Effect of equine transvaginal follicle aspiration on serum concentrations of acute phase proteins and their utility in diagnosis of ovarian abscess.
Authors: Hinrichs Katrin, Gleason Kim, Dobbie Tamara, Felix Matheus R
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Acute Phase Proteins as Diagnostic Markers for Post-TVA Ovarian Abscess Transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration (TVA) is routinely used in equine reproduction to collect oocytes for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, yet ovarian abscess remains a serious complication that can necessitate euthanasia. This study investigated whether two inflammatory markers—fibrinogen and serum amyloid A (SAA)—could help distinguish between the normal physiological response to TVA and pathological abscess formation. Hinrichs and colleagues measured serum fibrinogen and SAA concentrations in mares before TVA and on days 3, 7 and 14 post-procedure, with additional comparison to a control group of mares never subjected to TVA; neither fibrinogen nor SAA elevated significantly following routine TVA, and repeated procedures produced no cumulative elevation. Four clinical cases of suspected ovarian abscess following TVA demonstrated that fibrinogen *was* elevated in association with clinical signs, suggesting diagnostic utility. These findings establish that baseline acute phase proteins should remain normal after uncomplicated TVA, making any elevation in fibrinogen a valuable red flag warranting further investigation and potentially enabling earlier diagnosis of this serious complication before irreversible damage occurs.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Normal fibrinogen and SAA levels after TVA indicate the procedure itself does not trigger acute phase protein elevation; any elevation post-TVA warrants investigation for ovarian abscess
- •Fibrinogen can be a useful diagnostic aid when ovarian abscess is suspected following TVA complications, helping clinicians distinguish between routine procedure effects and serious infection
- •Baseline fibrinogen and SAA values do not need to be obtained before routine TVA, but monitoring these markers post-procedure may enable earlier detection and treatment of ovarian abscess
Key Findings
- •Serum amyloid A (SAA) levels remained at baseline on all days (0, 3, 7, 14) following TVA in 6 mares
- •No significant difference in mean serum fibrinogen concentrations between Day 0 and Days 3, 7, or 14 post-TVA in 8 mares
- •No significant difference in fibrinogen levels between mares undergoing repeated TVA (n=8) and mares with no TVA history (n=14)
- •Elevated fibrinogen in 4 mares post-TVA was associated with clinical signs of ovarian abscess and supported early diagnosis