RESULTS OF CONTINUOUS EXAMINATIONS OF SOW S WITH CYSTIC OVARIES USINGSONOGRAPHY AND SERUM-HORMONE ANALYSIS

Ten sows with cystic ovaries have been examined periodically by transc rectal sonographyt (2 days intervals) and analysis of serum-progestero ne and estradiol (7 days intervals). Estrus occurred in nine of the so ws after a time up to 82 days. Estrus reappeared after an almost physi ological interval of 22 to 24 days. The cysts on the ovaries regressed completely (4 sows) or diminished in size (5 sows) before estrus. The regression was preceded by increasing echos from trabeculae-like stru ctures in the cysts and increase of serum progesterone concentration. In six sows cysts were again detectable after estrus. These increased in size and regressed again in the same manner as before. All nine sow s were served by a boar during second estrus and seven became pregnant according to sonographic findings after 27 days. These results show t hat sows with cysts on there ovaries may maintain an ovarian cycle and even conceive. The regession of ovarian cysts is probably preceded by the formation of luteal tissue. Our results don't allow general concl usions concerning the role of ovarian cysts in sows as a cause of infe rtility due to the small number and the unknown anamnesis of our patie nts. However in only one of the ten sows, the cysts persistet beyond t he observation time of 100 days.