1. PROFESSIONALISM
“No man ever reached to excellence in any one art or profession without having passed through the slow and painful process of study and preparation.”
-Horace

2. THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
THE ESTROUS CYCLE

3. NORMAL ESTOUS CYCLE: THE BITCH
Estrous Cycle: Defined as the time from the beginning of one heat period to the beginning of the next.
Onset of puberty: 6-24mths; Avg.: 9-10mths
Follicular phase (proestrus and estrus) or the Luteal phase (diestrus and anestrus).

4. ESTROUS CYCLE Proestrus : leading to estrus (Avg: 9-10 days)
Estrus: MATING (Avg: 9-10 days)
Metestrus: 2 phases in diestrus
Diestrus: Pregnancy is established (Avg: days)
Anestrus: time when no reproductive event (Avg: 2-5 months)
PAGE 374 (Figure 14-1)

5. Causes GnRH release > LH surge
HORMONE
Hypothalamus
GnRH
Anterior Pituitary
FSH
Ovarian Follicle
Estrogen
Causes GnRH release > LH surge

6. HORMONE CHANGES
Estradiol concentration increases as ovarian follicles mature and the uterus enlarges

7. METETRUS

8. VAGINAL CYTOLOGY
A saline moistened cotton swab is inserted through the vulvar lips into the vagina.
The swab is angled craniodorsally to avoid the clitoral fossa.
A clean otoscope may be used to guide the swab and to provide a light source for visual guidance.
Once the swab is located cranial to the urethral orifice, the swab is rotated slightly to exfoliate and collect the cells.

9. VAGINAL CYTOLOGY
The cells are transferred to a clean glass slide by rolling the swab along the surface of the slide.
Intact cells are obtained during transfer by rolling the swab.
In contrast, back and forth smearing of the swab to transfer the cells will cause sever cellular distortion and rupture.
Once the cells have been transferred, the slides are air dried, stained with Romanowsky or new methylene blue stains, and examined microscopically

10. VAGINAL CYTOLOGY
Romanowsky stains (Wright, Giemsa, Leishman, Diff-Quik®), new methylene blue, toluidine blue, trichome stains (Papanicolaou, Shorr, Sano) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). 1
Personal experience, preference, cost, and ease of use usually determine the choice of stain.
In any event, the stain should be economical, easily stored, and produce consistent staining that is adequate for cytologic needs

11. Predominant Cell Types
Cycle Stage
Length
Hormonal changes
Predominant Cell Types
Erythrocytes
Neutrophils
Behavior of the Bitch
Clinical Signs
Proestrus
~9 days
Estrogen
Early: mixed population of cells Late: large intermediate and superficial cells
Early: present
Late: ±
Late: decreased
Attractive to the male, but won’t stand for mating
Vulvar edema and swelling, bloody discharge
Estrus
LH (surge)
Progesterone
90% superficial cells Bacteria usually present
Absent
Accepts male and will stand
Less edema, discharge becomes clearer
Diestrus
~60 days
Abrupt change in relative # of epithelial cells. Superficial cells decrease by 20%
Few to none
Ceases to accept male
Little discharge, edema decreased
Anestrus
Depends on whether pregnant or not days for CL to regress and 130 days to repair endometrium.
Parabasal and Intermediate cells
Few if any
Few if present
No outward signs
Scanty, tenacious secretions

12. Typical morphological
features of the vaginal mucosa
and endometrium in
anestrus (A),
proestrus (P), estrus (E),
and early diestrus (D).
H&E. Original magnification 200X.

14. NORMAL ESTROUS CYCLE: PROESTRUS
PROESTRUS: the period when the bitch is sexually attractive, but rejects the male’s advances
Physical signs of proestrus:
Serosanguinous vaginal discharge
Vulvar swelling
Vaginal edema
Internal physical signs:
Lengthening and hyperemia of the uterine horns
Enlargement of the cervix
Thickening of the vaginal wall

15. PROESTRUS vulvar edema, hyperemia, and a serosanguineous discharge

16. PROESTRUS Hormonal signs of proestrus:
Increasing serum concentrations of
estradiol (estrogen)
estrogen is responsible for the physical
signs of proestrus
Estrogen is being produced by the maturing follicles in the ovary (under the influence of Follicle Stimulating Hormone or FSH)
As proestrus progresses, the estrogen levels begin to peak and initiate the onset of estrus.

17. PROESTRUS Cytologic signs of proestrus: Vaginal Cytology
Parabasal cells and intermediate cells predominate; wbc’s and rbc’s present
Duration of proestrus: 3-17 days; Avg.: 9 days

18. Proestrus
erythrocytes account for most of the cells observed on vaginal smears
Early proestrus with a mixture of nondegenerate neutrophils; parabasal, intermediate, and superficial epithelial cells, erythrocytes, and mucus (Wright-Leishman stain).
Late proestrus with erythrocytes, scattered superficial cells, and absence of neutrophils (Wright-Leishman stain).

19. THE NORMAL ESTROUS CYCLE: ESTRUS
ESTRUS: The period of acceptance of the male
Physical signs of estrus:
The swollen vulva is less turgid
The vulvar discharge is usually less bloody
The bitch allows mating
“standing” heat
“flagging” behavior (tail deviated to the side)

20. Canine Mating

21. Canine Mating cont.

25. ESTRUS Hormonal signs of estrus:
Serum estrogen peaks in late proestrus and early estrus. The estrogen peak initiates a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH)
LH results in ovulation (rupture) of the mature follicle and release of the oocyte. LH also stimulates the cells left behind in the empty follicle to multiply into the corpus luteum (See metestrus)
This stage of the reproductive cycle is influenced mainly by estrogens
serum progesterone levels begin to increase toward the end of estrus (and beginning of metestrus)
Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum which is forming from the empty follicle (see metestrus)
Progesterone is the hormone that maintains pregnancy

26. ESTRUS Cytologic signs of estrus:
Vaginal cytology:
Superficial and superficial anuclear squamous cells predominate (aka cornified cells); rbc’s usally present, wbc’s usually absent
Duration of estrus: 3-21 days; Avg.: 9 days
This stage of the reproductive cycle is difficult to determine cytologically because distinguish features are only present microscopically at the beginning and the end of estrus

28. ESTRUS: VAGINAL CYTOLOGY
CORNIFIED/ SUPERFICIAL
EPITHELIAL CELLS (largest cell)
Estrus characterized by superficial cells that are keratinized, largely anucleate, and have angular, folded cell margins (Wright-Leishman stain).

30. THE NORMAL ESTROUS CYCLE: METESTRUS
METESTRUS: The period after ovulation when the corpus luteum develops.
Internal signs of metestrus:
Lining of the uterus is thick and “juicy” in preparation for implantation of a fertilized ovum
Loss of the cornified epithelial lining that developed in the vagina during proestrus and estrus

31. THE NORMAL ESTROUS CYCLE: DIESTRUS
DIESTRUS: the period when the corpus luteum has reached maximum size and effectiveness. Begins with the bitch’s refusal to mate
Physical signs of diestrus:
None except the cessation of signs of estrus
Hormonal signs of diestrus:
Serum progesterone levels continue to increase and peak during diestrus
In a pregnant bitches, there is a rapid pre-partum drop in progesterone ~24 hours before partuition: ng/ml
CL maintained by prolactin
In non-pregnant animals, the decline may be more gradual

32. DIESTRUS Cytologic signs of diestrus: Duration of diestrus: ~2mths
Vaginal cytology:
A sudden decrease in the number of superficial cells and a reappearance of intermediate and parabasal cells, rbc’s disappear completely and wbc’s.
Duration of diestrus: ~2mths
Dogs and cats are unique in that their corpora lutea appear to have preprogrammed life spans.

33. DIESTRUS: VAGINAL CYTOLOGY
INTERMEDIATE CELLS
PARABASAL CELLS

35. DIESTRUS PSEUDOPREGNANCY (pseudocyesis): A prolonged diestrus
Animal may show signs of pregnancy:
Nesting behavior
Mammary enlargement
Lactation in extreme cases
Clinical signs fade with time

36. THE NORMAL ESTROUS CYCLE: ANESTRUS
ANESTRUS: Follows diestrus and ends with the onset of proestrus; criteria vary
First time plasma progesterone reaches a level below 3 nmol/L
The moment that the influence of progesterone on the endometrium is no longer evident.
Cytologic signs of anestrus:
Samples are almost acellular
The cells present are parabasal cells and small intermediate cells.
Duration of anestrus: Avg.: ~4.5mths.

39. THE NORMAL ESTROUS CYCLE: THE QUEEN
Onset of puberty: 6-9mths
Female cats are seasonally polyestrous
Cycle controlled by the photoperiod and body weight
12-14 hours of light and 2.5kgs
In the absence of ovulation or pregnancy, repeated estrous cycles occur every days

40. THE NORMAL ESTROUS CYCLE: PROESTRUS in the queen
PROESTRUS: The period of follicular development, but refusal to mate
Physical signs of proestrus:
Owner may notice increased affection
No vulvar swelling or vaginal discharge in cats
Hormonal signs of proestrus:
Characterized by increasing serum estrogen concentrations
Cytologic signs of proestrus:
Epithelial cells become cornified
Duration of proestrus: 1-2 days

41. THE NORMAL ESTROUS CYCLE: ESTRUS in the queen
ESTRUS: The period of sexual receptivity and follicle maturation
Physical signs of estrus:
Queen allows copulation
Extreme affection (head rubbing, vocalization, crouching of the thoracic limbs with rigid extension of the pelvic limbs, lordosis, lateral deviation of the tail)
Hormonal signs of estrus:
Peak serum concentrations of estrogen
Cytologic signs of estrus:
Maximum vaginal epithelium cornification
Duration of estrus: 7-9 days

42. Cats are known to be “induced ovulators”
ESTRUS
Cats are known to be “induced ovulators”
Ovulation of the mature follicle occurs as a result of stimulation of the vagina and cervix during mating

43. Erection and Mating

44. Mating Queens call or vocalize (low moaning sound) During mating
Owners may think a sign of illness
During mating
Tom bites neck female
With erection penis faces forward
Only lasts 30 seconds to 5 minutes
As male dismounts female gives a loud copulatory call and Tom retreats
Mating occurs times until queen declines
May occur for up to 4 days

45. Cat Mating

46. FRIENDSHIP
“Friendship is like peeing on yourself: Everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.”

47. THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
PREGNANCY AND BIRTH

48. PREGNANCY PREGNANCY DIAGNOSIS: Palpation (~days 21-30): ‘walnuts’
Hormone assay
Ultrasonography: 18-20
days past the LH peak
Radiography (~day 45 after
LH peak)
distinct gestational sacs
average cm between days of pregnancy

49. PREGNANCY
buy tests (depending on how many you run at once) for $240 (one year shelf life).
If you only test dogs occasionally, then the price is pretty high.....how about ultrasound.
Witness Relaxin
5 Tests/box
Room temperature storage
10 minute running time
Cost $78/5 tests

50. Ultrasound
25 days 49 55
Optimum: 33 – 45 days
200 beats/min

51. Pregnancy-related event
Number of days after ovulation
Number of days after fertile mating
Onset of estrus
-6 to +3
First of multiple matings
-7 to +5
-12 to 0
Fertile mating
-5 to +5
Ovulation
Fertilization
2 to 5
0 to 7
Vaginal cornification reduced
5 to 7
0 to 12
Embryo attachment to uterus
14 to 16
9 to 21
Vesicles visible with ultrasound
15 to 17
10 to 22
Palpable 1 centimeter swellings
20 to 22
15 to 27
Fetal heartbeat visible (ultrasound)
22 to 23
17 to 28
Uterine swelling visible on X-ray
28 to 30
23 to 35
Palpability of swellings reduced
30 to 32
25 to 37
Earliest X-ray pregnancy diagnosis
43 to 45
39 to 50
Fetal pelvis visible on X-ray
51 to 55
46 to 60
Fetal teeth visible on X-ray
56 to 61
51 to 66
Whelping
62 to 64
57 to 69

52. Pregnant?

53. PREGNANCY: RADIOGRAPHS

54. PREGNANCY:RADIOGRAPHS

55. PREGNANCY GESTATION: the period of pregnancy THREE STAGES OF LABOR:
DOGS: 59-68
CATS: 56-69
THREE STAGES OF LABOR:
1ST:uterine contractions
2nd:delivery of the newborn
3rd:delivery of the placenta
Typically, newborns and placentas are delivered alternately

56. PREGNANCY SIGNS OF IMPENDING PARTUITION:
Nesting behavior:12-24 hours before
Inappetance
Panting, shivering
Drop in rectal temperature ~24-48 hours before partuition (caused by abrupt decrease in progesterone): <98°

57. PREGNANCY
LABOR, STAGE I: intermittent uterine contractions with no sign of abdominal straining
Restlessness, panting, nesting may continue through stage I
Cervix dilates
Avg: 4 hrs (can last up to 36 hours)

60. STAGE I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd8Bo1qc54A&feature=related

61. PREGNANCY LABOR, STAGE II: delivery of the newborn
Rectal temp begins to rise to normal or slightly above
Passing of fetal fluids
Expulsive uterine contractions accompanied by abdominal contractions (3-6 hours but, may be as long as 24 hours total)
1st fetus usually delivered within 4 hours
Bitch will break the amniotic membrane, lick the neonate intensely, and sever the umbilical cord
20 minutes to 1 hour per puppy but, no more than 2 hours should elapse between each puppy born.

62. PREGNANCY LABOR, STAGE II: WARNING SIGNS
The bitch should be examined by a vet for the following reasons:
Greenish discharge, but no pup is born within 2-4 hrs
Fetal fluid passed more than 2-3 hrs previously, but nothing more has happened
If she has had weak, irregular straining for more than 2-4 hours
If she has had strong, regular straining for more than minutes, but no pup born
More than 2-4 hours have passed since the birth of the last puppy and more remain
If she has been in stage II for more than 12 hours

63. PREGNANCY LABOR, STAGE II Interval between births
Usually minutes
Partuition should never be allowed to last more than 24 hours

64. PREGNANCY LABOR, STAGE III: expulsion of the placenta
pup-placenta-pup-placenta or pup-pup-placenta-placenta
Usually follows within 15 minutes of each fetus
Bitch may eat the placentas, but sometimes can be associated with vomiting and diarrhea
Lochia – greenish postpartum discharge of fetal fluids and placental remains will be seen for up to 3 weeks or more

65. PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS
THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS

66. PEOPLE
“Everyone has a photographic memory, it’s just that some people don’t have film.”

67. Dystocia: Caution
1) Labor does not begin when expected 2) Stage 2 labor lasts 1 hour without delivery 3) 1-2 hours have elapsed between deliveries 4) The dam or neonates show signs of distress, including stillbirth 5) Green-black discharge without immediate delivery 6) A significant hemorrhagic vaginal discharge Delivery should occur within 12 to 24 hours of the onset of first-stage labor.

68. PREGNANCY
DYSTOCIA: Difficult birth or the inability to expel the fetus through the birth canal without assistance
Incidence: 5%: bitches; 3-5.8% queens
Causes:
Maternal (Common)
Uterine inertia (weak contractions)
Fetal
Oversize
Death
Abnormal position
Diagnosis:
Digital palpation of vagina
Radiographs
ultrasound
Chihuahua

69. PREGNANCY: DYSTOCIA TREATMENT:
Manual manipulation: a fetus lodged in the vaginal canal can be manually dislodged.
For uterine inertia: oxytocin injections result in contraction of the uterine muscles; also, calcium preparations can be given
C-section

70. PREGNANCY: INAPPROPRIATE MATERNAL BEHAVIOR
DAM SHOULD:
Allow nursing
Grooming
Stimulate CV,RS function
Stimulates elimination and removal of waste material
retrieving
Protecting
DAM SHOULD NOT:
Attack, kill, or cannibalize her young
Be overly protective, restless, or aggressive

71. PREGNANCY: LACTATION DISORDERS
Agalactia: lack of milk production
Causes include;
Stress, malnutrition, premature partuition, or infection
Galactostasis: milk stasis, which can result in mastitis
Mastitis: a septic inflammation of the mammary gland
Clinical signs:
Pain, discolored milk, fever, reluctance to allow nursing, abscessed glands

72. PREGNANCY: LACTATION DISORDERS
Treatment for mastitis:
Antibiotics
Warm compresses
Do not allow nursing from affected glands

73. OTHER REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS:
PYOMETRA: Literally “pus in the uterus”
High levels of progesterone cause several changes in the uterus: better site for microbes
hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the endometrial glands of the uterus: secondary to “ Cystic endometrial hyperplasia”
Decreased myometrial contractions
Predisoposes the uterus to bacterial infection
Most common bacteria isolated is E.coli

74. PYOMETRA CLINICAL SIGNS: DIAGNOSIS: Vulvar discharge Vomiting
Dehydration
PU/PD
Azotemia
DIAGNOSIS:
Radiology
Ultrasound
Bloodwork
Ieukocytosis, neutrophilia with a left shift (closed pyometra)

75. PYOMETRA
This is a potentially life-threatening condition

76. PYOMETRA An open pyometra is when the
Cervix is open and allows drainage
Of the pus: also be seen with administration
of : estradiol cypionate (uterine cells make
more receptors to progesterone): open pyometra
or aplastic anemia
Preferred treatment is ovariohysterectomy
As well as antibiotics and fluid therapy

77. PYOMETRA IN A RAT ..\P10021A.jpg
C:\Users\BUNNY\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Low\Content.IE5\C9I4F8D5\P10021B[1].jpg

78. VAGINITIS
Definition: an inflammatory process, not necessarily infectious.
Prepuberal bitch (aka puppy vaginitis)
VS.
Adult vaginitis

79. VAGINITIS PUPPY VAGINITIS Causes: Clinical signs:
Inverted vulva
Hormonal fluctuations
Clinical signs:
Purulent vulvar discharge
+/- licking the vulva
Treatments:
systemic antibiotics
topical douching
Signs will return when treatment is discontinued
Condition resolves naturally after the first heat cycle

80. VAGINITIS
Inverted vulva

81. VAGINITIS ADULT VAGINITIS Causes: Clinical signs:
Anatomical abnormalities
Canine herpesvirus
Clinical signs:
purulent vulvar discharge
+/- licking the vulva
peri-vulvar skin irritation or infection
Perceived urinary incontinence

82. VAGINAL HYPERPLASIA/PROLAPSE
Occurs under the influence of estrogen
Results in edematous vaginal tissue that protrudes from the vulva
Treatment:
Ovariohysterectomy resolves the condition permanently and is the tx of choice
Will usually resolve spontaneously but will recur with subsequent estrous cycles

83. VAGINAL HYPERPLASIA/PROLAPSE

84. MAMMARY TUMORS Usually tumors of older intact females
~50% of all tumors in female dogs
3rd most common tumor in cats
Risk dramatically reduces with ovariohysterectomy (<1% if spayed before 1st heat)
50% of canine tumors are benign
Only 10-20% of feline tumors are benign

85. MAMMARY TUMORS Malignant tumors are usually fast growing,
Invasive and ulcerated. Benign tumors are
Often small and feel like a pea.
Surgical removal is advised for all
Mammary tumors. Biopsy is required
To differentiate benign from malignant
tumors

86. OVARIOHYSTERECTOMY Surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus

87. PEOPLE
“I love long walks, especially when they’re taken by someone who annoys me.”

88. PROSTATIC DISEASES PROSTATE: Sex gland in the dog and cat
Located just caudal to the bladder, encircling the proximal urethra at the neck of the bladder
Purpose is to produce a fluid as transport and support medium for sperm during ejaculation

89. PROSTATIC DISEASE

90. BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA
Caused by altered androgen/estrogen ratio
Mild or no clinical signs
Tenesmus
Enlarged prostate but not painful
TX:
Castration results in a 70% decrease in size within 14 days

91. BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

92. PROSTATITIS
Bacterial prostatitis may be acute or chronic and it affects sexually mature dogs
Clinical signs:
Lethargy
Anorexia
Diagnosis:
Urinalysis: hematuria, increased white blood cells, presence of bacteria
Treatment:
Antibiotics
Castration
Prostatitis can lead to abscessation

93. NEOPLASIA of the male genital tract
Prostatic neoplasia is uncommon, but all prostatic neoplasms are malignant
Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT)
Occurs only in the canine
Spreads during sexual contact
Tumors found on the penis, prepuce, and scrotum
Cauliflower-like
Treatment:
Chemotherapy
Surgical removal of small localized masses

94. TVT
These tumors are friable and bleed
easily

95. CRYPTORCHIDISM
One or both testicles have been retained in the abdomen or inguinal canal
Often the retained testicle is still functional
Dog can still produce testoterone, show sexual desire and breed
A testicular tumor known as sertoli cell tumor is more common in retained testicles
These animal should not be bred

96. CRYPTORCHIDISM Two normal testicles Unilateral cryptorchid
Treatment is castration – testicle
Should be removed from the
Abdomen or pushed down from
The inguinal canal

97. CASTRATION

98. Common questions - canine

99. References Alleice Summers, Common Diseases of Companion Animals

100. References http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G9923

101. References