Effect of housing enrichment and type of flooring on the performance and behaviour of female rabbits

This study investigated the effect of housing enrichments (scratching card, gnawing material and a platform), of a change in height and in the type of flooring on the live weight, reproductive performance and behaviour of female rabbits, as well as on the feed intake and spatial distribution of females and their kits. A total of 40 multiparous female rabbits were monitored in three consecutive reproductive cycles (48-d intervals). Four days before parturition in each reproductive cycle, the females were randomly assigned to one of the five types of housing: Control (CNT: 102×47×30 cm, L×W× H); Scratching card (SCT: containing a scratching card); Gnawing materials (GNW: CNT dimensions plus a compressed lucerne hay block and a wooden stick); Platform (PLT: 102×47×60 cm, including a platform with a plastic floor) and Combination (CBN: PLT dimensions with the scratching card, the gnawing materials and a platform). Data were only recorded during the first and third reproductive cycles. The living conditions did not significantly alter the females’ live weight (4889 g at housing; 4890 g at mid-lactation; 4867 g at weaning), reproductive performance (9.0 kits born alive), survival of the kits (90%), nor the feed intake of females and their litters (542 g/day). Providing animals with a gnawing block stimulated Gnawing behaviour (median frequency per group: CTL=0.00, SCT=0.00, GNW=4.69, PLT=0.00, and CBN=2.34; PRearing up behaviour (median frequencies per group: CTL=0.00, SCT=0.00, GNW=0.00, PLT=2.08, and CBN=3.12; P=0.06), and when a platform was present, the rabbits used it (mean values per group: CTL=0.00, SCT=0.00, GNW=0.00, PLT=1.79, and CBN=4.91; P=0.003). Regarding the type of floor, females appeared to prefer the plastic mesh flooring (31.2%) to the wire mesh flooring (18.8%). To sum up, providing female rabbits with simple enrichments appears to stimulate specific behaviours like Gnawing and Rearing up and may contribute to their wellbeing.

Nelore females along a new Brazilian agricultural frontier: hematological and clinical-biochemical approaches

ABSTRACT The Nelore breed is the second largest bovine breed in the world and has actively participated in the expansion of new Brazilian agricultural frontiers. In this context, the purpose of this study was to determine the hematological and biochemical reference intervals of healthy Nelore matrices raised under an extensive regime without supplementation along southwest of Piauí state. Blood samples were collected from fifty-five multiparous female of the Nelore breed. Biochemical and hematological parameters were analyzed using a parametric statistical method with 95% CI of reference limits. The average values of red blood cells, hemoglobin as well as hematimetric indices showed reference ranges similar to reference standards. The hematocrit as well as granulocytes and agranulocytes presented alterations typical of animals raised in environments with higher temperatures. Mineral, enzymatic, protein and metabolic profiles were similar to other bovine breeds but with a narrower range of values. However, lower mean values were observed for levels of ionized calcium, total protein and urea. Nelore females present slightly different biochemical and hematological profiles from other breeds, which might result from the environmental and nutritional management applied and the natural deficiency of nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium in the region's pastures.

Extra-pelvic endometriosis presenting as recurrent hepatic cyst: case report and literature review

Hepatic endometriosis is a very rare form of endometriosis first described by Rokitansky in 1986. To our knowledge, 42 cases of hepatic endometriosis have been reported in the literature till date. The condition offers a diagnostic challenge owing to its variable presentation on imaging and the need for histological and immunohistochemical evidence for a definite diagnosis. We hereby present the 43rd case of ectopic endometrium in the liver of a 30 years old, multiparous female who presented with fever and pain in the right hypochondrium. Radiological imaging suggested a cystic lesion which was managed laparoscopically. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry findings came out to be consistent with endometriosis. The case highlighted the importance of considering endometriosis as a differential in all women irrespective of age and previous history of endometriosis.

A case of non-pueperal chronic uterine inversion managed successfully

Uterine inversion is prolapse of the uterine fundus and corpus turned inside out towards or through the cervix. The non-puerperal type of uterine inversion is a quite rare occurrence and it accounts for only 17% of all uterine inversion cases. We present a case of 45 year old multiparous female who presented to us with polymenorrhagia with fibroid polyp. Ultrasonography confirmed the clinical findings however Intraoperatively examination under anaesthesia revealed uterine inversion. On table we proceeded with Haultains method of uterine reposition followed by total abdominal hysterectomy. Patient recovered well and thus case was successfully managed.

Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich syndrome in a multiparous female

Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich syndrome is a rare complex congenital anomaly of the urogenital tract involving Mullerian ducts and mesonephric ducts. It is also called OHVIRA syndrome (Obstructed Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal agenesis). It is characterized by a triad of uterus didelphys, obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis. Patients usually present after menarche with pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, mass, and rarely with primary infertility in later years. We report a case of a multiparous female who presented to the hospital with pain in lower abdomen for the past 2 months and acute retention of urine for 1 day. This is an atypical presentation in a multiparous female that has been described in a single case report so far. 1 Intravenous pyelogram and MRI of the patient revealed uterine didelphys, obstructed right hemivagina causing hematohemicolpos and right renal agenesis. Thorough knowledge of imaging features can enable a radiologist to make a correct diagnosis even in an atypical presentation.

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Presenting with Massive Pulmonary Embolism

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) causes chronic pelvic pain due to incompetent, dilated pelvic veins. Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) thrombosis can either be a cause or effect of PCS. Pulmonary embolism in such a setting is rare with only a few reported cases till date. A heightened awareness and clinical suspicion for the specific symptomatology and associated findings are necessary to prevent catastrophe. This report is about a rare case in a young multiparous female with overlooked chronic pelvic pain, due to PCS presenting with breathlessness and hypotension. On evaluation, her echocardiogram revealed dilated right sided chambers, large thrombus in IVC and right pulmonary artery. Troponin was elevated. Computed Tomography (CT) scan confirmed massive pulmonary embolism along with presence of dilated pelvic plexus and dilated right ovarian vein. Patient was successfully treated with systemic thrombolysis followed by oral anticoagulation.

Challenges Associated with Colorectal Cancer in Pregnancy

Colorectal cancer is epidemiologically a disease of the middle-aged and elderly. However, it may occur in the young where it presents with virulent biological behavior and poor prognosis. The symptoms of colorectal cancer may be masked by symptoms of pregnancy and the patient may attribute it to the pregnancy, especially in multiparous patients whose anxiety and apprehension levels may be lower and hence present late to health care providers. Antenatal women who present with such symptoms must be investigated further under the available repertoire of investigations possible in pregnancy without causing any maternal or fetal hazard. Treatment with chemotherapy and radiation for cancer in this setting is further hampered by justifiable concerns over fetal well-being. We present a case of colorectal cancer in a young multiparous female and the associated difficulties in diagnosis and management. The challenges with colorectal cancers and pregnancies are expected to rise in the future with a decreasing trend in age of colorectal cancer occurrence and an increasing age of pregnancy due to lifestyle changes.

An Unusual Presentation of Postpartum Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

The postpartum population is one with a unique physiologic profile that predisposes these patients to rare and often life-threatening conditions. Herein, we discuss a case of a 37-year-old, multiparous female who presented to the emergency department with vague chest discomfort 14 days after delivering her sixth child via vaginal delivery. The patient was found to have elevated cardiac biomarkers and was ultimately diagnosed with pregnancy-related spontaneous coronary artery dissection (P-SCAD). This case report discusses the evaluation, pathophysiology, workup, and management of P-SCAD.

Complicated pantaloon umbilical hernia

Umbilical hernia is an abnormal protrusion of a whole viscus or part through the umbilical ring. Paraumbilical hernia is commonly found in adults protrude above or below the umbilicus. The occurrence of both types concurrently is described as pantaloon or saddle bag umbilical hernia. Complicated pantaloon umbilical hernia is rare. Presented was a case of complicated pantaloon umbilical hernia in a 55 year old multiparous female. Preoperative diagnosis was difficult especially in the setting of complication. Clinicians are urged to consider pantaloon umbilical hernia as a differential diagnosis of umbilical swellings.