Ultrasonographic mensuration of the conceptus and its relation with relaxine, progesterone and acute-phase proteins levels in Boxers bitches

• Grant number: 05/00849-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2005
• End date: April 30, 2007
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Radiology
• Principal Investigator: Franklin de Almeida Sterman
• Grantee: Franklin de Almeida Sterman
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Ultrasonographic features of conceptus and their relation to gestational age have been overly studied and partially made up. The literature search leads us to notice that certain seric proteins like progesterone, relaxin and acute-phase proteins have also been associated with gestational age. But there are no references correlating ultrasonographic features (including mensurations) and seric levels of progesterone, relaxin and acute-phase proteins. For so, in this study, there will be 2 groups of dogs: the control of 10 unmated bitches and the experimentel group of 10 bitches (others or the same in distinct cycles) that will be mated or inseminated with boxers studs. Of both groups blood will be collected from cephalic vein. It will be done daily from proestrus until LH peak, and then on alternate days until the end of diestrous on unmated bitches and until parturition on experimental group. Serial US examinations will be performed on 10 pregnant boxers bitches (1,5 to 7 years old, primiparous or not and 20 to 27 Kg) on the days of blood collection, from 18 days after LH surge until parturition. Detection and mensuration of conceptuses parameters (gestational sac, zonary placenta, biparietal diameter and body diameter) and skeleton, stomach, urinary bladder, kidneys) will be done. The aim of this study is to verify the positive correlation among mensurations and/or pregnancy events and seric levels of progesterone, relaxin and acute-phase proteins in bitches. (AU)