Uterine adenomyosis in bitches and queens: Occurrence and histopathological aspects

Abstract

The goal of this study was to report the occurrence and histopathological aspects of uterine adenomyosis in bitches and queens. The sample consisted of 200 uteri from bitches (n =100) and queens (n = 100) obtained from elective ovarian-salpingohysterectomies. The animals were classified according to age, having given birth, and contraceptive use. Samples of the uterine horns were collected following routine histological processing using slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The data obtained were analysed using the chi-square test, with 5% significance level. Uterine adenomyosis was confirmed in 12% of bitches and 3% of queens. Age had no influence on the occurrence of this disease; however, not having given birth and the use of contraceptives favoured its appearance in bitches. Microscopically, portions of endometrial glands and stroma were present in the circular and vascular myometrial strata, with normal and cystic characteristics and variations in the glandular epithelium. There was cystic-type luminal content, such as calcification, hyaline substance, polyps, and mucin. This study made it possible to conclude that uterine adenomyosis occurs more frequently in bitches than in queens, regardless of age groups. Nulliparous bitches using contraceptives were the most affected. This pathology showed variations with respect to location and histopathological aspects, with the cystic type exhibiting calcification, hyaline substance, polyps, and mucin inside the lumen. These findings are being reported for the first time in the veterinary literature.