Dog and Cat 1 Flashcards
what type of breeders are dogs, when puberty and interoestrus interval
- Non-seasonal breeders
- Spontaneous ovulation
- Puberty at time of first oestrous cycle
○ 3.5 to 24 months (breed dependent) - average 10-12 months
○ Generally small breeds experience their first oestrus earlier and large breeds later - Interoestrus interval (IEI)
○ Average: 7 months
○ Normal range: 5 to 12 months
○ Dormitory effect
Prooestrus of dogs average duration, what occurs in terms of hormones
- Average duration of 9 days
- This is when bleeding occurs -> not shedding internal lining but due to hyperaemia
- Maximum oestrogen levels - different from others
- Progesterone is starting to rise
Placental take over of production of progesterone what species never has this take over
Pigs, cats, dog
- Never placental take over for the production of progesterone
○ Some progestagens produced by the placenta but not complete take over
What are the 3 important series of events with dog breeding and what occurs/how you know when occur
Day 0 (d0) = day of the LH surge (most important)
- First day serum progesterone doubles/rises > 2ng/ml
Days 1-7 = -6 days of oestrus
- In relation to LH surge
D1 = first day of dioestrus
- Based on cytology (decrease of keratinised cells to <50%)
○ Also get neutrophils -> normal in dioestrus, anoestrus BUT NOT OESTRUS
§ Not in oestrus because of the keratinised epithelium of uterus
§ Once get dioestrus sloughing of keratinised epithelium and neutrophils leave
What are 4 important features of a pre-breeding exam
- Signalment, history
- General exam, esp. hereditary diseases
- Special reproduction exam
○ Digital palpation of vulva and vagina - in large breed dogs as can have strictures
○ Vaginoscopy
○ Cytology
○ Microbiology??? - waste of time and money - B. canis test - important in north america
oocyte maturation what days are important
- d0
- d2 -D3 ovulation
- d4 - D6 oocytes
- d6 - cervix closes
D1 = d8 = first day of dioestrus
Maximum fertility of occyte and insemination times for fresh, chilled and frozen semen
Maximum fertility
- From days 4-8 possible fertility
- All oocytes are fertile day 5-6 or day 5
Insemination times
- Fresh semen: 6 days -> inseminate on day 3 and 5 OR day 4 and 6
- Chilled semen: 2 days -> inseminate on day 3 and 5 OR day 4 and 6
- Frozen semen: 24h -> inseminate on day 4 or 5 OR 5 and 6, if only one dose: day 5
What are 4 important tests to determine when breeding is to occur
1) Breeding reflexes - starts in prooestrus and progresses through oestrus
2) Vaginal exam- speculum
3) Exfoliative cytology - prooestrus see non and cornified cells, 100% cornified is oestrous but not necessary LH surge
○ If have 100% cornification but also neutrophils -> INFECTION (endometritis) - not as common as horses
4) Serum progesterone levels - should do with cytology
In terms of breeding reflexes what are important things to look for
- “flagging”: lateral deviation of the tail
- “winking”: upward tipping of the vulva
- “lordosis”: standing firmly and arching her back
- Note vaginal discharge
○ Proestrus - bloody
○ Oestrus - less bloody
○ Dioestrus - puss
Vaginoscopy for breeding management what use and what do you see in different stages of oestrus
- Use (plexi) glass speculum and light source
- Note vaginal wall and folds
○ Pro-oestrus: pink, swollen, rounded folds, moist
○ Oestrus: pale-pink, shrunken/angular (crenulated), dry
○ Dioestrus: hyperaemic areas, rounded folds
Vaginal cytology what does it reflect, excellent to determine, good and not useful
- Reflects endogenous oestrogen levels
- Excellent to determine dioestrus (D1)
- Good to determine
○ Early prooestrus vs late prooestrus/oestus
○ Prooestus/oestrus vs dioestrus/anoestrus - Not useful to determine ovulation or ideal time of breeding
What are the 2 main types of cells in the reproductive tract and cells within
- Non-cornified cells
○ Parabasal cells: small, round - oval, “fried egg” appearance
○ Intermediate cells: larger than parabasal cells, higher cytoplasm: nuclear ratio - Cornified cells
○ Superficial cells: pyknotic nuclei, angular shape to the cytoplasm
○ Anuclear squamous cells: anuclear largest of vaginal epithelial cells, resemble cornflakes
In terms of vaginal cytology what is present in anoestrus
○ Non-cornified epithelial cells
§ Mainly small, round parabasal cells and intermediate cells
○ Neutrophils can be present
○ Bacteria can be present
In terms of vaginal cytology what is present in prooestrus
○ Shift from parabasal and intermediate cells to superficial cells
○ Numerous red blood cells
○ Neutrophils commonly observed
○ Bacteria commonly observed
In terms of vaginal cytology what is present in oestrus
○ >90% cornified cells marks beginning of “cytological oestrus”; superficial and anuclear squamous cells (Dead)
§ Oestrogen leads to hyperplasia or the wall
○ Bacteria can be present
○ BUT no neutrophils present (as above)
In terms of vaginal cytology what is present on dioestrus
○ 1st day with <50% keratinized epithelial cells marks D1
○ Increase in parabasal and intermediate cells
○ Many neutrophils observed - progesterone leading to sloughing of epithelial cells
○ Metoestral cells: neutrophils found in cytoplasm
○ Copious amount of vaginal discharge sometimes observed -> “dioestral dumping” of neutrophils
In terms of breeding management what are important practices
- Sampling every 2 to 3 days (M,W,F)
- Start in prooestrus
- Breeding reflexes, vaginoscopy and cytology should be done until D1
- Serum progesterone levels should be assessed q 2d until LH surge; blood should also be taken at time of breeding and on D1 (serum can be frozen in case of negative preg check)
Serum progesterone concentrations what concetrations occur at LH surge, time of ovulation, fertile period and after this range. what aiming for with breeding
- 2 ng/ml at time of LH surge (or doubling of previous level)
- 5 ng/ml at time of ovulation
- 10-25 ng/ml at time of fertile period (variable) - day 5-6
- VERY variable thereafter
- Aim for one breeding between 15-20 ng/ml
Vaginal semen deposition natural vs artifical insemination in terms of what day to breed and pros and cons
- Natural mating - day 5: allow natural mating
○ Pros: largest litter size (same as surgical and endoscope)
○ Cons: no semen assessment - Artifical insemination (AI) with catheter (eg. Flexible horse catheter) - day 3 collect semen, assess and then inseminate
○ Pros: easy to do
Cons: smaller litter size, not suitable for frozen semen
Intrauterine semen deposition what are the 2 types how to do and pros and cons
- Transcervical
○ Endoscope - most common but specialised
§ Pros: certain, good success rate
§ Cons: expensive equipment
○ Norwegian catheter
§ Pros: cheap
§ Cons: difficult to learn, risk of perforation - Surgical
○ Greyhounds with frozen semen have to have this
○ Pros: certain
○ Cons: surgical complications, ethical issues (highly invasive)
Where do you deposit the semen in bitch reproductive tract and how do you achieve for fresh and frozen semen
- Fresh semen: Location Vagina Technique catheter (can use endoscope as better outcome but more expensive)
- Frozen semen: Location Uterus Technique Transcervical endoscope
what is the best way to determine the first day of dioestrus and what results from oestrogenisation
What is the best way to determine the first day of dioestrus
- Vaginal cytology smear -> presence of neutrophils, clumping cornified and presence of increasing non-cornified
Oestrogenisation
- High levels of oestrogen results in cornification cells within the vagina
- Results in either tumor or ovarian remnant syndrome
What are 2 main reasons a desexed dog has discharge and how to differentiate
- Pyometra or vaginitis -> non-cornified cells found on vaginal smear
- Ovarian remnant syndrome - cornified cells found on vaginal smear
What are 4 main pregnancy diagnosis techniques, at what days post LH surge and how common AND what shouldn’t you use
1) Ultrasonography: > 20 days post LH surge
○ If don’t see anything may need to come back in a week as too early
2) Abdominal palpation: > 25 days post LH surge
○ Not necessarily pregnancy, may be pyometra
3) Relaxin test: > 28 days post LH surge
○ Not often, generally just use ultrasound
4) Radiography: > 44 days post LH surge
Beware: serum progesterone levels are NEVER to be used as an indicator of pregnancy in the bitch
What are the 2 main treatments for termination of pregnancy
1) #1 treatment: ovariohysterectomy! ○ Do you want to breed her in the future?? 2) In breeding bitch: confirm pregnancy at appropriate time - If pregnant: ○ PGF2alpha ○ Dopamine agonists ○ Aglepristone ○ Corticosteroids - Dexamethasone Or a combination of the above
What is important to remember when using Aglepristone (Alizin) and what main uses
1) Abortion
registered in Australia for induction of abortion in the bitch from 0 – 45 days after mating
○ Before about 45 days, foetus is resorbed
§ Should wait till off heat as if given then mate again 2-3 days later
○ After 45 days, they deliver the foetus -> not nice, want it to be done before this
○ 2 injections 24 hours apart
○ MUST be given by a vet
2) induction of parturition
- Off-label use of Alizin
- Evidence it’s safe from day 58-59
- Takes >24h
What are the 3 main ways to estimate whelping date
1) 57 +/- 1 day post D1 of dioestrus
2) 65 +/- day post LH surge
3) BUT: 65 +/- 8 days post breeding
§ If have breeding date -> Could be breed in prooestrus or last day of heat oestrus
□ If want to know when whelp more accurate -> ultrasound (on day 20) - gestational age
What are the 3 stages in whelping, how long does it take and what occurs
Stage I (6 to 12 hours; up to 24h)
- Nesting behaviour, off food, restlessness, vomiting, anorexia shivering —-> cervical dilation, vaginal relaxation, uterine contractions
Stage II (3 to 12 hours)
- Water breaks, Expulsion of first pup can last up to 4 hours, usually 30 min to 2 hours in between pups; may take break
○ Large issue if there are contractions without a puppy
Stage III (variable)
- Expulsion of allantochorionic foetal membranes
○ Occurs at the same time as stage II -> Randomally dispersed between pups
What are 6 signs of dystocia in bitches
- Whelping not observed after temperature drop
○ Progesterone taken away (thermogenic) will result in temperature drop
○ Should take temperature regularly for a few days prior to know when the drop is - Active labour > 4 hours and non pup produced
- Green-coloured or malodorous vaginal discharge in first stage labour
○ Detachment of the placenta -> normal in stage III - Interval between pups > 30 min (with myometrial contractions)
- Interval between pups >2 hours (without myometrial contractions)
- Signs of pain or diffuse vaginal bleeding
what occurs if it is an obstructive dystocia and what are the 2 things you should do
- EMERGENCY
- But take time to examine the bitch and reach a diagnosis
- Should still do two procedures
1. Vaginal exam - feel for puppy, and should contract if not - hypocalcaemia
2. Ultrasonography - foetal viability and heart rate
Elective caesarean section what do you need to know, signs and what should you do beforehand
- Important to know dO and D1
- Progesterone drops 24 to 48 hours praepartum
- Rectal temperature drops 8 to 24 hours
- Check foetal heart rates in last couple of days (especially in singleton pregnancy)
Uterine inertia how assess, treatment and what is important
- Assess hypocalcaemia clinically
- Blood Ca levels (even ionised) can be normal in clinically hypocalcaemia bitch
- Give 10%- Ca solution INTRAVENOUSLY
- ALWAYS listen to heart while administering calcium
○ Heart rate will slow, then increase so do again - Give calcium TO EFFECT
- Oxytocin may be helpful but often not necessary (no one has diagnosed hypooxytocinaemia)
List the 3 main postpartum diseases
1) Eclampsia
2) metritis
3) subinvolution of placental sites
Eclampsia when most common, clinical signs, treatment and prevention
○ Observed mainly in toy breeds with large litters (3 + puppies) < 28 days post partum
○ Clinical signs: tremors, nervousness, salivation; late stage: opisthotonus
○ Treatment: calcium IV to effect, oral calcium supplementation, wean puppies if >4 weeks
○ Prevention: adequate Ca:P ratio per partum
§ Recommend off the shelf pregnancy feed
Metritis when does it generally occur in dogs, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment
○ Acute puerperal metritis occurs 0 to 7 days pp due to retained foetal membranes/fetuses, dystocia etc. and secondary infection
○ Clinical signs: fever, anorexia, vaginal discharge, doughy enlarged uterus
○ Diagnosis: cytology: neutrophils, bacteria (phagocytosed), membrane parts, WBC: leukogram can be normal initially
○ Treatment: treat shock, antibiotics (broad-spectrum), evacuate uterus
Subinvolution of placental sites what occurs, what age common, clinical signs and treatment
- Delayed involution of placental sites
○ More often in bitches <3 years of age
○ Clinical signs: sanguineous vaginal discharge > 6 weeks post-partum
○ Treatment: often self-limiting, OHE if necessary
False pregnancy what are the clinical signs, pathogenesis and treatment
- Clinical signs ○ Mammary development and galactorrhea ○ Nesting and "mothering" behaviour ○ Abdominal distention/uterine enlargement - Pathogenesis ○ Low Progesterone -> so spaying doesn't help ○ High Prolactin - Treatment Prolactin antagonist (Cabergoline)
Hypoluteinism what occurs and treatment
- Often diagnosed but never proven
- Progesterone supplementation in the dogs needs clear indication - not recommended
- Side effects are substantial -> risk of pyometra and uterine enlargement
Pyometra how common, and how occurs
- Affects 24% of intact bitches before 10 years of age
- Due to not being able to get rid of bacteria before the cervix closes
- 75-93% of affected bitches show clinical signs within 12 weeks of their last heat
1) E. coli is isolated from the uterus in up to 96% of clinical cases
2) Progesterone -> stays high even when not pregnant within dioestrus - Stimulates proliferation and secretion of endometrial glands (uterine milk)
- Keeps cervix functionally closed
- Inhibits myometrial contractions
Reduced immune response to pathogens
3) These effects are exacerbated if the uterus is previously primed with oestrogen - Therefore multiple oestrus cycles without pregnancy will have a “cumulative effect”
○ CEH (cystic endometrial hyperplasia) -> all with pyometra will have this, can be secondary
4) RESULT: the perfect environment for bacteria
In terms of pyometra what is the classic and atypical patient
The "classic" patient - Middle aged to old - Intact, in dioestrus - Has not been pregnancy - THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS The "atypical" patient - Breed predisposition: ○ Increased risk: goldern retriever, cavalier king Charles, miniature schnauzer ○ Lower risk: Pekingese, boxer, poodle, fox terrier, dachshund, German shepherd - Anecdotal familial clustering
