Endometrial biopsy technique and uterine pathologic findings in llamas.
Uterine tissue specimens from 90 llamas with history of infertility were examined and graded microscopically; 83 specimens were obtained by endometrial biopsy and 7 specimens were obtained at necropsy. Fifteen llamas (16.7%) had a normal uterus, which was graded 1A. Twenty-three llamas (25.6%) had minor uterine abnormalities that were graded 1B. Forty-five llamas (50.0%) had appreciable endometritis that was graded 2A. Three llamas (3.3%) had endometritis with gland fibrosis that was graded 2B. Two llamas (2.2%) had notable uterine gland fibrosis that was graded 3A. Two llamas (2.2%) had uterine neoplasia that was graded 3B. Thirty-six llamas had follow-up evaluation; 22 became pregnant, most after some form of treatment. Uterine biopsy in llamas was readily performed without complications and was valuable in identifying a wide range of uterine diseases, most of which were amenable to treatment.
Powers
B E
BE
Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523.
Johnson
L W
LW
Linton
L B
LB
Garry
F
F
Smith
J
J
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D001706:Biopsy / Q000662:veterinary; D002161:Camelids, New World; D004716:Endometritis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary; D004717:Endometrium / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary; D014599:Uterus / Q000473:pathology*