Determination of patency of fallopian tubes in the cow by means of phenolsulphonphthalein and starch grain tests
Kessy, B.M.; Noakes, D.E.
Veterinary Record 105(18): 414-420
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 575588 Document Number: 150631
The phenolsulphonphthalein (PSP) and starch grain tests were used to determine the patency of the fallopian tubes in eight previously fertile Friesian cows and one heifer. Twenty millilitres of a 1% sterile solution of PSP was carefully infused into the uterine lumen after the bladder had been catheterised and emptied of urine. At 30 minute intervals the bladder was emptied, the urine rendered alkaline with a 10% tri-sodium orthophosphate buffer solution and the concentration of PSP measured using a spectrophotometer against a standard curve. The test was performed at oestrus (day 0), day 6 and day 14 and repeated in three cows after initially unilateral and subsequent bilateral ligation of the fallopian tubes. In most animals at day 0 very little or no PSP was excreted in the urine by three hours after intrauterine infusion. On day 6 and 14 a mean percentage of PSP recovered in the urine was 7.38 plus or minus SD 3.76 and 15.40 plus or minus SD 4.50, respectively. Unilateral ligation resulted in some reduction in the amount of PSP recovered. Ten ml of a sterile starch suspension, which contained 1 g of solid, was injected on to the surface of the ovary through a 30.5 cm long 18 gauge hypodermic needle inserted through the sacro-sciatic ligament. Iodine stained cervico/vaginal mucus or washings, collected 24 hours after the injection and for at least six days, were examined microscopically for the presence of starch granules. In experiments which were started at oestrus, (day 0), there was usually a delay of 48 to 72 hours before starch grains were recovered, while in those experiments started in the luteal phase of the cycle (day 6 or 14), grains were usually recovered in 24 hours. The test was effective in demonstrating unilateral and bilateral occlusion in the three cows in which surgical ligation of one or both tubes was performed. The PSP test was effective in demonstrating bilateral occlusion of the fallopian tubes when performed in the mid luteal phase of the cycle with the collection of urine 60 minutes after intrauterine infusion. The starch test should be done on or about day 14 of the oestrous cycle with the collection of cervico-vaginal mucus or washings 24 or 48 hours later.