Week 9- Approach to Reproductive Disease and Infertility in Female Companion Animals Flashcards
What are the phases of the bitch’s reproductive cycle?
Pro-oestrus, Oestrus, Dioestrus, Anoestrus
Pro-oestrus lasts 9-10 days with behavioral changes and bloody discharge; Oestrus lasts 9-10 days and is the fertile phase; Dioestrus lasts ~60 days with CL persistence; Anoestrus is the resting phase lasting months.
What is the duration of the oestrus phase in bitches?
9-10 days
This phase is when the bitch is receptive to males and fertile.
What are key differences in reproductive cycles between bitches and queens?
Seasonal polyoestrous, Induced ovulation, Cycle ~17-20 days
Queens have a different reproductive cycle characterized by these features.
What is the hormonal regulation of the reproductive cycle?
GnRH (hypothalamus) → FSH/LH (pituitary)
LH stimulates theca cells to produce androgens, which are converted to oestrogen by granulosa cells.
What triggers ovulation in the reproductive cycle?
LH surge
This surge leads to the formation of the corpus luteum (CL) and subsequent progesterone secretion.
During which period is a bitch receptive to mating?
~18-21 days
The fertile period lasts ~11-12 days, while the fertilisation period is 4 days.
What is the difference between the fertile period and the fertilisation period?
Fertile period: ~11-12 days; Fertilisation period: 4 days
The fertile period includes 5 days before and 5 days after ovulation.
What vaginal cytology findings are associated with pro-oestrus?
RBCs, intermediate/superficial cells
These changes indicate the beginning of the reproductive cycle.
What type of cells are seen in vaginal cytology during oestrus?
Anuclear cornified cells
This indicates the peak of fertility in the cycle.
What are the progesterone levels indicating ovulation?
5-8 ng/mL
Levels below 2 ng/mL indicate pre-ovulation, while levels of 10-25 ng/mL indicate the fertilisation window.
What is the best imaging technique for pregnancy diagnosis in bitches?
Ultrasound
It can detect the fetal sac by day 17 and heartbeat by day 25.
What are common causes of infertility in bitches?
Absence of Oestrus, Delayed puberty, Silent heat, Chromosomal abnormalities, Ovarian agenesis
These issues can lead to difficulties in reproduction.
What are the treatment options for cysts in bitches?
GnRH/hCG, PGF2α, OVH if needed
Treatment depends on the type of cyst present.
What are signs of neoplasia in the reproductive system?
Granulosa cell tumour, Uterine/vaginal tumours
Diagnosis is made through imaging and biopsy.
What factors can contribute to a small litter size?
Age, breed, mating time, anatomical anomalies
These factors can affect the number of offspring produced.
What is the conception rate in cats?
~70–80%
This rate reflects the efficiency of reproduction in queens.
What is the ethical consideration regarding surgical AI in animals?
RCVS discourages surgical AI unless justified
This reflects concerns about the welfare of animals and the necessity of the procedure.
Fill in the blank: The resting phase of the bitch’s reproductive cycle is called _______.
Anoestrus
This phase lasts for months.
