Podcast
Questions and Answers
A dairy veterinarian is performing routine pregnancy checks on a large dairy farm that uses rectal palpation monthly or more frequently. Given the provided data, and considering industry trends, which of the following statements most accurately reflects the likelihood of rectal palpation usage on this farm?
A dairy veterinarian is performing routine pregnancy checks on a large dairy farm that uses rectal palpation monthly or more frequently. Given the provided data, and considering industry trends, which of the following statements most accurately reflects the likelihood of rectal palpation usage on this farm?
- It is moderately likely, as approximately 67% of all dairy operations utilize rectal palpation monthly or more frequently.
- It is highly unlikely, as only 50.2% of small dairy operations use rectal palpation monthly, and large operations favor more advanced techniques.
- It is very likely, given that 75% of large dairy operations perform rectal palpation weekly or every two weeks, suggesting a strong preference for this method. (correct)
- It is uncertain without knowing the specific size classification of 'large' as defined in the presented data, as usage rates vary significantly by operation size.
In a beef cattle operation with 150 head of cattle, what is the most probable method of pregnancy diagnosis based on the provided survey data?
In a beef cattle operation with 150 head of cattle, what is the most probable method of pregnancy diagnosis based on the provided survey data?
- Pregnancy-specific protein B testing, favored for its early detection capabilities and ease of sample collection.
- Rectal palpation, being the most frequently used method in beef operations, especially in herds of this size. (correct)
- Biochemical testing, as it is non-invasive and suitable for larger herds.
- Ultrasound, due to its high accuracy and ability to detect early pregnancy.
During a rectal palpation for pregnancy diagnosis in a cow, you identify a chorioallantoic membrane slip that feels approximately the size of a string. According to the provided information, what is the estimated gestational age of the fetus?
During a rectal palpation for pregnancy diagnosis in a cow, you identify a chorioallantoic membrane slip that feels approximately the size of a string. According to the provided information, what is the estimated gestational age of the fetus?
- Approximately 30-32 days.
- Approximately 45 days. (correct)
- Approximately 60 days.
- Approximately 75 days.
A veterinarian palpates a structure during a bovine pregnancy examination that is identified as an amniotic vesicle, measuring approximately 1.5 cm in diameter. What is the most likely gestational age and which of the following best describes the vesicle's diagnostic utility at this stage?
A veterinarian palpates a structure during a bovine pregnancy examination that is identified as an amniotic vesicle, measuring approximately 1.5 cm in diameter. What is the most likely gestational age and which of the following best describes the vesicle's diagnostic utility at this stage?
At approximately 90 days gestation in a cow, which of the following descriptions best characterizes the expected size and palpation findings of the placentomes?
At approximately 90 days gestation in a cow, which of the following descriptions best characterizes the expected size and palpation findings of the placentomes?
A veterinarian is performing fetal aging via rectal palpation at approximately 75 days post-insemination. Which combination of factors will most significantly influence the accuracy of their gestational age estimation?
A veterinarian is performing fetal aging via rectal palpation at approximately 75 days post-insemination. Which combination of factors will most significantly influence the accuracy of their gestational age estimation?
You are performing a rectal palpation on a cow and note the inability to retract the cervix, fluid/fluctuance in the uterus, and asymmetry of the uterine horns. While these are supportive signs of pregnancy, which of the following conditions could present similar findings and should be considered in a differential diagnosis?
You are performing a rectal palpation on a cow and note the inability to retract the cervix, fluid/fluctuance in the uterus, and asymmetry of the uterine horns. While these are supportive signs of pregnancy, which of the following conditions could present similar findings and should be considered in a differential diagnosis?
Which of the following scenarios presents the highest risk of early embryonic loss due to rectal palpation?
Which of the following scenarios presents the highest risk of early embryonic loss due to rectal palpation?
A dairy cow is diagnosed with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) after a routine herd health check. If rectal palpation is performed on this cow for pregnancy diagnosis, what is the primary risk related to disease transmission to other animals in the herd, even if no visible blood is observed on the palpation sleeve?
A dairy cow is diagnosed with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) after a routine herd health check. If rectal palpation is performed on this cow for pregnancy diagnosis, what is the primary risk related to disease transmission to other animals in the herd, even if no visible blood is observed on the palpation sleeve?
Why is ultrasound considered the 'gold standard' for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle, particularly when compared to rectal palpation alone?
Why is ultrasound considered the 'gold standard' for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle, particularly when compared to rectal palpation alone?
An ultrasound examination of a cow at 35 days post-insemination reveals a 'small blob' less than 2 cm in size with no distinct fetal features. According to the provided ultrasound characteristics, which of the following is the most accurate interpretation?
An ultrasound examination of a cow at 35 days post-insemination reveals a 'small blob' less than 2 cm in size with no distinct fetal features. According to the provided ultrasound characteristics, which of the following is the most accurate interpretation?
At 60 days of gestation, an ultrasound image of a bovine fetus is expected to show which of the following characteristics?
At 60 days of gestation, an ultrasound image of a bovine fetus is expected to show which of the following characteristics?
Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs) are utilized for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle. What is the earliest gestational age at which PAGs can reliably be used for pregnancy detection, and what sample types are typically used for this biochemical test?
Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs) are utilized for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle. What is the earliest gestational age at which PAGs can reliably be used for pregnancy detection, and what sample types are typically used for this biochemical test?
What is the primary reason for false positive results when using Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs) for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle?
What is the primary reason for false positive results when using Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs) for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle?
In the context of fetal aging via rectal palpation, a range of ±10% gestational age accuracy is considered reasonable between 45-120 days. If a veterinarian estimates a pregnancy to be 60 days based on palpation, what is the expected range of gestational age?
In the context of fetal aging via rectal palpation, a range of ±10% gestational age accuracy is considered reasonable between 45-120 days. If a veterinarian estimates a pregnancy to be 60 days based on palpation, what is the expected range of gestational age?
During rectal palpation, which normal anatomical structure is most likely to be mistaken for placentomes, especially in early to mid-gestation, leading to potential misdiagnosis?
During rectal palpation, which normal anatomical structure is most likely to be mistaken for placentomes, especially in early to mid-gestation, leading to potential misdiagnosis?
A cow is presented for pregnancy diagnosis 4 weeks postpartum. During rectal palpation, the uterus is found to be difficult to retract, with some fluctuance and fremitus. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for these findings?
A cow is presented for pregnancy diagnosis 4 weeks postpartum. During rectal palpation, the uterus is found to be difficult to retract, with some fluctuance and fremitus. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for these findings?
In cases of suspected Physometra (air in the uterus), which palpatory finding would be most indicative of this condition compared to a normal pregnancy or other uterine pathologies?
In cases of suspected Physometra (air in the uterus), which palpatory finding would be most indicative of this condition compared to a normal pregnancy or other uterine pathologies?
For fetal sexing using ultrasound, which gestational age range typically offers the highest accuracy and reliability for determining the sex of a bovine fetus?
For fetal sexing using ultrasound, which gestational age range typically offers the highest accuracy and reliability for determining the sex of a bovine fetus?
Flashcards
Rectal Palpation
Rectal Palpation
A method of pregnancy diagnosis involving manual examination through the rectum to detect pregnancy-related changes in the reproductive tract.
Cardinal Signs of Pregnancy
Cardinal Signs of Pregnancy
Includes chorioallantoic membrane slip, amniotic vesicle, fetus, and placentomes. These are definitive indicators.
Supportive Signs of Pregnancy
Supportive Signs of Pregnancy
Includes inability to retract the cervix, fluid in the uterus, asymmetry of the uterine horns, and enlargement with fremitus of the middle uterine artery.
Membrane Slip
Membrane Slip
Signup and view all the flashcards
Amniotic Vesicle
Amniotic Vesicle
Signup and view all the flashcards
Palpating the Fetus
Palpating the Fetus
Signup and view all the flashcards
Placentomes
Placentomes
Signup and view all the flashcards
Accuracy of Fetal Aging
Accuracy of Fetal Aging
Signup and view all the flashcards
Risks of Rectal Palpation
Risks of Rectal Palpation
Signup and view all the flashcards
Pregnancy Diagnosis via Ultrasound
Pregnancy Diagnosis via Ultrasound
Signup and view all the flashcards
Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs)
Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs)
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Pregnancy Diagnosis and Palpation in Beef and Dairy Operations
- Palpation is used for pregnancy diagnosis in beef operations.
- Dairy operations use rectal palpation monthly or more frequently 67% of the time.
- Large dairy operations use rectal palpation weekly or every 2 weeks 75% of the time.
- Small dairy operations use rectal palpation on a monthly basis 50.2% of the time.
- Mid-sized dairy operations use rectal palpation once or twice a month 69.3% of the time.
Methods of Pregnancy Diagnosis
- Rectal palpation is a method of pregnancy diagnosis.
- Ultrasound is a method of pregnancy diagnosis.
- Biochemical testing is a method of pregnancy diagnosis.
- Progesterone is a biochemical test used in pregnancy diagnosis.
- Pregnancy-specific protein B is a biochemical test used in pregnancy diagnosis.
Rectal Palpation Signs of Pregnancy
- Cardinal signs of pregnancy include chorioallantoic (membrane) slip, amniotic vesicle, fetus, and placentomes.
- Supportive signs of pregnancy include inability to retract the cervix, fluid/fluctuance of the uterus, asymmetry of the uterine horns, and enlargement and fremitus of the middle uterine artery.
Membrane Slip and Gestation
- On days 30-32, the membrane slip has the size of a thread.
- On day 45, the membrane slip has the size of a string.
- On day 60, the membrane slip has the size of a larger string, palpable in both horns.
- On day 75, the membrane slip has the size of yarn.
- Aggressive palpation of the chorioallantoic membrane can result in early embryonic loss if the gestation is less than 45 days.
Amniotic Vesicle During Gestation
- It is a turgid fluid-filled sac surrounding and protecting the embryo during early gestation.
- At 32-35 days (5 weeks), it measures 6-7 mm in diameter.
- At 40-42 days (6 weeks), it measures 1.5 cm in diameter.
- At 50 days (7 weeks), it measures 3.5-5 cm in diameter.
- At 55 days (8 weeks), it measures 6-7 cm in diameter.
- It loses turgidity and becomes less useful for pregnancy diagnosis after day 60.
Fetal Development
- After 60+ days of gestation, internal palpation of a mouse fetus can occur..
- At 3-4 months, a rat/small cat fetus begins to spill over the pelvic brim.
- At 5-6 months, a big cat/beagle fetus descends far into the abdomen, making internal palpation more difficult, but external ballottement is possible at ~6 months.
- At 7 months, a springer spaniel fetus is large enough to be readily accessible for pregnancy diagnosis.
Placentomes
- Placentomes are small, slightly raised disks palpable on the surface of the uterine wall.
- At 75-80 days, placentomes are soft swelling/bumps pea-sized.
- At 90 days, placentomes are firm/readily palpable, dime-sized.
- Placentomes are difficult to reach in mid-gestation.
- Placentomes will be largest in the gravid horn over the fetus and decrease in size towards the cervix and tip of the horn.
- Always palpate for at least three placentomes to avoid confusion with ovaries.
Fetal Aging Factors
- Accuracy in fetal aging depends on a combination of cardinal and supportive signs.
- Accuracy depends on experience and stage of gestation.
- The highest accuracy is at 45-120 days.
- It is reasonable to assume a range of ±10% the gestational age.
- Gestational range is ±6 days around 60 days and ±21 days around 210 days.
- Herd management also contributes to fetal aging accuracy.
- AI date vs. clean-up bull and known breeding intervals can assist in aging.
- Genetics, such as calving ease bulls, also affect fetal aging accuracy.
Misdiagnosis Factors
- Adhesions, which cause an inability to retract the cervix/uterus, can cause misdiagnosis.
- Pyometra, fluid-filled with thickened fremitus walls and difficult to retract, can cause misdiagnosis.
- Mucometra, fluctuant with thickened walls and difficult to retract, can cause misdiagnosis.
- Physometra (air in the uterus) with asymmetric and enlarged uterine horns with thickened walls can cause misdiagnosis.
- Tumors are asymmetrical enlargement of horns, and difficult to retract and fremitus, causing misdiagnosis.
- A fetal mummy with a lack of fetal fluid and contracted uterine walls that are not freely moveable, ± crepitus, can cause misdiagnosis.
Misdiagnosis: Normal Structures in Diagnosis
- A post-partum uterus, which is difficult to retract with ± fluctuance and ± fremitus, can cause misdiagnosis.
- A urinary bladder, large and fluid-filled and viscous, often pushing the uterus to one side, which can cause misdiagnosis.
- The dorsal sac of the rumen, particularly in a hydraulic chute that may feel “doughy”, can cause misdiagnosis.
- The left kidney being located more dorsally than a fetus can cause misdiagnosis.
Risks of Rectal Palpation
- Damage to the embryo or fetus can occur, especially if the pregnancy is less than 45 days.
- Disease transmission is a risk.
- BLV and BVDV are disease risks.
- BVDV can cause transient infection after palpation with a sleeve used on a persistently infected (PI) animal, or lead to seroconversion despite no observable blood on the sleeve.
- Mucosal tearing is a risk.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
