Mating and Pregnancy - Canine and Feline Flashcards
Is the mating process faster in canines or felines?
felines
What important routine medication should be given before mating?
boosters and wormer
How are the male and female cat introduced to each other before mating?
female is usually brought to the male as he is more confidant in his own territory, they are usually housed next to each other for a couple of days.
How will a male cat respond to the presence of a female in heat?
urinate within his environment
Describe the process of mating in cats
male grabs female by the scruff (neck) and female remains still.
Mounts with fore legs and then hind legs.
Penetration does not last long and ejaculation follows almost immediately.
as male withdraws the queen often vocalises loudly and may turn to attack him due to the barbs on his penis
What are the functions of the barbs on the tom cats penis?
cause quick release of LH which induces ovulation
How many times will cats mate?
for 1-3 days can mate every 15-60 minutes
When does the mating process between canines need to take place?
while the female is ovulating
what sort of ovulators are dogs?
spontaneous
Why is the bitch taken to the stud for mating?
territory
Why is it better to use at least one experience dog during mating?
2 maiden dogs may not be sure what to do, guidance is needed by an experienced dog
When is the optimum time for mating in canines?
when the bitch is ovulating
How does the bitch indicate she is willing to stand?
moving tail to the side (flagging and winking)
Describe the process of mating in dogs
male dog mounts the female (support may be required for the bitch from assistants) and a tie occurs
ejaculation occurs quickly
male and female can remain in a tie for 5-20 minutes but can be up to an hour
What is a tie?
male is locked into a female by contraction of her vaginal muscles
What is the classic tie position?
two dogs stand rear to rear but are still locked together
why is restraint during the tie needed?
to ensure the dogs don’t drag each other around
why must bitches be kept away from other dogs for up to a week?
possible for litters to have more than one father
when does fertilisaition occur?
72 hours post mating
When does implantation occur?
up to 21 days later
What is the average gestation period in the bitch?
60-70 days
when do bitches typically whelp?
day 63-65
What is the average gestation period in the queen?
56-70 days
when do queens typically kitten?
day 65-67
How many days early or late can parturation occur with no effect?
7 days
What effect can very early or late parturation have?
small litters
What tests can pregnancy be confirmed by?
vaginal mucous smears palpation radiography hormone assay ultrasound
Whan are foetuses palpable in cats?
15-20 days
When are foetuses palpable in dogs?
28 days
when can ultrasounds be successful in confirming pregnancy in queens?
15 days
when can ultrasounds be successful in confirming pregnancy in bitches?
21 days
What is a key sign of pregnancy in cats?
failure to return to oestrus
What day of pregnancy do cats teats become more vascular?
21
What day of pregnancy do cats abdomens become larger?
35
What day of pregnancy can kittens be seen moving though the cats abdomen?
49
Should bitches remain active through pregnancy?
yes
When should bitches receive a booster vaccine?
pre-mating
What does the pregnancy worming routine depend on?
manufactures guidelines and practice policy
what week of pregnancy does calorie need increase?
2nd week
By how much should calories increase after week 2 of pregnancy?
70%
What should the size and frequency of meals be after week 2 of pregnancy?
small and often
By how much does energy requirement increase by week after week 6 of pregnancy?
10%
What sort food is often fed after week 3/4 of pregnancy?
puppy food as it is 30% higher in protein, fat and multiple soluble vitamins
Why is a change of diet needed after week 3/4 of pregnancy?
loss of appetite and nausea are common
when should the bitch be introduced to the whelping box?
3 weeks prior to parturition
what are the most import features of the area a bitch or queen is to give birth?
quiet
escape proof
at what point prior to parturition does the rectal temperature fall in bitches and queens?
24 hours
by how many degrees does a bitch or queens temperature drop before parturition?
1-3 degrees
what are the signs of onset of parturition?
rectal temperature falls by 1-3 degrees nest making shivering/shaking loss of appetite vomiting restlessness/pacing enlargement of vaginal lips licking genital area obvious mammary development (milk in teats) clear discharge from vulva
which of the signs of onset of parturition can occur up to 24hours prior to parturition?
fall of rectal temperature
loss of appetite
clear discharge from vulva
