Palpation of Genital Organs For Changes During Estrous Cycle

Semester viii; VGO 421
Lecture 5
K. P. Paudel
Palpation of Genital Organs for Changes during Estrous Cycle
Examination of genital organs by palpation through rectum is referred to as per rectal

examination (P/R). This method is one of the most reliable methods in assessing
physiological and pathological conditions of the reproductive system in large animals. The
method is useful in detecting/diagnosing pregnancy, oestrus, anoestrus, gross structural
deformity and other gross pathological lesions if present in the reproductive organs. The
reproductive organs that can be examined easily per rectally are cervix, uterus, uterine horns,
oviduct, ovaries, broad ligaments and adhesions if any of the organs with the abdominal
/pelvic wall.
Some important general guidelines for performing P/R examination are as follows:
 Before beginning the proper examination always collect the reproductive history of
the animal and make-out your mind with regard to anticipated findings. Thorough
information on breeding history helps relate the animal’s complaint with the
palpation findings for diagnostic interpretation. A thorough knowledge of structural
findings at various stages of estrous / reproductive cycle is a must prior to
undertaking a P/R examination.
 The examiner must be aware of differentiating the touch feeling on palpation of
fluid filled structures, soft tissue structure, tonicity of the organs, relaxed stage of
the organ, relative size at various stages etc.
 Always follow anatomical landmark for approaching the organ in question for
avoiding confusion of findings with other organs of the pelvis and abdomen. For
example, false positive pregnancy cases will create confusion with filled urinary
bladder, tumor cysts with kidney and so on. Careful rectal examinations considering
the anatomical landmarks of the reproductive organs and their relationships with
surrounjding organs prevent erroneous diagnosis. The anatomical landmarks are
pelvic brim and os cervix.
Procedure for rectal examination:

To be demonstrated in the practical class and discussed in the theory class.
Major steps include:
 Restraining animal
 Wearing protective cloths, aprons and gowns, being aware of animals response and
probable kicking
 Use of gloves
 Strict hygienic measures
 Lubrication of arms
 Insertion of hand in he rectum
 Back raking
 Detection of landmark organs and search for other organs: avoid mechanical injury
to rectal wall inside.
 Retraction of reproductive organs for observation/examination
 Note making
 Interpretation
Changes in reproductive organs during various stages of the estrous cycle:
Stages Proestrus Estrus Metestrus Diestrus

Organs
Ovary  Graffian follicle is rapidly  Graffian follicle is  Ovulatory fossa can be seen  Growing to fully grown CL
growing fully grown, mature,  Developing corpus luteum Other developing follicles
 Other small follicles and about 2.0 cm in  Other small growing follicles of the first, second and
regressing CLs of the previous diameter, the follicle is of the first follicular wave even third follicular wave
cycles are also observable. pliable, filled with post ovulation of their development
fluid (specifically in cattle)
 Remnants of the
regressing CLs of the
previous cycles
 Ovum undergoes
maturational changes
Oviduct  Increase in growth of epithelial  Oviduct is in tone  Glandular secretions  Oviduct becomes more
cells and cilia lining the oviduct  Cilia are active increase to support the quiescent
 Increase in fluid secretion  Frequent contractions development of fertilized
of oviduct take place ovum (zygote).
 Fimbria approach  More smooth and gentle
close to graffian contractions for the delivery
follicle. of day 4 zygote to the
 Increased amount of uterus.
oviductal fluid
Uterus  Increase in vascularity of the  Uterus is in tone and  Coruncular part is very  The endometrium becomes
uterine mucosa turgid, also edematous hyperemic and in many thicker and its glands
 Increased mucus secretion from in some species animals capillaries rupture hypertrophy.
the uterine glands, mucus is  There is increased to produce metestrous  Uterine muscles are
viscid and even milky in blood supply bleeding. This bleeding is relaxed, flaccid, therefore
proestrus (hyperemia) associated with estrogen the uterine horns lack tone
 Increased endometrial  Mucosal layer grows withdrawal. (are flaccid)
vascularity followed by rapidly  Mucus secretion decreases
bleeding (specifically in dog)  There is excessive but endometrial glands
secretion of uterine become more active under
Stages Proestrus Estrus Metestrus Diestrus
Organs
mucus the influence of
progesterone.
 Uterus becomes soft and
pliable.
 Contractions not evident
Cervix  Gradual relaxation  Cervix is open and  Opening decreases in  Cervix is constricted,
 Increased secretion of viscid, relaxed diameter closed
slimy mucus from the goblet  There is excessive
cells of the cervix and anterior secretion of cervical
vagina mucus
Vagina  Increase in thickness of the  Mucosa of the vagina is  There is loss of thickened  The vaginal walls are pale
vaginal epithelium greatly thickened and epithelial layer in color.
 Cornification (specially in dog cornified
and cat


Vulva  Swollen and edematous  Relaxed and  Thick yellow mucus if  Walls (mucous membrane)
edematous present are pale
 Strings of mucus hang  Metestrus bleeding apparent
from the vulva in some animals

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Semester viii; VGO 421

Palpation of Genital Organs for Changes during Estrous Cycle

Examination of genital organs by palpation through rectum is referred to as per rectal

Procedure for rectal examination:

Stages Proestrus Estrus Metestrus Diestrus

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