• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.7-14
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• 2001

The aims of these study were to diagnose early pregnancy and reproductive disorders by using progesterone concentration and ultrasonography. The measurement of blood progesterone (P$_4$) concentration was conducted to diagnose pregnancy and to detect corpus luteum (CL) or evaluate disorder of CLs. As a result, the incidence rates of reproductive disorders were as follows : SH and EED (41.9%), inacitve ovaries (32.6%), follicullar cyst (9.3%), PCL (7.0%), endometritis (4.7%), pyometra (2.3%) and luteal cyst (2.3%). 61 Cows having P$_4$concentration 1.0 ng/ml(at the insemination) were increased to 1.0 ng/ml $\geq$ 6day after insemination. 50 cows among 61 cows were diagnosed pregnant. 8 cows among 13 HanWoos having P$_4$concentration 1.0 ng/ml at the insemination and 1.0 ng/mnl 6 day after insemination had non-ovulatory estrus and the others had P$_4$concentration 1.0 ng/ml at the insemination and 1.0 ng/ml $\geq$ 6 day after insemination, which was the error of estrus detection. All 13 cows were diagnosed non-pregnant. 47 cows diagnosed pregnant after insemination of P$_4$concentration 3.0 ng/ml were examined by ultrasonography at 30 day post-insemination. As a result, 41 cows were diagnosed pregnant (87.2%) but 14 cows having P$_4$concentration 3.0 ng/ml at 21 day after insemination was diagnosed to non-pregnancy. Calving intervals by surveying 100 cows were as follows 11~12 months (20%), 12~13 months (36%), 13~14 months (19%), 14 months $\geq$ (25%), respectively. In conclusion, hormone and ultrasonography help to detect reproductive disorders exactly and diagnose early pregnancy. This study suggest that diagnosis of early pregnancy and reproductive disorder by blood P$_4$concentration and ultrasonography improve reproduction management of HanWoo.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.181-188
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• 1994

In 60 dairy cows with inactive ovaries, follicular cyst, luteal cyst, persistent corpus luteum and silent heat as diagnosed by rectal palpation, and those that had not resumed ovarian cycles until 60 days postpartum, progesterone concentrations for differential diagnosis of reproductive disorders were measured and were compared in matched plasma, skim milk and milk fat samples at 10 days interval. The incidence rate of reproductive disorders were as follows; inactive ovaries 20(33.3%), silent heat 11(18.3%), follicular cyst 7(11.7%), luteal cyst 7(11.7%), persistent corpus luteum 7(11.7%), pyometra 4(6.7%), vaginitis 2(3.3%), cystic corpus luteum 1(1.7%), and endometritis 1(1.7%), respectively. Cows having a progesterone concentration in plasma and skim milk < 1.0 ng/ml, and in milk fat < 80.0 ng/ml were considered to have inactive ovaries or follicular cyst. Those with concentrations in plasma and skim milk ${\geq}1.0ng/ml$, and in milk fat ${\geq}80.0ng/ml$ were regarded as the cases of luteal cyst or persistent corpus luteum. Progesterone concentrations in above cows did not differ significantly between the time of initial determination and the 10 days after initial determination. But progesterone concentrations in cows with silent heat did differ significantly between the time of initial determination and the 10 days after initial determination(P<0.05). The accuracy of rectal palpation for making a differential diagnosis of ovarian dysfunction, as defined on basis of progesterone concentrations, were as follows; follicular cyst 55.6%, luteal cyst 50.0%, inactive ovaries 90.5% and persistent corpus luteum 60.0%, respectively. It may be concluded that progesterone determinations at 10 days interval is practical as an aid to diagnosing ovarian dysfunction, particularly follicular cyst and luteal cyst.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.233-238
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• 2005

This study was undertaken to determine the normal serial ultrasonographic appearance of the postpartum uterine involution. Postpartum changes in uterine shape, architecture, echogenicity and diameter were monitored by ultrasonography in 10 Shih-tzu bitches. Serial ultrasonographic examination was done daily during the first week, 3 days interval from 8 to 30 days, and weekly from 31 to 100 days postpartum. All 10 postpartum bitches had normal involution by gross finding, vaginal discharges, and by ultrasonographic findings, uterine shape and echogenicity. The uterine diameter in the placental sites was decreased from $23.56{\pm}1.45$ mm at 1 day to $14.08{\pm}1.55$ mm at 7 day, and in the interplacental sites was decreased from $14.64{\pm}1.28$mm at 1day to $9.61{\pm}1.46$mm at 7 day postpartum. At 65 days postpartum the uterine diameter was 5-6 mm both placental and interplacental sites, and the uterine horns were uniform hypoechic, tubular structures without enlargement. Therefore, complete involution of the uterus occured 65 days. It was concluded that normal postpartum uterine involution in Shih-tzu bitches appeared to be completed 65 days postpartum by gross findings such as vaginal discharges, and ultrasonographic findings. And ultrasonographic characteristics of the postpartum uterine involution were described. Therefore, these result suggest that ultrasonographic assessment is a reliable method for diagnosing the subinvolution of placental sites and uterine dysfunction, such as pyometra in the bitch.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.87-92
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• 2016

This field study investigated the effects of dystocia on the postpartum complications, milk production, and reproductive performance in Holstein dairy cows. Calving difficulty was scored on a rank scale of 1 to 5. Cows with a calving score of three or higher were judged to have dystocia. The cows (n = 565) were categorized based on the presence (n = 61) or absence (n = 504, control) of dystocia. The incidence of retained placenta (45.9% vs. 16.3%), metritis (39.3% vs. 17.1%), endometritis (47.5% vs. 16.3%) and pyometra (9.8% vs. 1.2%) were greater in cows from the dystocia group than those from the control group (p < 0.0001); however, there was no difference in the incidence of metabolic disorders (32.8% vs. 31.0%) between the two groups (p > 0.05). The prevalence of culling was higher in cows from the dystocia group (26.2%) than in those from the control group (14.5%, p < 0.05). During the 5-month postpartum period, milk production was lower (p < 0.05) in cows from the dystocia group than in those from the control group. Furthermore, the hazard of insemination by 150 days in milk (DIM) was lower in cows from the dystocia group (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.64, p < 0.005) than in those from the control group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds ratio for the probability of pregnancy after the first artificial insemination was 0.36 times (p < 0.05) higher in cows from the dystocia group than in those from the control group. The hazard of pregnancy by 360 DIM was lower in cows from the dystocia group (HR = 0.45, p = 0.0001) than in those from the control group. In conclusion, dystocia resulted in increased postpartum complications, and decreased milk production and reproductive performance in Holstein dairy cows, leading to increased culling.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.153-162
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• 2002

In order to develop the breeding techniques to increase Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) population, the present study was performed 1) to establish the treatment protocol on reproductive disorders with GnRH or PGF／sub 2$\alpha$／, 2) to improve intraovarian PG $F_{2}$$\alpha$／ administration for reducing open period. Among total of 43 diagnosed, high percentage of cows (41.9％, 18 cows) were diagnosed as silent heat, followed by inactive ovaries (32.6％, 14 cows), ovarian cysts (9.3％, 4 cows), persistent corpus luteum (7.0％, 3 cows), endometriosis (4.7％, 2 cows), pyometra (2.3％, 1 cow) and luteal cysts (2.3％, 1 cow). To treat silent heat, 18 cows were administrated with 25 mg PGF／sub 2$\alpha$／, heat-detected, artificially inseminated and monitored pregnancy. All treated cows were heat-detected and 16 cows (88％) were successfully pregnant. With 200 $\mu\textrm{g}$ GnRH treatment, 7 cows (70％) with inactive ovaries and 3 cows (75％) with ovarian cysts were successfully pregnant. Administration with 25mg PGF／sub 2$\alpha$／, successfully treated 3 cows (100％) with persistent corpus luteum and 1 cow (100％) with luteal cysts, followed by 100％ pregnancy rate. With the combined treatment of 25 mg PG $F_{2}$$\alpha$／and antibiotics, 2 cows (100％) with endometriosis were effectively treated and got pregnant after. artificial insemination (AI). In order to reduce open period, 5 mg PGF／sub 2$\alpha$／ was administrated intraovarian to 20 days cows after delivery, heat-detected, artificially inseminated and monitored pregnancy. In the first experiment, in order to recover uterus, 5mg PGF／sub 2$\alpha$／were administrated, followed by administration of 5mg PGF／sub 2$\alpha$／ at the interval of 14 days. As results, 74％ (17／23 cows) of pregnancy rate after AI. In order to further reduce the open period, 5 mg PGF／sub 2$\alpha$／was administrated at the interval of 11 days without the period of uterus recovery, resulted in 94％ (16／17 cows) pregnancy rate. In conclusion, these results showed that PGF／sub 2$\alpha$／ and GnRH treatment were effective hormonal treatment resume in Hanwoo with various reproductive disorders. In addition, modified protocol of intraovarian PGF／sub 2$\alpha$／ administration could be the effective method for reducing the open period.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.168-173
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• 2015

This study estimated the degree of uterine inflammation and resumption of ovarian cyclicity in postpartum dairy cows. In addition, the prevalence of health problems during calving and the postpartum period was investigated. A total of 224 Holstein dairy cows from four dairy farms in Chungcheong Province were used for the study. Uterine discharge was scored on a 0 to 5 rank scale (metricheck score) using a metricheck instrument from 1 to 8 weeks postpartum and uterine cytology (neutrophil level) was examined at 4, 6 and 8 weeks postpartum to evaluate uterine inflammation. Resumption of ovarian cyclicity was evaluated based on progesterone analysis (${\geq}1ng/mL$) at 4, 6 and 8 weeks postpartum. Postpartum disorders were diagnosed by veterinarians in the research team. The metricheck score decreased linearly (p < 0.0001) from weeks 1 ($3.4{\pm}0.1$) to 4 ($2.0{\pm}0.1$) postpartum, and then remained at that level through week 8 postpartum ($1.6{\pm}0.1$, p > 0.05). The neutrophil levels determined by uterine cytology assays also decreased (p < 0.0001) from week 4 ($22.3{\pm}1.8%$) to 6 ($12.1{\pm}1.4%$) postpartum, and then remained at that level through week 8 postpartum ($9.2{\pm}1.4%$, p > 0.05). The proportion of cows exhibiting the ovarian cyclicity increased linearly (p < 0.0001) from weeks 2 (12.1%) to 8 (74.3%) postpartum. The prevalence of dystocia and retained placenta were 20.5% and 30.4%, respectively. The prevalence of ketosis, milk fever, abomasal displacement, septicemic metritis, endometritis, subclinical endometritis, pyometra, and ovarian cysts were 18.8%, 3.6%, 4.0%, 36.2%, 29.5%, 17.0%, 4.5%, and 14.7%, respectively. The prevalence of digestive problems and mastitis were 5.4% and 9.6%, respectively. The prevalence of culling and death were 4.0% and 3.6%, respectively. The prevalence of dystocia, retained placenta, septicemic metritis, endometritis, ovarian cysts, digestive problems, mastitis, and culling differed among farms (p < 0.05 to 0.01). In conclusion, proper examinations for uterine inflammation and ovarian cyclicity during 4 to 8 weeks postpartum are useful clinical tools to maintain herd reproductive health. Dystocia, retained placenta, septicemic metritis, and endometritis were predominant disorders in dairy cows of the survey area.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.653-664
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• 1999

This study was undertaken to determine the normal appearance of the postpartum uterine involution. Postpartum changes in uterine shape, architecture, echogenicity and diameter were monitored with ultrasonography in 11 Korea Jin-do dogs. Serial ultrasonographic examination was done daily during the first week, 3 days interval from 8 to 30 days, and weekly from 31 to 100 days postpartum, respectively. Of 11 postpartum bitches, 10 bitches (90.9%) had normal involution and 1 bitch (9.1%) had subinvolution of the placental sites (SIPS) by gross findings, vaginal discharges, and by ultrasographic findings, uterine shape and echogenicity. The excretory period of vaginal discharges in 10 normal bitches of uterine involution was finished completely at $20.2{\pm}4.6$ days (Mean${\pm}$SD) postpartum, but in 1 SIPS at 50 days postpartum. The short axis shape of the uterus was initially often flaccid-appearing. It varied from circular to crescent shaped to polygonal. This lasted until $16.5{\pm}3.7$ days postpartum, during which time the short axis uterine shape gradually changed to circular. Also, the long axis shape of the uterus was created a beaded appearance of the horns until $29.9{\pm}3.2$ days postpartum. After 30 days, it was appeared as tubular shape without distinguished between placental and interplacental sites. The ultrasonographic image of the postpartum uterus consisted of four echogenicity distinct layers. Uterine wall was represented the very hyperechoic serosa, hypoechoic myometrium, hyper echoic endometrium and anechoic structures of fluid in the uterine cavity until 7 days postpartum. The individual uterine layers were most prominent during the first week postpartum, and they became progressively less distinct throughout the course of uterine involution. Anechoic structures of fluid in the uterine cavity was detected until $25.0{\pm}6.4$ days postpartum, after which time it was not reliably detected. The uterine diameter was decreased not only in the placental sites frorm $24.1{\pm}2.5mm$ at 1 day to $15.4{\pm}1.4mm$ at 7 days postpartum, but also in the interplacental sites $14.9{\pm}1.5mm$ at 1 day, $10.6{\pm}0.8mm$ at 7 days postpartum. There was a general trend of decreasing uterine diameter, which occurred more rapidly at the placental sites. At 31 days pastpartum, these diameter reached almost same size, after that time, they could be not distinguished between placental and interplacental sites. At 87 days postpartum, the uterine diameter was $5.6{\pm}0.6mm$ both placental and interplacental sites, and the uterine horns were uniform hypoechoic, tubular structures without enlargement. Therefore, complete involution of the uterus occurred at that time. It was concluded that normal postpartum uterine involution in Korea Jin-do bitches appeared to be completed around 87 days postpartum by gross findings such as vaginal discharges, and by ultrasonographic findings, uterine shape and echogenicity. Also ultrasonographic characteristics of the postpartum uterine involution were described. Therefore, these result suggest that ultrasonographic assessment is a reliable method for diagnosing the SIPS and uterine dysfunction, such as pyometra in bitch.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.603-613
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• 1995

Plasma progesterone($P_4$) assay has been introduced to apply to the differential diagnosis of reproductive disorders and the monitoring of responses of ovarian dysfunction to $PGF_2{\alpha}$ or GnRH treatment in the 204 postpartum and postinsemination subestrus dairy cows. 1. The incidence rate of reproductive disorders in 204 subestrus cows, diagnosed by palpation per rectum and plasma $P_4$ determination using 'Two sample test'(Day 0+Day 10) were as follows; silent heat or error of estrus detection 110(53.9%), persistent corpus luteum 26(12.7%), follicular cyst 16(7.8%), inactive ovary 12(5.9%), luteal cyst 11(5.4%), granulosa cell tumor of ovary 1(0.5%), fetal mummification 1(0.5%), endometritis 15(7.4%) and pyometra 12(5.9%), respectively. 2. After the $PGF_2{\alpha}$ treatment to the 76 cows with silent heat or error of estrus detection, persistent corpus luteum, or luteal cyst, plasma $P_4$ concentrations at day 3 post treatment using 'Two sample test'(Day 0+Day 3) remained low(<1.0ng/ml) in all 76 cows. Therefore all 76 cows responded positively to $PGF_2{\alpha}$ treatment. Seventeen cows with follicular cyst or inactive ovary were treated with GnRH. All 7 cows with follicular cyst and 4 cows with inactive ovary remained high($${\geq_-}1.0ng/ml$$) a plasma $P_4$ concentrations at day 12 post treatment using 'Two sample test'(Day 0+Day 12), but 6 cows with inactive ovary remained low(<1.0ng/ml) a plasma $P_4$ concentrations. Therefore all 7 cows with follicular cyst and 4 cows with inactive ovary responded positively, but 6 cows with inactive ovary responded negatively to GnRH treatment. 3. The mean days from treatment to first service, number of cows conceived on first service(%), mean number of services per conception, mean days from initial treatment to conception, and mean number of cows conceived by 100 days post treatment(%) were 5.0 and 26.2 days, 45(59.2%) and 6(35.3%) cows, 1.5 and 1.7 services, 13.6 and 22.6 days, and 62(81.6%) and 9(52.9%) cows in group of $PGF_2{\alpha}$ and GnRH treatment, respectively. These results indicated that plasma $P_4$ assay was practical as an aid to diagnosing reproductive disorders and to monitoring responses of ovarian dysfunction to $PGF_2{\alpha}$ and GnRH treatment in subestrus cows.