Comparative reproductive pathology, a walk on the wild side

Abstract

Animal models of human disease have been used for a long time, and frequently, diseases in these models are induced, rather than spontaneous. The present review outlines several examples of naturally occurring reproductive diseases in non-domestic mammals that also occur in humans. Comparative pathology can shed light on risk factors for specific reproductive diseases and can be used to decrease the overall risk in humans. Conversely, human diseases and the extensive literature often available on these can serve as good models for veterinarians to extrapolate for veterinary patients.