The Oestrous Cycle and Sterilisation Flashcards
At what age does the bitch start cycling?
Between 6-18 months
Larger breed dogs tend to start cycling later
How long is the average total oestrus cycle in a bitch?
6 months
Define Monoestrus
A mammal that has one oestrus period per breeding season, as the dog
Describe the length of each phase of the oestrus cycle in a bitch
- Proestrus = 9 days
- Oestrus = 9 days
- Dioestrus = 60 days
- Anoestrus = 100-150 days
Describe the flexibility of the oestrus cycle
Dates and timings are very changeable:
- Each have characteristic clinical changes
- Also have associated hormonal changes
How is Classic ‘in-heat’ cycle described by owners?
- Combination of Proestrus + Oestrus
- Usually lasts 21 days in total
‘In heat’ is a combination of which stages?
Proestrus and oestrus
Describe Proestrus and its signs
The ‘in-heat’ stage, along with oestrus Lasts nine days on average (3-17) Clinical signs noted: - Serosanguinous vulval discharge - Vulva swelling - Males attracted but rejected
Describe Oestrus and its signs
Lasts nine days on average (3-21) Fertile period, potential for coitus Clinical signs noted: - Reduction in vulva swelling - Vulval discharge becomes serous/brownish - Willing to accept male
Describe dioestrus and its signs
- Approx. 70 days
- End of fertile period
- Male not accepted or attracted
- Normal vulva size, no discharge
Describe anoestrus and its signs
- Variable length (3-4 months)
- Sexual inactivity between cycles
- Optimum time for OVH
In which stages of the oestrus cycle is a pyometra most likely?
Dioestrus
In which stage of the oestrus cycle is spaying optimal?
Anoestrus
Which stages of the oestrus cycle have the most significant endocrine changes?
Proestrus and oestrus
Which 3 hormones are most involved in the oestrus cycle?
- Oestrogen
- Luteinizing hormone
- Progesterone
Describe the endocrine changes that occur during proestrus
- Associated with stimulation of follicle development by FSH and LH pulses
- Subsequent secretion of oestrogen from growing follicles
- Oestrogen concentrations continue to rise and then peak at the end of proestrus
Describe the endocrine changes that occur during oestrus
- Oestrogen peak causes LH surge: occurs 24-48hrs into oestrus
- Ovulation takes place 24-48hrs after LH surge
- Immature oocyte undergoes 2nd mitotic division to mature (this takes 48hrs)
- Oocyte is then fertile for 48-72hours
Levels of which hormone begin to rise following an LH surge?
Progesterone
The oestrogen peak signifies?
The end of proestrus
Describe the endocrine changes that occur during dioestrus
End of fertile period
Dioestrus is the time of progesterone dominance
Describe the endocrine changes that occur during anoestrus
- Basal levels of oestrogen and progesterone
- Late anoestrus likely has LH pulses and FSH pulses
How long is the gestation of a dog?
Approx 63 days
58-68 days