Uterine adenomyosis in a Mirandês jenny

Abstract

Introduction: Adenomyosis is a proliferation of hyperplastic ectopic endometrial glands within the myometrium. It is a rare condition described in dogs, cats and mares. In women it is related to infertility. Here we describe a case of uterine adenomyosis in a Mirandês jenny. Materials and Methods: The uterus and ovaries of an elderly (over 25 years old) Mirandês jenny were fixed in 4% buffered formalin for histopathological evaluation. The ovaries were sectioned longitudinally, and 8 transversal sections were prepared along with uterine horns. Results: The macroscopic evaluation revealed several ovarian cysts. The uterine horns showed varying diameters throughout. The histopathologic examination of the uterus revealed a disorganised endometrium, with fibrosis surrounding glandular nests, focal papillary hyperplasia, and focal areas of atrophy across the uterine horns. In the segment corresponding to the middle of the left horn, several glandular nests were observed within the myometrial layer. These were composed of endometrial glands, some of which were hyperplastic and cystic, with proteinaceous content, endometrial stroma and lumen, resembling endometrial tissue. These proliferations are consistent with adenomyosis. Conclusions: Mirandês jennies are endangered, and reproductive problems also contribute to this situation. The systematic evaluation of their reproductive system is important to improve the knowledge of diseases affecting this system, and for the awareness that reproductive problems hinder species survival. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of adenomyosis reported in a Mirandês jenny.