The Dog Breeder's Guide to Successful Breeding and Health Management
Abstract
This unique resource offers a general overview of canine body systems and how each system affects the breeding process. Key topics include nutrition, pharmacology, microbiology, parasitology, vaccinations, genetics, and endocrinology, as well as normal anatomy and disorders of the male and female reproductive systems. Full-color illustrations make important information more readily available and provide more accurate representations of actual clinical appearance. Each chapter begins with frequently asked questions and answers, offering quick and easy access to key information. Each chapter ends with a Test Your Understanding section that encourages readers to review what they have just read and apply it to real-life situations. A first aid appendix offers quick access to information related to various emergencies, including what could have caused it, and how to handle the situation. An appendix covering common problems seen in dogs lists symptoms associated with each problem, the possible causes, and how frequently the problem occurs.
... Orchitis generally results from the expansion of infection originating from the epididymis (Foster, 2014). Orchitis can occur separately from epididymitis but occurs concurrently (Kustritz, 2006). Orchitis is uncommon in dogs. ...
... Inflammation of the testes and surrounding tissues will increase the temperature of the testes drastically, as a result, damage to spermatogenic cells and cause testicular atrophy which is usually irreversible (Kustritz, 2006). ...
... Orchitis generally results from the expansion of infection originating from the epididymis (Foster, 2014). Orchitis can occur separately from epididymitis but occurs concurrently (Kustritz, 2006). Orchitis is uncommon in dogs. ...
... Inflammation of the testes and surrounding tissues will increase the temperature of the testes drastically, as a result, damage to spermatogenic cells and cause testicular atrophy which is usually irreversible (Kustritz, 2006). ...
... Orchitis generally results from the expansion of infection originating from the epididymis (Foster, 2014). Orchitis can occur separately from epididymitis but occurs concurrently (Kustritz, 2006). Orchitis is uncommon in dogs. ...
... Inflammation of the testes and surrounding tissues will increase the temperature of the testes drastically, as a result, damage to spermatogenic cells and cause testicular atrophy which is usually irreversible (Kustritz, 2006). ...
Viability assessment is an important step to evaluate the quality of semen. The eosin nigrosin (EN) and propidium iodide (PI) staining procedures are used to determine live sperm rate, widely. Thus, the present study aimed to detect comparative sensitivity of those staining procedures in frozen thawed rabbit sperm samples. Pooled sperm samples (n=6) were cryopreserved in an extender including 250 mmol/L Tris-hydroxymethylaminomethane, 88 mmol/L citric acid, 47 mmol/L glucose, 1% sucrose and 8% DMSO in the present study. After thawing process, the sperm samples were stained both EN and PI staining procedures. The dead sperm rate were found higher in PI group (P<0.05). In conclusion, the PI staining procedure was found more sensitive than EN staining procedure under the present experimental conditions.
... Orchitis generally results from the expansion of infection originating from the epididymis (Foster, 2014). Orchitis can occur separately from epididymitis but occurs concurrently (Kustritz, 2006). Orchitis is uncommon in dogs. ...
... Inflammation of the testes and surrounding tissues will increase the temperature of the testes drastically, as a result, damage to spermatogenic cells and cause testicular atrophy which is usually irreversible (Kustritz, 2006). ...
A 10-year-old male mini pomeranian dog with 3 kg body weight was brought to the Archie Veterinary Clinic, Bandung with a progressive enlargement of a lump in the right inguinal area. Clinical examination showed that the dog had bilateral cryptorchid congenitally. The lump on inguinal area was growing within two weeks. There was heat and pain on palpation of the lump. Treatment of this case was performed by orchiectomy. The testis was collected to perform histopathological examination. Based on histopathological findings, there were accumulation of the epithelioid histiocytes, lymphocytes and plasma cells in the seminiferous tubules creates an appearance of granuloma. The dog was diagnosed with chronic granulomatous orchitis involving right testes (unilateral). The dog had an uneventful recovery and skin sutures were removed on the fifth day.
... Although elevation in serum LH provides information about ovariohysterectomy, note that this indicator may also be seen in ovarian dysfunction or during the preovulatory period (i.e., the preovulatory LH peak). Therefore, repeated measurements are required to confirm and experimental laparotomy may also be performed for a definitive diagnosis [8]. Whether ovariohysterectomy has been performed may also be detected by measuring the serum estrogen level before and 60-90 min after intravenous administration of 0.02-0.03 ...
... It has been found that chorionic gonadotropins are more successful than hypophyseal gonadotropins in bitches. Although various protocols have been attempted, successful results have been reported with 20 IU/kg/d PMSG applied subcutaneously for 5 days, with 500 IU intramuscular hCG on day 5. PG600, a preparation containing PMSG and hCG first produced for pigs (80 IU PMSG and 40 IU hCG/mL), is quite effective for inducing estruses [8,28]. ...
... The survival rate of the newborn in dogs has been reported as 75% for cesarean sections performed by the en bloc technique (12), and 92% for sections performed by the conventional method (7,13). If the uterus is to be surgically removed, ovariohysterectomy is recommended after the delivery for better survival of the newborns (1,6,20). ...
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of en bloc ovariohysterectomy on the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance, as well as on visceral organ and brain histopathology in rats. A total of 28 Sprague Dawley female rats aged 3-4 months and weighing 200-250 grams were used in the study. Fourteen of them were pregnant. The 14 non-pregnant rats were divided into two groups: the control group (Group 1, n:7) and the ovariohysterectomized group (Group 2, n:7). All rats underwent en bloc ovariohysterectomy on gestational day 20-21. The 14 pregnant rats were divided into two groups: those with live infants were grouped as Group 3 and those with dead infants were grouped as Group 4. All the rats (n: 28) were decapitated at the end of one month, blood samples were obtained, and the organs were isolated. The Th1 [interleukin 2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)] and Th2 [interleukin 4 (IL-4), and interleukin 10 (IL-10)] levels in the blood sera were measured by the ELISA method, and histopathological analysis was performed on the isolated tissues. The differences between the groups were found to be insignificant with regard to IL–2, IL–4, and TNFα levels (p>0.05). However, a significant difference was observed for IL-10 levels between Groups 3 and 4 (p<0.05), and the highest IL-10 level (150.32 ±71.64 pg/ml) was determined in Group 4. No important pathological findings were observed in the cardiac and brain tissues of any of the animals in the histopathological examination. Inflammatory changes were observed in the pulmonary and renal tissues of the rats in Groups 2, 3, and 4, where the changes were commonly interstitial pneumonia in Groups 2 and 4, and interstitial nephritis in Group 3. According to the findings of this study, en bloc and standard ovariohysterectomies performed in rats had similar effects on the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance and the histopathology of the brain and visceral organs
... Os cães afetados apresentam tipicamente áreas desiguais de mudança de coloração dos pelos nas regiões do tórax e ao longo do abdome (LANE et al., 2007;ROSENKRANTZ, 2010), fato também observado neste caso. A coloração dourada, observada nos pelos afetados, corrobora os achados de SCOTT (2001b), KUSTRITZ (2006) e ROSENKRANTZ (2010). Em alguns casos, o quadro pode ser mais difuso e envolver a região peri auricular ou orelhas (SCOTT et al., 2001b;ROSENKRANTZ, 2010). ...
Coat color changes in adult dogs are rare. Miniature schnauzers can development golden hair coat color, primarily in the trunk, called aurotriquia. This paper reports the occurrence of aurotriquia in a schnauzer, three years old, being this the first case report of aurotriquia schnauzer in Brazil. Due to its rare occurrence there is a need for greater attention to racial characteristics and a better physical examination and medical history, Despite, being only a change in the phenotype, there are color changes related to worse disease prognosis.
Antonov, A., 2023. Pregnancy toxaemia in a French bulldog due to extremely large fetal number: A case report. Bulg. J. Vet. Med., 26, No 1, 128132. The aim of this report was to describe a clinical case of pregnancy toxaemia in a bitch in the late gestational phase. The patient was presented 61 days after the last mating with an extreme abdominal distension, depression, prostration, apathy, vomiting, anorexia, dehydration , dyspnea and without any labour signs. Ultrasonography revealed fetal distress and laboratory analysis showed anaemia, hypoglycaemia and ketonuria, so diagnosis of pregnancy toxaemia was made. Caesarean section was performed and 13 live puppies were born. In conclusion, this is a very rare case of toxaemia during gestation period in a bitch caused by the large number of fetuses.
Neonatal mortality in puppies is highly variable, with large scale surveys still reporting average values around 10% –15%. Weight measurement is the simplest way to monitor the development of the puppies, and a weight loss during the first 48 hr has been recognized as one of the factors that puts puppies at a higher risk of neonatal mortality. However, little is known about what constitutes optimum growth up to 3 weeks. In this study, a mathematical formula with the form P = P0 exp (0.13084 x ‐ 0.001616 x²), where P is weight on Day x and P0 is weight on Day 0, obtained by multiple linear regression, is presented and validated with data from 345 puppies belonging to 60 litters of 19 different breeds, from toy to giant size, showing that it appropriately describes maximum puppy growth rate during the neonatal period for all breeds. This formula is in agreement with previous studies and generic recommendations that can be found in the literature on puppy growth from birth to 21 days regarding relative daily weight gain. It can be easily introduced in a spreadsheet or used to build growth charts that can help the breeder or the veterinarian in monitoring and evaluating puppy growth during the neonatal period. Although deviations from the maximum growth rate can now be quantified, there is still a need to determine the limits beyond which supplementary feeding is advised/required.
Canine pregnancy lasts 65±1 days from the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. The endocrinology of the luteal phase is similar in many regards whether the bitch is pregnant or not, although there are a few differences. Maturation of the fetal pituitary-adrenal axis results in production of cortisol and this, combined with an increase in maternal cortisol concentrations, stimulates release of Prostaglandin F2-alpha (PF2-α). Parturition normally begins 24-36 hours after this change in the estrogen:progesterone ratio. Relaxin may be used to diagnose pregnancy after days 19-21 of pregnancy. Galactostasis is failure of milk to move out of the gland cistern and into the teat canal, resulting in inability to express milk from one or more teats. Metritis may also be caused by retention of dead fetuses or fetal parts or by ascension of bacteria from the vagina through the open cervix at the time of delivery or in the immediate postpartum period.
A massive open online course (MOOC) in canine theriogenology was offered for dog owners and breeders and for veterinary professionals as a partnership between the University of Minnesota and Coursera. The six-week course was composed of short video lectures, multiple-choice quizzes with instant feedback to assess understanding, weekly case studies with peer evaluation to promote integration of course materials, and discussion forums to promote participant interaction. Peak enrollment was 8,796 students. The grading policy for completion was strict and was upheld; completion rate for all participants was 7.5%. About 12% of participants achieved a grade of over 90% in the course, with those who had any deficiency mostly missing one quiz or assignment. Ninety-nine individuals were enrolled in a for-cost, credentialed pathway, and 50% of those individuals completed all required course components. Pre- and postcourse surveys were used to demonstrate that learning objectives were met by the participants and to identify that lack of time to commit to study was the biggest impediment to completion. Positive aspects of the course were active engagement by participants from all over the world and the ability of this university and instructor to reach those learners. Negative aspects concerned technical support and negative feedback from some participants who were unable to meet course requirements for reasons beyond the control of the instructor.
In the present study, ten ejaculates were obtained from each of seven German shepherd dogs. Only the sperm-rich fractions of ejaculates from each dog once a week with a mean interval of 60 min, were used during five weeks. Semen quality was examined in total of 70 semen samples. After this examination, semen samples were centrifuged (5000 g × 10 minutes) and seminal plasma were separated. Plasma total protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium and alkaline phosphatase were determined. The semen quality and biochemical findings were compared between the first and the second ejaculate following very-short interval ejaculation. There were no significant differences in the percentage of motility, live spermatozoa, acrosomal, tail and total morphological defects of the second ejaculate compared with that of the first ejaculate. However, there were significant lower values for the volume and the spermatozoal concentration in the second ejaculate than that of the first ejaculate (p < 0.05). There were significantly lower values for the total protein, calcium, magnesium and alkaline phoshatase of the second ejaculate compared with that of the first ejaculate. Positive correlations were found between spermatozoal concentration and AP ; motility and sodium concentration. The semen quality in the first and the second ejaculate in all dogs was normal for fertility. In conclusion, when the first ejaculate is inadequate, collection of second ejaculate may be useful for cryopreservation or insemination with fresh semen in dogs.
When the veterinarian encounters a disorder with an unknown etiology, the following criteria can identify the potential contribution of the animals genome to the problem: 1. The disorder occurs with higher frequency in a group of related animals than in the general population. 2. A defect involves the same anatomic site in a group of related animals. 3. The disease has a consistent age of onset and clinical course. 4. The disease increases in frequency with inbreeding. 5. The disorder is consistently associated with a specific chromosomal anomaly. 6. The disorder can be traced to an abnormality in a single specific protein molecule. Veterinarians must access the information that knowledgeable breeders gather and channel that information constructively into diagnostic tests, test breedings, and data banks to work toward a common goal--discovery of the genetic basis of disease and development of appropriate breeding programs to minimize or eliminate debilitating genetic problems in dogs.
AND CONCLUSION
It is clear that definitive evidence for human autoimmune diseases of the gonads is still lacking. However, recent findings in infertile men represent tangible support for this possibility and should stimulate further studies. Insofar as these are relatively rare diseases, meaningful clinical investigations will best come from a multicenter effort based on patients with well-defined clinical and laboratory profiles.
To arrive at a firmer immunologic basis for these human diseases, it will be helpful to extrapolate from experimental studies. For both testicular and ovarian diseases, it will be desirable to refine the methods for quantifying humoral and cellular immune responses to the organ-specific autoantigens in the testis and ovary. Immunohistochemical localization of immune reactants is likely to be successful if the studies are made early in the disease process and on tissue with active disease. The immune complex nature of the immune deposits in testes will need to be confirmed by the classical approach of elution of antibody from the tissue with dissociating agents followed by quantitation. The large quantity of tissue required for study can come from orchiectomy specimens from infertile men with unilateral vasal stenosis. In addition to immunologic reactions that lead to inflammation, future studies should take into consideration the possible existence of autoantibodies that react against hormone receptors or other functional ligands involved in ovarian or testicular physiology.
Despite the paucity of evidence for human autoimmune diseases of the gonads, the likelihood for the existence of these diseases is strongly supported by the predilection of the gonads as target organs in experimental autoimmune diseases. We have described the experimental models of gonadal autoimmune diseases in detail because analysis of these diseases has led to some unique contributions to immunopathology research and the physiology of the gonads. It is anticipated that future studies will further identify the target antigens and the local and systemic mechanisms that prevent autoimmune disease of the gonads in normal individuals. Moreover, it is anticipated that the model of neonatal thymectomy and oophoritis/orchitis will help to define the intricate interplay among thymic function, tolerance mechanisms, and autoimmunity.
From 323,961 case abstracts submitted by 12 US and Canadian veterinary college hospital clinics on patients of 5 species (cattle, horses, swine, dogs, and cats), 1,315 were identified with congenital umbilical hernia (UmbH) and 705 with congenital inguinal hernia (IngH), including 57 with congenital scrotal hernia. Females were at excess risk for congenital UmbH in cattle, horses, and dogs. In horses and swine, males were at excess risk for congenital IngH. Several breeds were at high risk for one or both types of hernias; these could be used as models for genetic research.
The lives of your pregnant patient and her puppies are in your hands, especially when you must perform a cesarean section. Find out how proper anesthetic management can improve survival in moms and their pups.
The embryonic period during which Mullerian duct regression and Mullerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS) secretion occur was determined in canine embryos removed from timed pregnancies (32, 36, 37, 39, 42, and 46 days gestation). Sex chromosomes of each embryo were identified in metaphase spreads prepared from fibroblast cultures. Testicular differentiation, defined by seminiferous tubule formation and the presence of Sertoli cells and Leydig cells, and the degree of Mullerian duct regression were determined by careful morphologic analysis of histologic sections of canine embryonic gonads (n = 20) and Mullerian ducts (n = 20). MIS was detected immunohistochemically in embryonic testes using avidin-biotin complex enhancement of a specific rabbit polyclonal anti-MIS antibody. Testicular differentiation was observed at 36 days gestation. The earliest evidence of Mullerian duct regression in male embryos was observed at 36 days gestation, and regression was completed by 46 days gestation. Positive staining for MIS was present in testes from 36 to 46 days (n = 9). Staining was absent in the undifferentiated testis (n = 1) at 32 days gestation and in ovaries at all ages tested (n = 10). Thus, MIS is normally present throughout the critical period for Mullerian duct regression in the embryonic male dog.
The termination of canine and feline pregnancies might substantially reduce pet overpopulation in the United States. As many as four million pregnancies could be annually terminated to prevent the births of millions of puppies and kittens destined to be surrendered or abandoned. While ovariohysterectomy can be performed safely in most pregnant dogs and cats, the development and utilization of non-surgical abortifacients has been slow. Abortifacients which are highly effiacious, safe, and reasonably priced continue to be sought.
The structure and function of the testis and epididymis are described, emphasizing the general similarities and specific differences between various species and humans. Current concepts of spermatogenesis are reviewed and the developmental stages of the germinal epithelium are discussed, as well as the complex hormonal interactions that take place. It is crucial to recognize that the efficiency of sperm production and the epididymal reserves in the human are considerably lower than those of conventional animal models. Therefore, the human male is more susceptible to a decline in fertility caused by a specific decrement in spermatogenesis than is an animal model.
The ultrasonographic and medical records of 26 dogs examined for testicular/scrotal abnormalities were reviewed. Fifteen dogs were diagnosed with testicular neoplasia that included one or more of the following tumor cell types: Sertoli cell, seminoma and interstitial cell. Ultrasound was highly sensitive to detection of testicular neoplasia including one nonpalpable tumor. Tumor type specificity was not readily apparent in this study, although the three nondescended Sertoli cell tumors displayed similar characteristic sonographic patterns. Six dogs were reviewed with nonneoplastic, noninfectious disorders that included: vascular compromise, atrophy, scrotal edema and intestinal hernia. Five dogs with infectious diseases were reviewed. Ultrasound was sensitive and relatively specific for the nonneoplastic conditions.
BACKGROUND
Prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia are important age-related prostatic diseases that are under the influence of testicular hormones. However, the disparity between male and female life expectancy within the human population cannot be explained solely by the prevalence of prostatic disease-related mortality. The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibility that the testis exerts a detrimental effect on life span.METHODS
First, we review previously published and unpublished data on the influence of the testis on the life span of dogs and men. Aging in pet dogs and men is then discussed in terms of evolutionary theory, emphasizing the significance of a prolonged postreproductive life span and possible consequences of late-acting deleterious genes in these two species. Finally, we present preliminary data that orchiectomy can reduce DNA damage within the brain of elderly male dogs.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
Taken together, these observations raise the intriguing possibility that interventions to antagonize the testis might have much broader therapeutic applications that will extend well beyond the treatment of prostate cancer. Prostate 43:272–277, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The preliminary results of an investigation into the existence of certain deleterious conditions that are, or may be, hereditary are presented. Thirteen conditions were found to be of major concern and of these five were considered to be of importance and needing immediate consideration. They are hip dysplasia, patella luxation, entropion, retinal atrophy, and prolonged soft palate. The second priority group consists of abnormal temperament, skin fold dermatitis, uterine inertia, elbow dysplasia, ectropion, trichiasis, and deafness.
The report was prepared from 104 record forms completed over a period of 6 months by veterinary surgeons in practice.
Résumé— Les résultats préliminaires sont présent& d' une étude se rapportant à certains états pathologiques dont L' étiologie serait héréditaire. Treize d' entre dux sont considérés comme étant d' importance majeure, et cinq de ceux‐ci comme méritant une étude immédiate. Ce sont la dysplasie de la hanche, la luxation de la rotule, L' entropion, L' atrophie rétinienne, L' extension du voile du palais, la dysplasie du conde, L' ectropion, la trichiasis et la surditité.
Le rapport a été préparéà partir de 104 formulairee tenus à jour pendant six mois par des vétérinaires pratiquants.
Zusammenfassung— Es werden die vorläufigen Ergebnisse einer Untersuchung des Vorhandenseins gewisser schädlicher Zustände dargelegt, die erblich oder nicht erblich sein können. Es wurde festgestellt, dass dreizehn Zustände von besonderer Bedeutung sind, von denen fünf als wichtig angesehen werden mussen und sofortige Aufmerksamkeit erheischen. Diese sind Dysplasie der Hüfte, Luxation der Kniescheibe, Entropion, Atrophie der Netzhaut, weicher Gaumen f¨r länger als natürliche Zeitspanne, Dysplasie des Ellenbogens, Ektropion, Trichinose und Taubheit.
Der Bericht wurde aus 104 Formularen mit Befunden zusammengestellt, die während eines Zeitraums von sechs Monaten von praktizierenden Tierärzten ausgefüllt worden waren.
The prevalence of prostatic cysts was evaluated in 85 adult, male dogs weighing more than 16 kg which were admitted for problems unrelated to the prostate gland. Urine culture and prostatic evaluation by ultrasonography were performed in all dogs. Prostatic cysts were identified in 12 (14%) of the 85 dogs. Cultures of prostatic cysts were positive in five (42%) of the 12 dogs. Nonclinical, aerobic bacteriuria was documented in 9% of the study population. Urine cultures correlated with prostatic cyst cultures in four of the five dogs that had positive prostatic cyst cultures. Results of this study indicate that the prevalence of prostatic cysts in adult, intact male dogs is approximately 14% and that approximately 42% are infected with bacteria.
The effects of serial percutaneous testicular biopsy on testicular size, semen characteristics and plasma testosterone have been assessed. Testicular atrophy occurred in one dog after the first biopsy, but apparently there were no permanent deleterious effects on semen characteristics or testosterone concentrations. The histological changes 72 hours and 14 days after bilateral testicular biopsy were examined in one dog. Initial haemorrhage and necrosis with subsequent fibrosis and atrophy occurred at the biopsy site. The surrounding tissue remained normal in appearance. The technique may be worthwhile for establishing diagnostic criteria in cases of male canine infertility. Not enough tubules are obtained in circular cross-section to allow detailed histomorphometric analysis of spermatogenesis under laboratory conditions.
Vaginal swab specimens were obtained from 41 prepuberal and 81 postpuberal bitches. Uterine swab specimens were obtained from 22 bitches at ovariohysterectomy and from 4 bitches during cesarean section. The specimens were cultured for aerobic bacteria. Most bitches harbored some type of bacteria in the vagina, but coagulase-positive staphylococci were isolated more frequently from prepuberal bitches than from postpuberal bitches.
Postpuberal bitches were placed in various groups, based on the stage of the estrous cycle at the time specimens were obtained. Differences in bacterial types isolated from the postpuberal groups were not statistically significant. Uterine culture results suggested that bitches do not normally harbor aerobic bacteria in the uterus.
Of 2075 mammary neoplasms in bitches reported by 14 veterinary schools in the United States and Canada, 1187 were histologically malignant, 557 were benign, and 331 were in the ‘malignancy not determined’ category. There were 12 breeds at significantly high risk for one or more of the major mammary tumour types; 7 of the 12 were hunting breeds. Mixed breeds were at low risk for all tumour types and categories, and collies were at low risk for benign neoplasms. Neutered bitches were only one-third as likely to have neoplasms as were entire bitches. There was no clear difference in distribution of the various tumour types in relation to age at first diagnosis. Among the four geographical regions studied separately, there were more similarities than differences in the rates of mammary neoplasms, especially when adenocarcinomas and malignant mixed mammary tumours were combined for analyses. There was, however, a marked excess of benign neoplasms in the south and west of North America.
The diagnosis of chronic vaginitis is made primarily on the basis of the historical and physical finding of a persistent, nonhemorrhagic vulvar discharge. Licking the vulva and pollakiuria are present in some (10%) bitches with vaginitis. The diagnosis can be confirmed with vaginal cytology and vaginoscopy. Treatment for vaginitis in bitches younger than 1 year of age is justifiably conservative, because the majority of such bitches (90%) recover with or without treatment. Chronic vaginitis in bitches older than 1 year of age most often is associated with identifiable abnormalities of the genitalia (35%) or urinary tract (26%). Resolution of the vaginitis is directly related to the resolution of the other abnormalities.
The most common causes of vaginal/vestibular masses in the bitch are vaginal prolapse, vaginal neoplasia, and urethral neoplasia protruding into the vaginal vault. Other possible causes are clitoral enlargement, vaginal polyps, uterine prolapse, and vaginal abscessation or hematoma. Vaginal prolapse usually can be distinguished from neoplasia by the age of the patient, the time of occurrence during the estrous cycle, and the site of origin of the mass. Prolapse usually occurs in bitches under 4 years of age during proestrus, estrus, or at the end of diestrus and usually arises from the floor of the vagina, except for urethral tumors that protrude from the external urethral orifice. Appropriate diagnostic workup of bitches with vaginal vestibular masses includes complete history and physical examination, vaginal cytologic and vaginoscopic examination, retrograde vaginography or urethrocystography, serum progesterone and estradiol concentrations, and, in the case of suspect neoplasms, surgical or excision biopsy of the mass.
Using anamnestic data, pyometra in the bitch is shown to be particularly a disease of the older bitch in the metestral phase of cycle. Most of the patients are presented during the first four weeks after their last heat. In individual cases the disease may occur in any other stage of the cycle. The occurrence of pyometra in young bitches is discussed. An attempt is undertaken to show the pyometra endometritis complex and glandular cystic hyperplasia of the endometrium to be a similar response to different disturbances of the cycle regulation in dogs.