Monitoring ovarian function via vaginal cytology, karyopiknosis index, and ultrassonography in pubertal bitches (Beagles)

• Grant number: 13/11443-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2013
• End date: December 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Reproduction
• Principal Investigator: Valeria Amorim Conforti
• Grantee: Gabriel Leite de Freitas
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria Adjunta de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade de Franca (UNIFRAN). Franca , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Estrus detection is an essential part of any successful reproductive program in domestic species. In bitches, the proestrous phase is evidenced by vulvar edema and a characteristic vaginal hemorrhagic discharge that signals the return to reproductive activity after months of anestrus. However, some females, particularly the pre-pubertal ones, may undergo a "silent heat", where the ovarian activity is not accompanied by external signs. Ovarian activity can be monitored via transabdominal ultrasonography examination of the ovaries, vaginal cytology, or assessment of reproductive hormone concentrations in serum. These methods allow for estrus detection despite some possible lack of external signs of heat, and can indicate the transition from anestrus to proestrus, which is important from a reproductive management standpoint. In the case of pubertal bitches, it is not recommended to breed the female in her first estrus; nonetheless, it is important to record the first estrus so that a complete reproductive history of the female can be obtained which contributes to a successful reproductive management. In adult bitches, changes in the ultrasonographic aspects of the ovaries and vaginal epithelium throughout the estrous cycle have been extensively described in the literature. In this study, however, ovarian ultrasonography and vaginal cytology will be conducted in pre-pubertal/pubertal bitches. Five females of the breed Beagle will be longitudinally monitored on a weekly basis via ovarian ultrasonography and vaginal cytology, which will include the calculation of the karyopyknotic index to assess estrogenic influence, from pre-pubertal age through their first estrous cycle. The main objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between the findings of vaginal cytology and ovarian ultrasonography in bitches during their first estrous cycle.