Stefano Belluzzi

Correlation between the age of the conceptus and various ultrasonographic measurements during the first 30 days of pregnancy in domestic cats (Felis catus).

We ultrasonographically evaluated the prenatal development in cats, from the early phases to Day 30 of pregnancy, subjecting a group of pregnant cats (n = 12) to a daily ultrasonographic exam. The ultrasonographic images allowed us to measure the minor diameter of the gestational sac and the crown-rump length of the embryo/fetus. Ten subjects underwent ovariohysterectomy at specific intervals during the pregnancy, with the aim of comparing the ultrasonographic data with real data; only two subjects brought their pregnancy to term. The earliest ultrasonographic observation of the gestational sac was on Day 10 after mating, while the embryo could be measured only beginning with Day 18. This study allowed to gather useful new data in order to clinically monitor the normal course of pregnancy in cats and to date the gestational age.

Equine fetal sex determination using a single ultrasonic examination under farm conditions

The aims of this study were to evaluate the reliability, under general farm conditions, of the use of a single transrectal sonogram in pregnant mares to determine fetal sex by locating the genital tubercle, and the feasibility of extending the period of gestation in which this examination can be carried out. This research was done during routine reproductive examinations on three different stud farms. Forty mares between the 54th and the 89th day of gestation were examined once; gestation was calculated by identifying the last day of mating as Day 0. In order to verify the precision of the determination, data regarding the sex of the foals at birth were collected. This information was not available for two of the 40 mares examined. The diagnosis was made without any certainty level or any other methods which might quantify or increase the reliability of the examination. Of 40 mares, a diagnosis was possible in 35 (87%); in five mares (12%), it was not possible due to insufficient data. Twenty-six of 40 sex determinations (65%) were correct, 9 of 40 (22%) were incorrect. The comparison of the percentages obtained using the chi2-test was P = 0.0011. In spite of positive statistical analysis, the results of this study are not sufficient to allow systematic use of this approach due to the high percentage of error.

The correlation between mast cells and some inflammatory mediators in the bovine endometrium

S. Belluzzi1*, M. Galeotti2, C.M. Eutizi3 and C. Castagnetti1 1Veterinary Clinical Department – Obstetrical and Gynaecological Section – Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bologna, V ia T olara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy; 2Animal Production Sciences Department – Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Udine, V ia delle Scienze 208, Udine; 3Veterinary Practitioner *Correspondence: Prof. Stefano Belluzzi, Dipartimento Clinico Veterinario, Sezione Ostetrico-Ginecologica, V ia T olara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy E-mail: belluzzi@vet.unibo.it

Evaluation of mast cells in calf and heifer uteri

Little is known about the characteristics of mast cells present in the wall of the bovine uterus. The aims of the present study were to determine the main distribution patterns of mast cells residing in the uterine walls of calves and heifers and to obtain reference values for these cells in order to assist in the evaluation of endometrial biopsies in cows. A total of 59 young Italian Friesian cattle (30 prepubertal heifers 8 to 10 mo old and 29 post pubertal heifers 15 to 18 mo old that had not calved) were chosen on the basis of absence of lesions of the genital tract, following clinical examination for macroscopic and microscopic pathology. Only pubescent heifers which were in the diestral phase of their cycle were chosen. After slaughter, tissue samples were collected from the uterine body and each horn, and were then fixed in buffered formalin. Histological sections (5 μm), stained with Toluidine blue (0.003% at pH 4.9), were used for cell counts in 5 optical fields at x 400 magnification (0.18 mm2), randomized for each layer from both the wall of the body and each horn: stratum compactum (SC), st. spongiosum (SS), st. musculare (SM), st. vasculare (SV) and tunica serosa (TS). The number of mast cells in the layers for pre- and post-pubertal heifers were, respectively: SC 5.5 and 11.2; SS 2.8 and 2.7; SM 0.8 and 2.8; SV 3.0 and 4.6; and TS 1.4 and 3.9. The results indicated that the number of mast cells increased with age (calves 2.7 vs heifers 4.7; P < 0.001), particularly in heifers, that the values for the uterine body and horns were not different (4.5 and 4.8) and that SC and SV had the highest values in both groups. The reference values proposed for the resident mast cells are (mast cells/ x 400): 11 for SC alone, 7 as an average of SC+SS, and 5 as an average of SC+SS+SM+SV.