Using Ultrasound for Clinical Observation of the Porcine Ovary Through the Course of the Estrous Cycle and to Monitor Treatment of Ovarian Disease

Abstract

Clinical ultrasonographic observations of the ovaries of 5 cross-bred sows were carried out during the estrous cycle and during treatment for ovarian disease (1 case of normal estrous cycle, 2 cases of ovarian quiescence, 1 case of large multiple follicular cysts, and 1 case of small multiple follicular cysts). Ultrasonography allowed clear observations of follicle growth, ovulation, luteinization and luteal regression during the porcine ovary estrous cycle. Observation of differences in the response of the ovarian structure between effective and ineffective pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) treatment in cases of sows with ovarian quiescence was also possible by ultrasonography. Ultrasonography additionally revealed that the administration of bovine anterior pituitary gonadotropin (bAPG) for treatment of sows with ovarian follicular cysts lead to temporary enlargement of the cysts. The results of this study have shown that ultrasonography is a superior method for detailed observation the porcine ovarian structure, and has promising possibilities for clinical applications.