Background: Uterine biopsy is considered as the most conclusive and efficient method for diagnosis of subclinical endometritis especially to evaluate further reproductive efficiency. 
 
Methods: The present study was conducted at ULF &amp; FRDS, Mannuthy to compare the efficacy of two devices in obtaining histopathological samples for the diagnosis of subclinical endometritis (SCE) in crossbred dairy cows at 30 and 40 days postpartum. The two devices used were the Jacksons uterine biopsy forceps (Jorvet, USA) and a slimmer stainless-steel biopsy forceps with a circular cupped jaw, fabricated similar to human bronchoscopy biopsy device. 
 
Result: The Jacksons uterine biopsy forceps was used in 35 cows to collect the samples. Manoeuvring this forceps through the cervix was found to be difficult and only in 16 out of the 35 animals (45.71%) collection for both days was successful, while in 14 animals (40%) samples could be collected only on day 30 of observation and in remaining 5 animals (14.29%) no samples could be collected on both the days of observation. In those animals where samples could be procured, bigger jaw of the Jacksons forceps resulted in larger sample size which may slightly delay healing. The fabricated biopsy forceps was used in 10 animals and because of its slim structure, it was possible to collect samples in all of them (100%). The smaller jaw ensured that the sample obtained was smaller and thus minimalizing tissue damage, contamination with blood and possibly promoting a swifter healing. Tissue sections were examined for pathological changes in the endometrium involving surface epithelium, lamina propria, endometrial glands and vascular inflammatory status. The samples obtained using the modified forceps provided sufficient data for the diagnosis of SCE similar to the traditional device. Thus, the fabricated uterine biopsy forceps, which is comparatively much cheaper, can be used with more ease in indigenous/crossbred cows and heifers which have smaller cervices.

Comparison of the Jackson Uterine Biopsy Forceps with a Fabricated Model of Human Bronchoscopy Biopsy Device for Uterine Biopsy in Bovines

<div>Background: Pyometra is a pathological state of the compromised uterus of grown-up to old, diestrum bitches. Pyometra is easy to identify but can be more challenging when there is no vaginal discharge. In the present study, an attempt was made to find out the pathogen involvement and clinico-haemato-biochemical alteration in bitches affected with Pyometra. \ 
 
Methods: Twelve bitches with a history of inappetence, polydipsia, dirty vaginal discharge, occasional vomition irrespective of breeds and age groups were clinically examined and diagnosed as pyometra. The presumptive clinical diagnosis was based on case history, clinical signs, vaginal cytology, abdominal ultrasonography or radiography, gross examination of a pus-filled uterus after the ovariohysterectomy. 
 
Result: Vaginal examination revealed brown chocolate malodorous vaginal discharge with discolouration of the perivulval tissue. Abdominal ultrasound showed hyperplasia with echogenic material in the uterine wall along with distended uterine horns containing a large volume of cellular contents. Radiographic imaging revealed cranio-dorsal displacement of the small intestine and a twisted uniform tubular opacity with a distended uterus. The vaginal cytology revealed a large number of degenerated neutrophils, intermediate and parabasal cells. Escherichia coli were the major pathogen isolated from the pyometra uteri of bitches. The surface of the endometrium was columnar ciliated epithelium, with hyperplasia of subepithelial tissue and thick muscularis. The haemato-biochemical evaluation in pyometra infected bitches revealed decreased haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), total erythrocytic count (TEC) and lymphocyte count indicating the microcytic hypochromic type of anaemia. Leucocytosis with a predominant absolute neutrophilia and lymphocytosis were consistently found in canine pyometra. There was a significantly elevated profile of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, transaminases and alkaline phosphatase as well as total proteins observed in pyometric female dogs as compared to healthy ones which may have diagnostic and prognostic importance, which also indicated damage of vital organ caused by bacterial endotoxins. The haemato-biochemical indices correlating with imaging techniques, vaginal cytology and histopathological examination can serve as good prognostic markers in bitches with pyometra.</div>

Clinico-haemato-biochemical and Pathological Alteration of Pyometra in Canines

<div>Background: Breeding success in mares is dependent on both local and systemic factors. Uterine conditions such as endometritis have a negative impact on fertility. Similarly, poor body scores and systemic inflammatory conditions are associated with reduced pregnancy rates. This study aimed to investigate differences in uterine and systemic status between fertile and barren mares.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Uterine ultrasonographic findings, endometrial cytology, body condition score, rectal temperature and complete blood count were evaluated in sexually mature fertile (n=15) and barren (n=15) thoroughbred mares. Differences in the mean values of various parameters between the two groups were evaluated for statistical significance through independent t-tests using commercial statistical software. 
 
Result: Compared to fertile mares, barren mares had a significantly higher number of neutrophils and a significantly higher neutrophils: epithelial cell ratio as per endometrial cytology. The ultrasonography revealed presence of uterine fluid in 12 out of the 15 barren mares. Uterine fluid was not observed in any of the fertile mares. No differences in body condition score, rectal temperature and complete blood count were observed between the two groups. These results suggest that infertility in mares results predominantly from alterations in the uterine health.</div>

​Analysis of Uterine and Systemic Parameters in Fertile and Barren Mares

Background: The porcine sapelovirus (PSV) is a small, non-enveloped, single-stranded, positive-sense, RNA virus of the family Picornaviridae. The PSV infections in pigs have been found associated with diarrhoea, polioencephalomyelitis, pneumonia and reproductive disorders with a high morbidity rate. Despite of its economical importance very few studies are available on the pathology of PSV. The present study was conducted with the aim to investigate the PSV infection and associated pathology in Indian pigs.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Tissue samples along with intestinal content were collected from a total of 78 necropsied cases for histopathological examination and molecular investigation during April 2019 to August 2020. The amplification of 5&#39; UTR region of PSV was carried out via RT-PCR and confirmed by sequencing. The Genetic characterization of Indian isolate of the PSV was done on the basis of viral 5&#39; UTR gene.&nbsp; 
 
Result: A total of eight out of 78 cases were found positive for the PSV. Catarrhal and haemorrhagic enteritis, thickening and clouding of brain meninges along with congestion of brain and pneumonia was observed as common gross lesions. Microscopic lesions included perivascular cuffing, focal gliosis, neuronophagia, congestion of meningeal and cerebral vessels, interstitial pneumonia, inflammatory changes in the intestinal mucosa and sloughing of villi. The genetic characterization revealed maximum identity of 96.89% with PSV-1 strain PSV-46-V (LC508233) and PSV-1 strain PSV-26-B (LC508232) of Zambia. This study reported the pathological and molecular investigation of PSV from Indian pigs. Further explorative surveillance along with experimental studies in suitable animal model and cell lines are highly warranted for better understanding of PSV pathology in Indian pigs.

Pathology and Molecular Characterization of Porcine Sapelovirus in Indian Pigs

In the present study, blood samples of 79 cows with different uterine infections (pyometra, endometritis, cervicitis and abortion) and 41 normal cows of non-descripts and crossbreds were collected to study the prevalence of uterine infection in relation to haematological as well as biochemical changes in blood serum. In uterine infections, major infection remained endometritis which was recorded as highest (34.16%) followed by pyometra (18.33%), cervicitis (10.00%) and abortion (3.33%). Haematological study revealed a significant decrease in haemoglobin and total erythrocyte count while a significant increase in total leukocyte count in animals with uterine infection as compared to the control group. Biochemical study revealed that there was a severe decrease in serum glucose and serum cholesterol level in uterine infected cows in comparison to healthy cows. It was concluded that infection in the body, nature of the causative agents, and resistance of animal and localization of inflammatory response might be possible causes of lower biochemical parameters and haematological parameters except total leukocyte count in uterine infected cows.

Prevalence of uterine infection in relation to certain haematological and biochemical changes of blood serum in dairy cows

<div>Background: Repeat breeding syndrome (RBS) associated with sub-clinical uterine infection (UI) remains to be a major reproductive problem faced by Indian farmers. Present study documents its diagnosis, prevalent etiological agents, antibiogram pattern and efficacy of the treatment at field level.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Seventy-eight RBS affected bovines were selected. The cervical mucous (CM) was collected for study of its characteristics, white-side test, endometrial cytology, microbial examination and antibiogram. The treatment protocol was developed and the animals&rsquo; response to the treatment was assessed.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The overall incidence of RBS was found to be 12.9% and the cases associated with uterine infection (RBS/UI+ve) and without uterine infection (RBS/UI-ve) were 44.87% and 55.13%, respectively. The mean scores of CM character, odour, pH and number of polymorphonuclear cells in RBS/UI +ve were 2.09&plusmn;1.39, 1.14&plusmn;0.12, 8.49&plusmn;0.08 and 12.46&plusmn;0.96, respectively, and differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) from RBS/UI-ve cases. The microbial examination revealed the presence of gram negative bacilli, Trueperella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli and yeast infection. Antibiogram studies recorded the response of Tetracyclin as best (48.57%) followed by Cephalexin (22.86%), Chloramphenicol (20.0%) and Streptomycin (8.57%). The RBS/UI+ve cases were treated individually, on one-to-one basis, obeying antibiogram. The infection appeared to be considerably controlled and overall success rate was observed in the form of confirmed pregnancy in 71.43% cases. Thus, it was concluded that prompt diagnosis using endometrial cytology and antibiogram guided therapeutic approach may aid for effective management of RBS/UI +ve cases, under field conditions.&nbsp;</div>

Cytological, Bacteriological and Antibiogram Studies for the Management of Uterine Infection in Repeat Breeder Bovines

<div>This article describes the surgical management of uterine torsion by midline celiotomy for cesarean section in 11 mares presented with signs of colic at a teaching veterinary hospital. The mares were either in full term of gestation (n = 6) or in advanced stage of pregnancy (n = 5). Majority of the mares (44.5%) were in fourth parity. 78% cases of uterine torsion were post cervical and clockwise and (22%) cases were post cervical and anticlockwise. For surgical intervention, mares were anesthetized using a combination of xylazine (1.1 mg/kg) and ketamine (2.2 mg/kg), intravenously and maintained on isoflurane inhalation anesthesia. Midline celiotomy was performed, and foals were delivered by cesarean section. Before closing the abdominal wound, the uterus was detorted manually and confirmed per-vaginally for its normal position. After long-term follow-up, the study reported 90.0% (10/11) survival rate out of which, seven were bred successfully.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Surgical management of uterine torsion through ventral celiotomy in eleven mares</div>

Background: A total of 20 tissue samples from horn, eye, skin and vulva in bovines suspected of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) on the basis of gross pathology were collected from Durg, Dhamtari and Rajnandgaon districts of Chhattisgarh and processed in the Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Science and A.H., DSVCKV, Anjora, Durg (C.G.). 
&nbsp; 
Methods: Investigation was conducted during January to June 2022, we explicate the pathological and immunohistochemical examination including scoring and grading of squamous cell carcinoma in bovines. Histopathological examination as per standard HandE method of staining and immunohistochemistry was performed through Benchmark automated staining system. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Twelve cases were diagnosed as SCC on the basis of histopathological and eleven on the basis of immunohistochemical analysis. Grossly neoplasms of horn revealed large, cauliflower like unilateral irregular masses at the base of horn and they were friable and soft in consistency. Small, unilateral growths observed in eye varied from soft to hard in consistency. Histopathological findings in SCC of horn revealed keratinization of horn epithelium forming concentric keratin pearls. Distinctive keratin pearls with more keratin deposition towards the center, numerous mitotic figures with anaplasia and neovascularization were evident in OSCC. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong immunohistochemical expression of Pan-Cytokeratin (Pan-CK), p53 and EGFR and negative&nbsp; to p16. Immunohistochemical scoring (IHS) was done in Pan-CK, EGFR and p53, ranged from 1-4. Well differentiated SCC of horn revealed strong immunoexpression against EGFR, varied from mild to intense. SCC of horn exhibited strong immunoexpression for Pan-CK, p53 and EGFR whereas, immunoexpression in OSCC specifically p53 was less as compared to SCC of horn. Grading and differentiation of SCC (horn and eye) was also done on basis of histopathological and immunohistochemical scoring.

Pathology and Diagnosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Bovines

<div>Background: Trichomonas gallinae is a flagellated protozoa, infects the upper digestive system of pigeon and causing a condition called canker, characterized by development of granulomatous lesions in the buccal cavity, crop, proventriculus, gizzard and liver of affected birds causing mortality upto 90% in squabs. Systemic research on prevalence and pathology of T. gallinae in pigeons are scant in India. The present work was carried out to document the prevalence and pathology of T. gallinae in pigeons of Assam. 
 
Methods: During the one- year study period, throat swab samples were collected from households, market places and temple premises in 4 districts of Assam. A total of 324 birds were examined by wet mount and Giemsa staining methods for detection of T. &nbsp;gallinae. Naturally died carcasses were studied for gross and histopathological alteration in different organs. 
 
Result:&nbsp;In the present study prevalence of T. gallinae was found 26.85% and squabs were highly susceptible with 56.25 percent. &nbsp;Sex wise, comparatively higher prevalence was observed in females (33.54%) than in the males (20.48%). Seasonality study revealed highest prevalence during winter. Gross pathological alteration characterized by yellowish white caseo-necrotic haemorrhagic lesion in the upper digestive tract beginning with the oral cavity and lesions also found in liver and lungs. Histopathological alteration also recorded in different organs. In the liver sinusoidal congestion and kupffer cell hyperplasia were observed. Infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells in the thickened inter alveolar space of lungs also recorded. Further study is required to identify the prevalent strains of T. gallinae on the basis of pathogenicity in this geographic region and immunology of T. gallinae in pigeons and other hosts remain to be explored.</div>

<div>Prevalence and Pathology of Trichomonas gallinae in Domestic Pigeon (Columba livia domestica) of Assam, India</div>

Background: Uterine infections are a leading cause of infertility and economic loss in dairy cattle, often resulting from complex polymicrobial infections. Rapid and accurate detection of the causative pathogens is essential for effective management. This study focuses on assessing the prevalence of uterine infections and developing a multiplex PCR assay for simultaneous detection of key bacterial pathogens in cattle. 
 
Methods: A total of 1,905 cattle from the Vindhyan region were screened for uterine discharge and categorized as clear with tiny flakes, cloudy, mucopurulent, purulent, or haemorrhagic. Sixty uterine samples were aseptically collected for molecular analysis. Conventional PCR was employed to detect Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Trueperella pyogenes, Clostridium tertium and Histophilus somni. A multiplex PCR (mPCR) assay was subsequently developed for simultaneous detection of E. coli, C. tertium and H. somni and its sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were assessed to evaluate diagnostic performance. 
 
Result: The overall prevalence of uterine infections was 10.44%, consisting of 60.80% subclinical endometritis, 26.63% clinical endometritis and 12.56% metritis. The prevalence rates of E. coli, C. tertium and H. somni were 85%, 92.9% and 73.33%, respectively. Conventional PCR detected E. coli in 54, F. necrophorum in 01, T. pyogenes in 70, C. tertium in 44 and H. somni in 12 of the 60 uterine samples. Using mPCR, 51 samples were positive for E. coli, 44 for C. tertium and 15 for H. somni. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the mPCR were 100%, 66.6% and 95% for E. coli; 100% each for C. tertium; and 80%, 100% and 95% for H. somni, respectively, indicating its high diagnostic efficiency. 
&nbsp;