[Continuous, subjective sonographic grayscale analysis of uterine involution in sows during the postpartum period].

Grahofer, Alexander; Häberli, Laura; Nathues, Heiko; Kauffold, Johannes (2022). [Continuous, subjective sonographic grayscale analysis of uterine involution in sows during the postpartum period]. Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G - Grosstiere, Nutztiere, 50(1), pp. 38-45. Thieme 10.1055/a-1741-7855

Text a-1741-7855.pdf - Published Version Restricted to registered users only Available under License Publisher holds Copyright. Download (841kB)

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyse the continuous and subjective evaluation of echogenicity, echotexture of the puerperal uterus as well as the presence of intrauterine fluid in sows of differing parity stages. The goal was to determine associations between grayscale values and simultaneously assessed uterine diameter, body condition, and additional performance parameters such as farrowing duration, placenta expulsion duration, placenta weight and litter weight.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study population included 95 sows housed either in free farrowing (n = 46) or crated (n = 49) stables. Transabdominal ultrasound was performed daily between postpartum days 2-14 (p. p.) and the day before weaning. Echogenicity (ranging between anechoic (1)-hyperechoic (6)), echotexture (homogenous/heterogeneous), and the presence of intrauterine fluid (yes/no) was evaluated on three cross-sections of the uterine horn/sow/day.

RESULTS

In the first week p.p, most sows showed a medium (median = 4.0) echogenicity, whereas from day 7 p. p., echogenicity decreased (median = 3.5 to 3.0). Echotexture between days 2-7 p.p was mainly heterogeneous, whereas between days 8-14 p.p, it proved to be mostly homogeneous. Intrauterine fluid was detected until day 9. Echogenicity exhibited significant association with farrowing duration (FD) on days 8-14 p. p. (p = 0.048). Sows with FD > 300 min showed slightly lower echogenicity (median = 3.0) than sows with FD ≤ 300 min (median = 3.5). There was a positive correlation between uterine diameter and echogenicity on day 2-7 p. p. (r = 0,359, p < 0.001) and days 8-14 p. p. (r = 0,381, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Subjective grayscale analysis by ultrasonography is suitable in characterizing uterine echogenicity and echotexture as well as intrauterine fluid in post-partum sows. The presented findings suggest that this may aide in assessing patterns of the sow's puerperium.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The subjective grayscale analysis is suitable in clinically assessing echogenicity and echotexture during the postpartum phase. The subjective grayscale analysis provides initial indications concerning status of uterine health and involution in sows. Based on the ultrasonographic findings, treatment may be initiated and subsequently evaluated. Furthermore, the results of the subjective grey analysis in combination with further performance characteristics can be implemented to cull breeding sows. Furthermore, the results of the subjective grey analysis in combination with additional performance characteristics may be used in order to cull/reject sows exhibiting pathophysiologic findings from further breeding.

Interest & Impact

Downloads

1 since deposited on 11 Mar 2022
0 in the past 12 months

Citations

5 Citations in Web of Science ®
6 Citations in Scopus

Search

in Google Scholar™

Services

Actions (login required)

Edit item

Actions (login required)

Edit item