Oestrus Behaviour - Anatomy & Physiology

Bitch

• Long period of proestrus where the bitch is attractive, but will not allow mating.
  • Characterized by:
    • Vulval swelling
    • Presence of serosanguinous discharge

• Followed by standing oestrus:
  • Standing to be mated
  • Deviation of the tail
  • Discharge becomes paler in colour
  • Reduction in vulval oedema

• Poor relationship between time of ovulation and external appearance.

Clinical Methods and Assessments for Oestrus Detection

• Assessment of vulval softening
• Assessment of vaginal epithelial cells
• Examination of the appearance of the vaginal wall.
• Measurement of plasma progesterone concentration (detecting a rise in progesterone that preceeds ovulation in this species).

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Queen

• Oestrus detection is important, for although the queen is an induced ovulator (thus ovulation will not be missed, the LH response to mating decreases with each day of oestrus and follicles ultimately regress.
• Proestrus is short and often unnoticed.
• Oestrus is characterized by increased vocalization,rubbing and rolling.
• Queen is more active and will seek the tom.
• Stands to be mated by lowering her front quarters and extending her hind legs.
• Demonstrates lordosis
• Tail erect and held to one side.
• Slight mucoid vulval discharge.