title: [Cystic ovarian disease in dairy cattle: aetiology, pathogenesis, and risk factors].
abstract: Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is an important ovarian dysfunction in dairy cattle, especially during the early postpartum period. The endocrinology and the symptoms of this disorder vary widely due to the many different forms of cysts that exist. For these reasons, there is currently no clear and unambiguous definition of COD. When ovulation does not occur, a follicle may evolve into an ovarian cyst. Folliculogenesis and ovulation are regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. A dysfunction can occur at different levels of this neuroendocrine system, causing COD. The primary factor is thought to be a deficient luteinizing hormone surge prior to ovulation. What causes this alteration is not yet known. Many factors increase the incidence of COD and are involved in the very complex pathogenesis of this disease.
authors.affiliation: Vakgroep Voortplanting, Verloskunde en Bedrijfsdiergeneeskunde, Faculteit Diergeneeskunde, Universiteit Gent, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, België. tom.vanholder@rug.ac.be
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Vanholder
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Opsomer
authors.forename: J L J
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Govaere
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Coryn
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: de Kruif
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010048:Ovarian Cysts / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000502:physiology; D010060:Ovulation / Q000502:physiology; D010298:Parity; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary