title: Ultrasound and endocrine findings that help to assess the risk of late embryo/early foetal loss by non-infectious cause in dairy cattle.
abstract: This report reviews the clinical applications of routine ultrasound in gestation control programmes for dairy herds. Emphasis is placed on identifying risks of late embryo/early foetal loss of non-infectious cause by monitoring ovarian structures (as opposed to uterine contents), indicators of pregnancy loss and twin pregnancies. Suggestions are provided to appropriately manage a cow at risk of pregnancy loss during the late embryonic/early foetal period. This review identifies gaps in our current knowledge of the aetiology of pregnancy loss and spontaneous embryo/corpus luteum reduction. Two areas of the implantation-placentation window of gestation in particular need urgent attention: the roles in pregnancy loss of immune-endocrine interactions and the physiological status of the embryo/corpus luteum. The latter issue and consecutively endocrine interactions could be successfully addressed by incorporating Doppler ultrasonography into routine ultrasound procedures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Production, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: López-Gatius
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: García-Ispierto
mesh_terms: D000034:Abortion, Veterinary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D003338:Corpus Luteum; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D020964:Embryo Loss / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006728:Hormones / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System; D010053:Ovary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010929:Placentation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / Q000662:veterinary; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D006728:Hormones