Tsiadi-Dimitropoulou C. DVM, MSc student, Surgery and Obstetrics Unit, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Elekidou E. DVM, MSc, PhD student, Surgery and Obstetrics Unit, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Ververidis C. DVM, PhD, Associate Professor, Surgery and Obstetrics Unit, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Introduction
Poor breeding scheduling, poor quality and handling of the sperm and pathological conditions of ovaries or uterus are common causes of conception failure or miscarriage. A case of miscarriage after artificial insemination (AI) in a bitch is described.
Clinical case
A 3.5-year-old bitch was presented with a history of known miscarriage after previous AI. Miscarriage residues were found in uterus ultrasonographically, and for their removal, treatment was pursued with aglepristone and cloprostenol in increasing doses. Full recovery was noted, 15 and 70 days post-treatment, via ultrasound. Infectious factors (brucellosis, herpesvirus) were ruled out. In the subsequent oestrus cycle, the AI timing was determined based on vaginal cytology and progesterone levels. Chilled sperm was received, which, however, was warmer and of lower quality than expected upon arrival. Intrauterine insemination was performed through laparotomy, under general anaesthesia.
Results
Upon ultrasound examination 27 days after AI, elements compatible with possible embryonic resorptions were identified and automatic miscarriage was held.
Conclusions
In this case, despite the correct scheduling for sperm receipt and AI in the appropriate time, the poor sperm transportation conditions, adversely affected its quality. Furthermore, the animal’s prior miscarriage, despite the successful treatment, likely contributed to fertilization failure.
