Stefano Romagnoli

University of Padua | UNIPD · Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health MAPS

Objectives The queen is recognised as an induced ovulator. Ovulation without male contact is generally regarded as spontaneous. The aim of this study was to provide an estimate of the incidence of spontaneous ovulation in a population of intact queens presented to a veterinary care facility for both reproductive and non-reproductive reasons. The se...

Background: Deslorelin implant use in cats is a medical alternative to surgical sterilization, and due to its prolonged efficacy, its use has shown growing interest in the veterinary community. In the case of breeding facilities, its removal is often requested for the early restoration of testicular function. As anti-Müllerian hormones (AMH) in mal...

The gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test is used to investigate testicular production of testosterone (T) when performing a breeding soundness examination. In male dogs with fertility problems the prostate should also be investigated as prostatic conditions may frequently lower semen quality. Serum concentrations of canine prostat...

OBJECTIVE To examine the risk of developing an overweight or obese (O/O) body condition score (BCS) in gonadectomized versus intact dogs and, separately, the impact of age at gonadectomy on O/O outcomes among sterilized dogs. ANIMALS Dogs were patients of Banfield Pet Hospital in the US from 2013 to 2019. After exclusion criteria were applied, the...

Background: There has been a growing interest in alternatives to surgery for controlling reproduction in tom cats, and the resultant medical options add to a practitioner's toolbox when handling these cases in clinical practice. It is important, however, that when suggesting these drugs, veterinarians have a good understanding of their mode of act...

Deslorelin is currently registered for the induction of temporary infertility in male dogs, male cats, male ferrets, and also prepubertal female dogs, but research has shown its usefulness for other conditions requiring chronic treatment. This paper presents six cases of dogs chronically treated with deslorelin for indications such as benign prosta...

Fetal gastrointestinal motility (FGM) was suggested as useful to assess fetal maturity. Our study aimed to quantify FGM in relation to days before parturition (DBP), maternal size, and sex ratio of pups. During the last ten days of pregnancy, 23 clinically healthy pregnant bitches of 16 different breeds ranging in age from 2 to 9 years and body wei...

Following the breakup of the Soviet Union the agricultural sector in Uzbekistan has undergone a deep restructuring. Private ownership of land is currently prohibited by law, as is the use of land as collateral for receiving bank loans. However, several new laws enacted since 1992 have created favourable legislative conditions for a variety of types...

We evaluated the performance of a third-generation fluorescence enzyme immunoassay kit (FEIA; Tosoh Bioscience) for progesterone (P4) measurement in canine serum to identify the day of luteinizing hormone (LH) peak and ovulation in bitches. We conducted P4 assays on 54 serum samples using a FEIA and a chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA; Siemens)....

Objective The use of deslorelin implants to control reproduction in cats is increasing but because of its prolonged duration, cat breeders often request implant removal before the end of the treatment. Assaying Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) concentrations might be useful to predict time of resumption of ovarian activity in deslorelin-treated queens...

Background The literature is full of papers reporting side effects of progestogens in cats; however, they are, in fact, safe drugs, as discussed in this article. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and melatonin are additionally a practical solution for controlling cyclicity in queens, but they also have some contraindications and need t...

Canine gestational age can be estimated based on fetal kidney length (L) although accuracy, sensitivity and specificity decrease during the last 5 days of pregnancy. In humans, fetal renal cortical and medullary thickness (CT and MT) and their ratio (CT/MT) are described as useful tools for monitoring the development of fetal kidneys. The aim of th...

Clinical case presentations detail unique and clinically relevant anatomical features about the canine and feline distal colon and rectum, female and male reproductive systems, mammary glands, and the urinary system.

Clinical case presentations detail unique and clinically relevant anatomical features about the canine and feline distal colon and rectum, female and male reproductive systems, mammary glands, and the urinary system.

Objective: The use of deslorelin implantsto control reproduction in cats is increasing but because of its prolonged duration, cat breeders oftenrequest implant removal before the end of the treatment. Assaying Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) concentrations might be useful to predict time of resumption of ovarian activity in deslorelin-treated queens f...

A 5-year-old healthy pluriparous pregnant Flat-coated Retriever bitch was monitored by ultrasound on post-ovulation days 30 and 57: no deviation from normality picture were observed. On day 60, one of the three most caudal fetuses showed ultrasonographic signs of fetal anasarca: subcutaneous edema and anechoic fluid in thoracic and abdominal caviti...

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may alter prostatic fluid biochemical composition causing reduced fertility. Osaterone acetate (OA) is an androgen receptor antagonist marketed for treatment of canine BPH. Little information exists on effects of OA administration on biochemical composition of canine prostatic fluid and its role on fertility. The...

Deslorelin implants are widely used in felines. Due to their prolonged duration cat breeders frequently request early implant removal. The interval between deslorelin implant removal and resumption of ovarian function in queens is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interval between the removal of a deslorelin implant and the resumpt...

Classical procedures for semen evaluation in breeding soundness examination require time and are costly. The evaluation techniques with CASA are limited due to the lack of standardization among laboratories and data analysis methods. Recent studies have contradictory conclusions on the actual predictive ability of this method alone regarding fertil...

The administration of fish oils is known to cause changes in several reproductive parameters of domestic animals. The ingestion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of the omega‐3 family, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), has been described and correlated with changes in the semen quality, testosterone levels and...

Deslorelin implants have been used to produce a reversible sterilization in several species. In cats, the prolonged duration (12–15 months in tomcats and 18–22 months in queen) is often too much for cat breeders who request early implant removal. The interval between implant removal and resumption of reproductive function in cats has never been inv...

Objectives The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a single intramuscular administration of gonadorelin to induce ovulation in queens in oestrus. Methods Twenty-seven queens presented in oestrus for elective ovariectomy were divided into a treatment (n = 19) and a placebo (n = 8) group. Treated queens received a 50 µg dose of gon...

Background: This is the first report about a vaginal leiomyoma concomitant with an ovarian luteoma in a bitch. Case Presentation: A 11-year-old intact female Labrador retriever was referred because of anuria, constipation and protrusion of a vaginal mass through the vulvar commissure. The bitch had high serum progesterone concentration (4.94 ng/ml...

The aim of this study was to investigate fetal gastrointestinal motility (FGM) of dogs using ultrasonic imaging and its association with vaginal and rectal temperature, serum progesterone concentrations and fetal heart rate. Pregnant bitches were examined after day 54 of gestation and there were determinations of vaginal and rectal temperature and...

Elective gonadectomy in the dog is a topic of interest for clinicians, pet-owners, and society. Although canine prostatic neoplasia (CPN) has a low incidence (0.35%), reports of an increased risk for castrated dogs attract attention and cause concern in pet-owners. Our aim is to provide professionals and non-professionals with a detailed descriptio...

Weight at birth (bBW) and early weight gain have been linked to the risk of neonatal mortality. Pups are described to be of low bBW if weighing less than one standard deviation (SD) below the mean. Most studies classified breeds according to their expected adult bodyweight. Our aim was to evaluate the breed specificity of these parameters. We asses...

In the bitch, tumors affecting the vagina or vulva are uncommon, with the majority being leiomyomas or fibromas [1]. Ovarian hormones may be involved in the pathogenesis and medical treatment with aglepristone (AGLE) or ovariectomy are used with good results [2]. Clinical case: An 11-year old, intact Labrador Retriever bitch was referred to the cli...

The objective of present study was to evaluate the effects of oral supplementation of salmon oil on seminal parameters and testosterone serum levels in dogs, following also the residual effects for 60 days after treatment. Nine healthy male dogs with proven fertility, weighing between 10 and 36 kg, aging from 2 to 11 years, of different breeds, fed...

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess duration of efficacy, side effects and return to fertility following use of the 9.4 mg deslorelin implant (Suprelorin 12; Virbac) in cats, and test whether efficacy and duration of action are influenced by implantation site (interscapular vs periumbilical). Methods: Sixteen healthy adult tom...

Objectives: Fertility and reproductive management were investigated, via questionnaires, in breeding establishments of Norwegian Forest Cats, Maine Coon, Persian and Bengal cats in Italy. Methods: Six Bengal, five Maine Coon, eight Norwegian Forest Cat and seven Persian breeders responded for a total of 128 queens, 565 heats, 337 litters and 142...

GnRH-agonist implants are currently marketed in Europe for use in male dogs but their off label use in female dogs, cats as well as other wild or semidomesticated animals is becoming increasingly popular. Implanted females frequently show a fertile heat after treatment, but the ensuing pregnancy may end spontaneously due to hormonal suppression at...

The composition of the seminal plasma (SP) in the horse does not differ from that of other domestic mammals. In it, have been identified amino acids, proteins, enzymes, organic ions, lipids, fatty acids, hormones and sugars. The discovery and identification of several substances in the secretion of seminal plasma from the rete testis, epididymis an...

Keywords: Oviductal adhesion test, sperm quality, endangered breed. Classic procedures for semen evaluation in breeding soundness evaluation require time and high cost. The evaluation techniques with CASA has limits due to the lack of tools standardization in different laboratories and to data analysis methods. Recent studies cast doubts on the act...

In most mammals, the sex of an individual is genetically determined by the Y chromosome-specific SRY gene. The presence of at least one functional copy of this gene determines the development of the primordial gonads into testes. However, testicular tissue does develop in the absence of SRY, albeit rarely, which is the case in testicular XX (SRY-ne...

Objectives: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists like deslorelin are being increasingly used in tom cats for their efficacy in controlling reproductive behaviour and fertility. Deslorelin implants have been widely available in Europe since 2008. Little, if anything, is known about the interval between treatment and onset of sterility, as...

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess efficacy of deslorelin, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist marketed in Europe for the control of male dog reproduction, for the postponement of puberty in queens. Methods Nine prepubertal queens aged 3–9 months were selected for this study; their general and reproductive health was ch...

Contents The gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test is a common procedure used to investigate normality of the pituitary‐gonadal axis in mammals. There is very little information on the technique, its efficacy and side effects in small animals and in particular no information for male cats. In dogs, such test is performed by intrave...

The high fertility rate of cats means that methods to control feline reproduction are a requirement for cat breeders and pet owners, as well as for those involved in the management of feral cat populations. Progestins continue to be used to prevent queens from cycling, and also as an adjunct or alternative to surgical sterilization within trap-neut...

Contents The technique of transcervical catheterization for artificial insemination has gained practical importance over the last 3 and 1 decades in bitches and queens, respectively. The vagina of both species has a thickening of the dorsal aspect called dorsal medial fold, which restricts the lumen of the paracervix, making catheterization of the...

The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of trans-scrotal ultrasonography and testicular fine-needle aspiration cytology for sperm production in rams. Ultrasonographic examination and testicular fine-needle aspiration cytology were performed on eighteen adult rams of proven fertility. Semen was collected twice using electroejaculati...

The objective of this study was to determine the long-term effects of the administration of 4.7-mg slow-release deslorelin implant on stallions' plasma testosterone concentrations and sexual behavior. Five control animals received a subcutaneous dose of saline solution, whereas treated animals (n = 11) received a subcutaneous implant of 4.7-mg desl...

The aim of this study was to investigate effectiveness of testicular aspiration cytology in the ram, boar and alpaca. Testicular Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology was performed in rams (N=18), boars (N=8) and alpacas (N=5) using a 21G butterfly needle and 20 ml syringe. Slides were stained using a modified May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining. Cells were eva...

Transabdominal ultrasonography (US) allows the diagnosis of pregnancy and the measurement of foetal and extrafoetal measurable parameters, which are correlated with the gestational age. Seven German Shepherd bitches were included in this work and several parameters were measured by US during different days of pregnancy. Ovulation day was considered...

Urinary incontinence (UI) can occur in bitches after spaying due to a functional alteration in the urethral sphincter. which may be caused by a number of different causes among which a decrease in the blood levels of steroidal hormones or an increase in gonadotropin in order to determine the occurrence of UI in spayed bitches at the Veterinary Hosp...

Contents The purpose of this study was to define (i) the interval between treatment and sterility, and (ii) semen quality in male dogs administered a 4.7‐mg deslorelin implant. Six healthy, adult dogs of various breeds and body weights were implanted with deslorelin (Suprelorin, Virbac) and followed every 2 weeks with semen and blood collections. S...

Introduction - A long acting subcutaneous implant of deslorelin (4,7 mg Suprelorin®, Virbac) has recently been marketed in Europe for veterinary use. This paper reports data from studies conducted in adult tomcats and queens, in which the implant has been used for a temporary control of reproductive activity. Materials and methods - 20 queen and 20...

A 6 yr old pregnant Yorkshire terrier bitch presented 62 days after mating with an acute history of vomiting and coughing. The owners also reported that the dog was polyuric and polydypsic for the last 2 weeks. Complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and urinalysis revealed hyperglycemia, ketonemia, ketonuria, and metabolic acidosis. Diabetic ket...

Contents A 11‐year‐old, spayed, female mixed breed‐dog was presented with an abdominal mass that was detected 1 month ago. Upon abdominal palpation a large, firm, oval shaped, movable mass was found in the mid‐abdominal region. Survey radiograph of the abdomen demonstrated an oval soft tissue dense mass located on the right side of the abdominal ca...

A three‐year‐old, sexually intact, female American Staffordshire terrier was presented with chronic postpartum vulvar haemorrhage. Sixty‐one days before presentation, the bitch had whelped 10 puppies. A tentative diagnosis of subinvolution of placental sites was made when syncythial trophoblast‐like cells were identified in the specimen collected t...

Veterinary specialist diplomas were available in many European countries during the second half of the 20th century. However, such an early recognition of the importance of veterinary specialization actually delayed the concept of the European veterinary specialist in Europe, compared with the United States, where the first specialist colleges were...

The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the motility pattern of frozen-thawed canine semen to which pentoxifyilline (PTX), caffeine (CAF), 2'-deoxyadenosine (DX), and prostatic fluid (PROST) were added after thawing. Semen evaluations were performed using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) at thawing and during 120min of incubation at 37 deg...

The objective was to develop and test radioimmunoassays (RIAs) to measure fecal progestogens (P) and estrogens (E) to monitor ovarian activity in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Fecal samples were collected at least once a week for 20 mo from three peripubertal female bottlenose dolphins. Blood samples were collected at least once a mo...

In avian medicine, hematologic and biochemical laboratory investigations are still in their infancy, because of the difficulty involved in collecting data. This has led to a lack of reference values and a nonstandardized approach to specimens obtained in critical conditions. The Eurasian Buzzard (Buteo buteo) is one of the most common raptors in It...

Contents This study was conducted to evaluate clinical efficacy of deslorelin for inhibiting reproduction in the bitch. Ten adult healthy bitches or bitches with mammary neoplasia for which owners were requesting suppression of cyclicity without performing gonadectomy were administered a 4.7‐ or a 9.4‐mg deslorelin implant subcutaneously. The first...

Contents This study was conducted in order to evaluate effects on prolactin (PRL) concentration and mammary milk secretion of an injectable cabergoline formulation administered to five lactating Beagle bitches during early postpartum (PP). Bitches were bled twice daily (from PP day 3 to PP day 12) and then daily (from PP day 13 to PP day 16) to ass...

Contents Clinical investigation of canine testicular function is complicated by the difficulty in the evaluation of seminiferous tubules. Until recently, testicular biopsy was the only diagnostic option for dogs with persistent oligo/azoospermia. In human andrology, testicular fine needle aspiration (TFNA) is currently considered a useful method in...

The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), one of the three sea turtle species inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea, is an endangered species. However, although frequently treated in marine animal rescue centers, and the subject of several studies in literature, as yet, few studies have been conducted on large numbers of loggerhead sea turtles in ord...

ABSTRACTA four-year-old toy poodle was presented with a recurrent foul smelling vulval discharge of faecal origin following hysterectomy. A contrast radiograph revealed an iatrogenic enterovaginal fistula. After confirming the clinical and radiogra