REPRODUCTION IN THE nPUBERTY - Normally between 5-10 month - As late as 24 month possible especially in working - physical maturity is reached between 12-18 month - most breed society recommend should be 2y old at the time of . - Kennel Club will register anything from bitches over 12 month old - Larger breeds mature later than smaller breeds Seasonsand Cycles nThe bitch is non-seasonal mono-oestrus nOn average they cycle every 7 month nDi-oestrus period is around 60d regardless of whether animal is pregnant or not. nThis is followed by a relatively long an-oestrus period Seasonsand Cycles

- First season can be anovulatory followed by a shorter inter-oestrus period ( less than 4 month) and a normal season - Around 1% of cycles in older animals are anovulatory - Some breeds like Basenjis only have one season/year - Inter-oestrus intervals of less than 4 months can indicate problems OVULATION DAYS AFTER ONSET OF PRO-OESTRUS Physiology of

nOestrus cycle: nPro-oestrus (between 5-20 days): n onset of bleeding, vulval swelling, behavioural changes n attractive to males but will usually not allow coitus n Changes are caused by increase in n Oestrogen Physiology of Reproduction nOestrus cycle: nOestrus: n Bitches behaviour becomes receptive and inviting. Pheromones are released. n During oestrus Oestrogen levels peak, causing the release of an LH pulse. n Oestrogen than drop quickly and Progesterone levels rise. Physiology of Reproduction nOestrus cycle: nOestrus: n Bitches luteneize follicles prior to n ovulation. This is unique. n The production of Progesterone can be used to determine ovulation. n Progesterone levels at ovulation are very consistent. Physiology of Reproduction nOvulation; nDogs are spontaneous ovulators - Occurs over a period of 12-24h - Ovulations occur 48 after LH peak - Canine oocytes must undergo another meiotic division before . Maturation takes another 48h Physiology of Reproduction

nMetoestrus (Dioestrus): n Begins when the bitch refuses coitus n and lasts for about 60days. n mucoid clear vulval discharge may develop, as in pregnancy. n Progesterone levels peak around Day 30 and fall slowly. n Levels are very similar between pregnant and non-pregnant bitches. Physiology of Reproduction

nFertile period: nTime during which mating could result in npregnancy. (10 days) nFertilization period: nTime when eggs can be fertilized (3 days) Physiology of Reproduction

nPro-oestrus LH peak n ↓ + 2 days nOestrus Ovulation n ↓ + 2 days n Fertilization period n ↓ + 3 days nDi-oestrus End of fertile period n Physiology of Reproduction OPTIMUM MATING TIME nBreeder nBitch standing and receptive nDog ‘knows’ the right time nBreeding on set days (e.g. Day 11 and 13) nColour change of discharge from bloody to serum colour nDecrease in vulval swelling VAGINAL SWABS nSometimes requested by dog owners before mating or routine AB before mating from bitch owners. nUsually moderate mixed culture including. Staph, Strep and E.coli nUnless there is a pure heavy growth of one bacteria not relevant nDogs only venereal disease is Brucella, which we do not have in the UK OPTIMUM MATING TIME nVeterinary Surgery can offer: nVaginal cytology nBlood progesterone nUltrasound nEndoscopy VAGINAL CYTOLOGY n+ easy to prepare n+ non-invasive n+ cheap per slight, once the stains have been bought and microscope is available n+ additional information like bacterial contamination and onset of di-oestrus n- Reading slights takes some training and experience n- Not as accurate as Progesterone as individual variation possible PRINT OFF THE VULVAL MUCOSA MEASURING CATHETER AGAINST SIZE OF BITCH INSERTED CATHETER DIFF-QUICK BOTTLES AND DROPPERS USED FOR STAINING PARABASAL CELL (+NEUTROPHILES) SMALL INTERMEDIATE CELLS (+NEUTROPHILES) LARGE INTERMEDIATE CELLS CORNIFIED CELLS WITHOUT AND WITH PICNOTIC NUCLEUS COMPETELY CORNIFIED CELLS OESTRUS DIOESTRUS Measuring Hormones nOestradiol nLH nProgesterone n The most useful is Progesterone as it rises around ovulation, value is constant and is not species specific. Measuring Progesterone nELISA n+ in house kit, can be kept in the fridge n+ instant result (1/2) hour n+ reasonable price n- Not as accurate as the other tests n- Person doing it has to be accurate n- Small test window Measuring Progesterone nELISA

- Test kit provides two standards to run with the sample, one at 3ng (low) and one at 8ng(high).

- Test kit has one well and provides a colour chart with interpretations. SET EVERYTHING UP BEFORE YOU START (at room temperature) ALL WELLS CONTAIN THE SAME NUMBER OF DROPS IT IS IMPORTATNT TO HAVE A TIMER COLOUR CHANGES BEFORE THE END OF THE TEST LOOK FROM ON TOP PROFESSIONAL LABORATORIES nRIAS nValues are given in nmol/l or ng/ml n 1 ng/ml = 3.17 nmol/l n+ accurate values n+ large window for test results n- Samples have to be taken to the lab or posted (result 24h later) PROGESTERONE CAN BE USED TO: nPredict ovulation nConfirm ovulation has taken place nDetect ‘silent heats’ nMonitor luteal function during pregnancy nPredict parturition IMPORTANT VALUES FOR PROGESTERONE nLH (36-48h before ovulation): 1.5-2.5ng/ml (4-8nmol/l) nOvulation: 5-8ng/ml (15-20nmol/l) nFertile period: 10-25ng/ml (30-75nmol/l)

n Once Progesterone starts to rise it roughly doubles every two days Testing

- Start testing on Day 5 - Test every 3 rd day if Progesterone is below n 4 nmol/l - Test every 2 nd day once Progesterone n starts to rise nMake sure you know when the lab/vet is open and have a test done before the weekend n Ultrasound

n Time of ovulation can also be determined by ultrasound of the n This takes some experience and a high quality ultrasound machine Optimum mating time

n Endoscopic examination during oestrus shows marked shrinkage and wrinkling of the mucosa. n The mucosal colour changes from pink to pale cream. n This can also be visualised externally by parting the lips Endoscopic images from pro-oestrus to dioestrus OPTIMUM MATING TIME nFresh nOne mating: Ovulation + 2 days nTwo matings: Ovulation +1 and +3 days nFrozen and chilled semen nOne mating: Ovulation + 3 days nTwo matings: Ovulation +2 and +3 days