because the bilateral surgical removal of the testes leads to some undesirable side effects, the aim of this study was to evaluate the necessity for performing bilateral orchiectomy in young unilateral cryptorchid dogs. A morphologic study of both cryptic/ectopic and scrotal testes in young dogs affected by unilateral testicular maldescent was therefore conducted. The study was conducted on 10 dogs aged 1 to 2 yr and affected by unilateral testicular maldescent. We found that, in young dogs, even if no neoplastic lesions were observed, morphologic abnormalities are detectable between 1 and 2 yr of age in the maldescended testes with severity dependent on testicular position. In contrast, in the scrotal testes, the histologic and immunohistochemical exam failed to find signs of incorrect development or morphologic abnormalities. The results seem to suggest that, though the early removal of the undescended testis is recommended, continuous monitoring of the scrotal testis for the life of the dog is preferable to removing it considering the undesirable side effects related to castration.

Spaying-related urinary incontinence and oestrogen therapy in the bitch

Some aspects of spaying-related urinary incontinence in the bitch still remain incompletely clarified. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to evaluate the prevalence of the disease among spayed dogs, to detect differences in risk related to the type of surgery, to describe the characteristics of incontinent bitches, to assess the influence of age at surgery on the onset of incontinence occurrence, and to assess the effectiveness and long-term side effects of oestrogen therapy in affected bitches. Among 750 bitches submitted to ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy, those showing spaying-related urinary incontinence were evaluated. Oestrogen replacement therapy consisted of administering an effective dose followed by an individual maintenance dose. The results showed that the disease occurred in 5% of neutered bitches, the type of surgery did not affect the disease occurrence, affected bitches frequently represented large or giant breeds or large-size mongrels, the body weight of the affected bitches at surgery was often > 20 kg, the disease seems to be associated with tail docking, the age at surgery influences the onset ofincontinence, with earlier occurrence in older bitches, and that a strong co-operation between owners and veterinarians is necessary to achieve successful response to oestrogen replacement therapy. Long-term administration seems to be unrelated to oestrogenic side effects.

IGF-I and NEFA concentrations in fetal fluids of term pregnancy dogs.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) play an essential role in fetal growth and development. To date, fetal fluids IGF-I and NEFA levels at term canine pregnancy are unknown and could be related to the neonatal development and breed size. For these reasons, the aims of the present study were as follows: (1) to evaluate IGF-I and NEFA concentrations in fetal fluids collected from normally developed and viable newborn puppies born at term of normal pregnancies; (2) to assess possible differences between IGF-I and NEFA levels in amniotic compared with allantoic fluid; (3) to detect possible relationship between breed body size and IGF-I and NEFA amniotic and allantoic concentrations; (4) to evaluate possible differences in IGF-I fetal fluids levels between male and female puppies; and (5) to assess possible correlations between the two hormones in each type of fluid. The study enrolled 25 pure breed bitches submitted to elective Cesarean section at term because of the high risk of dystocia or previous troubles at parturition. At surgery, amniotic and allantoic fluids were collected and assayed for IGF-I and NEFA. IGF-I and NEFA amounts in both amniotic and allantoic fluids of different breed size bitches (small: ≤10 kg; medium: 11-25 kg; large: 26-40 kg) were detected, as well as the effect of gender on IGF-I levels. On a total of 73 amniotic and 76 allantoic samples collected by normal, viable, and mature newborns, the mean IGF-I concentration was significantly higher in amniotic than in allantoic fluid in all three groups, but the amniotic IGF-I levels were significantly lower in small and medium size bitches when compared with large ones. No significant differences were found in allantoic IGF-I concentrations among size groups. A significant effect of the puppy gender on IGF-I content in both fetal fluids was not reported. Regarding NEFA, in all the three groups, the mean NEFA concentration did not significantly differ between amnion and allantois, but in both fetal fluids, higher NEFA levels were detected in samples belonging to small breeds when compared with medium and large. These data strongly indicated that, also in the dog, a relation between fetal fluids IGF-I and NEFA concentrations and breed size exists. Further research is needed to elucidate the possible role of IGF-I and NEFA in the pathologic conditions related to canine fetal growth.

Estradiol-17β, Progesterone and Testosterone Plasma Concentrations during Estrus in the Bitch

Rota, A., Veronesi, M.C., Volpe, S., Riccardi, A. and Battocchio, M., 2007. Estradiol-17β, progesterone and testosterone plasma concentrations during estrus in the bitch. Veterinary Research Communications, 31(Suppl. 1), 197–199

Biochemical composition of fetal fluids in at term, normal developed, healthy, viable dogs and preliminary data from pathologic littermates

A proper canine neonatal assistance, required to reduce the high perinatal loss rate, imply a full knowledge about the fetal-to-neonatal physiology. Because fetal fluids play an important role throughout mammals pregnancy, influencing fetal growth and development, fetal well being, and contributing to guarantee the most suitable environment for the fetus, the knowledge about fetal fluids biochemical composition is of major importance. At first, the biochemical composition of fetal fluids collected by normal developed, healthy and viable newborns, is necessary to depict the normal features, and represent the first step for the further detection of abnormalities associated to fetal/neonatal distress and useful for the early identification of newborns needing special attention, immediately after birth. The present study was aimed to define the biochemical composition of amniotic and allantoic fluids collected from fetus delivered by caesarean section at term of pregnancy. To reduce the possible confounding effect of maternal labor or troubles at parturition, fetal fluids were collected only from puppies born by elective caesaeran section, at term of normal pregnancies. Fetal fluids from 76 puppies, 70 normal and six pathologic newborns, born by elective caesarean section were collected and analyzed for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine-kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, urea, amylase, lipase, gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), triglycerides, cholesterol, total proteins, albumin, globulins, glucose, magnesium, potassium, chloride, sodium, calcium, phosphorus and osmolarity. No significant differences were found between biochemical composition of amniotic or allantoic fluid in normal and pathologic newborns, maybe due to the small number of the pathologic puppies. Although some correlations between the two fluids were found (albumin, phosphorus, glucose and triglycerides), the results showed significant differences between the amniotic and allantoic biochemical composition (for all the parameters, except of alanine aminotransferase, triglycerides, cholesterol, albumin, amylase and glucose), suggesting that diverse sources could concur to the final composition of each fluid. A wide variability within and among litters was found for both amniotic and allantoic biochemical composition, and for some parameters an influence of breed body size (amniotic amylase, cholesterol, and allantoic calcium and glucose), maternal parity (amniotic and allantoic CK, glucose, LDH, chloride) and newborn gender (allantoic phosphorus) was found. Further investigations are needed for addressing the origin of each fetal fluid biochemical composition in the dog and also to indeep possible differences in fetal fluids biochemical composition between normal and pathologic puppies, providing potential markers for the quick identification of newborns that need special surveillance and cares immediately after birth.

Association of amniotic uric acid, glucose, lactate and creatinine concentrations and lactate/creatinine ratio with newborn survival in small-sized dogs – preliminary results

In order to define the normal composition of canine amniotic fluid and to detect differences between surviving and non-surviving newborn puppies, the present study determined the uric acid, glucose, lactate and creatinine concentrations and the lactate to creatinine ratio in amniotic fluids collected during elective Caesarean section from small-sized purebred bitches. The possible relationship between newborn survival and the studied parameters, as well as the effects of maternal parity, fetal gender and Apgar score were assessed. The study enrolled 27 small-sized purebred bitches submitted to elective Caesarean section at term. After opening the fetal membranes, amniotic fluid samples were collected aseptically from the amniotic sac of each fetus. The data obtained from 74 amniotic fluid samples collected from 27 bitches showed that amniotic glucose concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in non-surviving than in surviving puppies. Within the normal, surviving puppies, amniotic glucose concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in male than in female newborns, and the lactate/creatinine ratio was significantly higher in multiparous than in primiparous bitches (P < 0.05). These preliminary results demonstrate the relevance of amniotic glucose, but not of uric acid, lactate, creatinine and the lactate to creatinine ratio for detecting puppies at risk of death immediately after birth.

Cortisol fetal fluids concentrations and newborn outcome in term pregnancy small-sized purebred dogs.

In order to provide further information about canine perinatology, and because of the scarce knowledge about fetal fluids composition in dogs, the present study was aimed to assess the cortisol concentrations in fetal fluids collected from small-sized purebred newborn puppies born by elective cesarean section, at term of pregnancy (Meloni et al, 2014). Furthermore we assessed possible correlations of amniotic and allantoic cortisol concentrations and newborn outcome at 24 hours of age and with the newborn gender. Fetal fluids cortisol concentrations were also evaluated for correlation with maternal parity, litter-size, neonatal gender, birth weight and Apgar score (Veronesi et al, 2009). The study, performed on 50 born alive, normal weighed puppies, without gross physical malformation, showed that cortisol concentration was higher in allantoic than in amniotic fluid (p<0.01), even if a strong positive correlation between the two fluids cortisol concentration was found (p<0.0001; R=0.83). Interestingly, higher amniotic (p<0.05) cortisol concentrations were associated to puppies not surviving at 24 hours after birth. Therefore it could be suggested that this parameter may be useful for the recognition, at birth, of puppies needing special surveillance in the first day of age. In relation to the other evaluated parameters, no correlations with amniotic or allantoic cortisol concentrations were found. In conclusion, the present results showed that in small-sized purebred puppies, born at term by elective caesarean section, the evaluation of amniotic cortisol concentration seems useful for the detection of puppies that need special surveillance during the first 24 hours of age, and should be coupled to the newborn evaluation by Apgar score.