Evaluation of the Uterine Wall Echotexture Changes Following an Induced Abortion in Mid–Term Pregnant Bitches: Preliminary Study

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate structural echotexture changes in the uterine wall following abortion induction in bitches during the late embryonic/mid–gestation stage and to develop an evaluation method for the abortion process. A total of 10 healthy pregnant bitches of different breeds, ranging from 25 to 40 days (d) of gestation, were included in this study. In Group 1 (n=5), Aglepristone (10 mg·kg-1 bw, sc) was administered once daily for two consecutive d. In Group 2 (n=5), a combination of Aglepristone, Cabergoline, and Misoprostol was used for induction of abortion (IA). Prior to the induction of abortion, and at 24–hour intervals until completion of abortion (CA), the uterus and placenta were sonographically examined. Additional examinations were conducted on d 1 (CA+1), d 7 (CA+7), and d 14 (CA+14) after the abortion process was completed. Blood samples were taken on the same days to detect serum progesterone (P4) levels. Selected echotexture parameters (homogeneity, contrast, gradient, and entropy) were assessed on sonographical images using image analysis software (Bs200Pro®). Contrast and gradient values significantly decreased on d CA, CA+1 and CA+7 compared to the IA state (P<0.05 and P<0.01). Contrast values were lower in G1 than G2 two days before abortion (CA–2) (P<0.01). Gradient levels were higher in G2 than in G1 on CA–2 (P<0.01). Homogeneity values of G2 were higher than in G1 on d CA–1 and CA+7 (P<0.05). Progesterone values showed a non–significant decrease after IA during the study period in both groups. In G2, a negative correlation between P4 and homogeneity (r=-0.797) and a positive correlation between P4 and contrast values (r=0.719) were found. In conclusion, echotexture analysis allows quantitative and objective evaluation of the uterine structure during abortion, but specific standard values need to be established for both medication protocols, taking into account individual factors. © (2024), (Revista Cientifica de la Facultad de Veterinaria). All rights reserved.