oestrus problems in a dog

Re: oestrus problems in a dog

Michael Woodhouse — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 22:47:08 GMT

Have you tried leaving the bitch and the dog together and see what happens?

Re: oestrus problems in a dog

Stephen Courtney — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 22:42:23 GMT

I'm currently battling with a similar situation.

Firstly you need to make sure she really is in heat, so vaginal cytology and progesterone assays initially. An abdominal scan with attention paid to uterus and ovaries is a good idea. There could be cysts, granulosa cell tumours, pyometra, etc and these need to be looked for.

Estradiol levels can be measured but the pre ovulation surge is pretty transitory so there is usually little point.

With split seasons , the theory is that eventually the progesterone will start to rise and the bitch will ovulate. Vaginal cytology changes from nucleated epithelial cells and RBCs to keratinised squares and neutrophils as the progesterone rises and oestrogen wanes. so you need to be doing serial progesterones and cytologies. I send my progesterones to Dr Larry Roberts at Idexx, and he is very helpful over the phone. I do my own cytologies, they are really really easy to do, and if your manual is on the way you'll have no trouble.

Manipulating canine oestrus cycles is really tricky and best to ask for specialist advice before fiddling about with chorulon.

Re: oestrus problems in a dog

Hannah Wynne Richards — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 16:41:48 GMT

I've seen a similar presentation with an ovarian carcinoma.

Wynne

Re: oestrus problems in a dog

Lindsey Edwards — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 16:13:50 GMT

One short 'split heat' followed 2-3wks later by full, normal fertile heat often normal. Frequent short cycles would make me suspicious of ovarian cysts? Tests and even administration of hormones as per other species often unrewarding. Skilled ultrasound and aspiration of evident cysts or ex lap and massage of ovarian tissue anecdotally works miracles, assess uterine health at sane time also, regardless of method. Clinical research sadly lacking in this area - all focus on preventing rather than producing litters, worthy as that is not much help if your client has the opposite symptom!