Endometrial biopsy technique and uterine pathologic findings in llamas

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1990 Nov 1;197(9):1157-62.

Abstract

Uterine tissue specimens from 90 llamas with history of infertility were examined and graded microscopically; 83 specimens were obtained by endometrial biopsy and 7 specimens were obtained at necropsy. Fifteen llamas (16.7%) had a normal uterus, which was graded 1A. Twenty-three llamas (25.6%) had minor uterine abnormalities that were graded 1B. Forty-five llamas (50.0%) had appreciable endometritis that was graded 2A. Three llamas (3.3%) had endometritis with gland fibrosis that was graded 2B. Two llamas (2.2%) had notable uterine gland fibrosis that was graded 3A. Two llamas (2.2%) had uterine neoplasia that was graded 3B. Thirty-six llamas had follow-up evaluation; 22 became pregnant, most after some form of treatment. Uterine biopsy in llamas was readily performed without complications and was valuable in identifying a wide range of uterine diseases, most of which were amenable to treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / veterinary
  • Animals
  • Biopsy / veterinary
  • Camelids, New World*
  • Endometritis / pathology
  • Endometritis / veterinary
  • Endometrium / pathology*
  • Female
  • Fibrosis
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Infertility, Female / pathology
  • Infertility, Female / veterinary*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / pathology
  • Uterine Neoplasms / veterinary
  • Uterus / pathology*