Experimental Induction of Genital Tract Inflammation in Ewes: Clinical, Cytological, Bacteriological and Reproductive Evaluation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ijapm.2026.42.SI.11Keywords:
Ewes, vaginitis, metritis, vaginal cytology and bacteriology, oxytetracycline, ethinyl estradiol, reproductive diseases, vaginitis, metritisAbstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the therapeutic effectiveness of a vaginal suppository containing ethinyl estradiol and oxytetracycline, as well as the clinical, cytological, bacteriological, and reproductive changes associated with experimentally induced genital tract inflammation in ewes. Materials and Methods: This study comprised ten mature sheep healthy with normal reproductive histories and body condition scores between 2.5 and 3.5. A teaser ram was used twice a day to identify estrus based on physical and behavioral indicators. 10% Lugol’s iodine was used to experimentally generate genital tract inflammation during estrus following cervical preparation and dilation. Vaginal swab samples were taken prior to induction and at certain intervals afterward, and a vaginal examination was carried out using a vaginal scope. Bacteriological and cytological analyses were performed on the samples. Vaginal smears were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) and preserved in 95% ethanol, then checked under a microscope for alterations in inflammatory and epithelial cells. Standard microbiological methods were used to isolate the bacteria. Following induction, mice were divided into two groups: a control group and a treatment group that received a vaginal suppository containing 500 mg of oxytetracycline and 2 mg of ethinyl estradiol. Following natural mating, reproductive performance was assessed, and transabdominal ultrasonography was used to diagnose pregnancy. Results: A clinical examination of the affected ewes showed signs of both acute and chronic inflammatory reproductive tract disorders, such as abnormal vaginal discharge, edema, hyperemia, palpable discomfort, bad odor, and in some cases, increased body temperature. When the vaginal mucosa were examined grossly, inflammatory lesions ranging from acute congestion and edema to chronic thickening and purulent exudates were seen. From normal superficial and intermediate squamous epithelial cells without inflammation to reactive squamous metaplasia with acute, chronic, and mixed inflammatory cell infiltration, cytological analysis showed a range of alterations. Following the creation of inflammation, bacterial isolates such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., Corynebacterium spp., and Proteus spp. were shown to be significantly more common and diverse. While some bacterial species continued to exist following medication, most instances showed a discernible decrease in bacterial isolation rates. About 35 days after mating, an ultrasound examination revealed the existence of early gestational sacs. In conclusion:It was determined that ewes’ artificially generated vaginal tract inflammation resulted in notable clinical, cytological, and bacteriological changes that could have a negative impact on reproductive health. Determining the inflammatory conditions present in the reproductive tract has been aided by the methods of vaginal cytology and bacteriology. Reproductive performance (recovered ewes) and bacterial load in ewes were improved with the medical treatment.
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