Puerperium - Bitch

Also see General Puerperium

Since the bitch is monocyclic, parturition is followed by anoestrus. The onset of the next oestrus is unpredictable.

• Regression of the corpora lutea of pregnancy is initially rapid.
• By 1-2 weeks postpartum, corpora lutea are reduced in size.
• Regression of corpora lutea after this period is much slower.
• Rate of involution is similar to other species.
• Uterine horns restored to their pregravid size by 4 weeks postpartum.
• Lochial discharge immediately postpartum.
  • Green due to uteroverdin
  • Changed to blood-stained mucoid discharge within 12 hours.
• In the non-pregnant bitch, the surface of the endometrium undergoes desquamation followed by regeneration.
  • Repair is complete by 120 days after the onset of oestrus.
• After pregnancy and normal parturition, the time taken for regeneration is ~ 2 weeks longer.
  • Desquamation of the endometrial lining begins at 6 weeks postpartum and is complete by 7 weeks.
  • The whole regeneration process is complete by 12 weeks postpartum.