Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine the normal serial ultrasonographic appearance of the postpartum uterine involution in small pet dogs (Yorkshire terrier and Maltese). Postpartum changes in uterine shape, architecture, echogenicity and diameter were monitored by ultrasonography in 12 small pet dogs. Serial ultrasonographic examinations were done daily during the first week, 3 days interval from 8 to 30 days, and weekly from 31 to 100 days postpartum. The excretory period of vaginal discharge in 12 normal bitches of uterine involution was finished completely within 3 weeks postpartum. The short axis shape of the uterus was initially often flaccid-appearing. It varied from circular to polygonal. This lasted until 15.75$\pm$3.84 days postpartum, during which time the short axis uterine shape gradually changed to circular. Also, the long axis shape of the uterus was a beaded appearance until 30.89$\pm$4.25 days postpartum. After 30 days, it was appeared as tubular shape between placental and interplacental sites. The ultrasonographic image of the postpartum uterus consisted of four echogenicity distinct layers. Uterine wall was represented as very hyperechoic serosa, hypoechoic myometrium, hyperechoic endometrium and anechoic structures of fluid in the uterine cavity until 7 days postpartum. The individual uterine layers were most prominent during the first week postpartum, and they became progressively less distinct throughout the course of uterine involution. The thickness of myometrium was decreased rapidly in the placental sites from 4.47$\pm$1.42 mm at 1 day to 1.92$\pm$0.26 mm at 16 day, and in the interplacental sites from 3.19$\pm$0.61 mm at 1 day to 1.39$\pm$0.61 mm at 16 day. And it was decreased slowly until 94 day and was been minimum thickness at 94 day. The thickness of endometrium was also decreased like that of myometrium. The uterine diameter in the placental sites was decreased from 22.28$\pm$3.01 mm at 1 day to 16.11$\pm$1.46 mm at 7 day, and in the interplacental sites was decreased from 13.65$\pm$2.34 mm at 1 day to 9.41$\pm$1.59 mm at 7 day postpartum. From 7 day to 93 day, the change of diameter was more and more slow. At 94 days postpartum, the uterine diameter was 5~6 mm both placental and interplacental sites, and the uterine horns were uniform hypoechoic, tubular structures without enlargement. Therefore, complete involution of the uterus occurred at 94 days. It was concluded that normal post partum uterine involution in small pet dogs appeared to be completed 94 days postpartum by gross findings such as vaginal discharges, and by ultrasonographic findings, uterine shape and echogenicity.
