dog reproductive system female
The reproductive system of dogs and humans are very similar. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. I’ll bet you can guess which dog wouldn’t stop following me today. Check with an herbalist experienced with using herbs for treating animals for proper dosages and delivery methods. Reader Survey: What do YOU want to see in WDJ. Incredulous that no one else wants to swim at dusk in winter ... Doesn’t matter if it’s freezing or raining, he’s gonna wade ... My friend Leonora is fostering these two young ladies. Ovariohysterectomy is the treatment of choice. The reproductive system includes the ovaries, the uterus, the cervix and the vagina. The female dog’s reproductive system is the “nest” that nurtures a simple union of two single cells into a weave of billions of intercommunicating cells, which then form into organ systems and ultimately unify into the whole organism we call “dog.”. Proestrus and estrus are stages of obvious sexual activity. Oviducts are small tubes that extend from the ovaries to the uterine horns. Made a new friend today. It can also be used to confirm the presence of a pregnancy. This phase is the period when the bitch is sexually attractive yet rejects the male’s advances. The muscular substance of the uterus is called the myometrium; the inner lining is called the endometrium. (The male dog’s libido and efficiency will also increase with time and experience, until old age changes begin to take effect. Thank you, Pam and family, for taking good care of him for me. Some plants that provide estrogenic steroidal precursors include wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), lion’s ear or lion’s tail (Leonotis leonurus), and pleurisy root or butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa). All Rights Reserved. I discussed urinary incontinence in “All Male Review” (WDJ May 2005) and much of what was said there especially applies to females, since the incidence of incontinence is somewhat higher in females than in males. The first stage is called proestrus. Portions of the uterus may be exposed at the vulva. There may be an evident mucopurulent vulvar discharge; if the cervix is closed, however, the purulent material may remain in the uterus and enlarge it to the point where abdominal swelling is evident. (In the male, the procedure is most accurately called bilateral orchiectomy – removal of both testes; in the female, it’s called a bilateral oophorectomy – removal of both ovaries.) An oviduct is connected to each ovary. #nofilter The light here at this time of year is just unreal. Uterine prolapse is the protrusion of the uterus through the cervix into the vagina. And as with the male dog’s reproductive system, very small alterations in the balance of any one of the female functions involved with reproduction can produce profound results throughout her body. When the female is pregnant, the fetuses are arranged in a row in both horns. The female dog’s reproductive system is the “nest” that nurtures a simple union of two single cells into a weave of billions of intercommunicating cells, which then form into organ systems and ultimately unify into the whole organism we call “dog.” We’re talking about the act of creation, the production of entire litters of living, breathing, best friends of mankind. The very tip or base of the Y is the cervix. A variety of organisms may be involved in producing clinical signs of purulent vulval discharge, often accompanied with fever, lethargy, and refusal to eat. The ovary is enveloped by a “catchers mitt” tissue called the infundibulum. This little service dog may be overweight, arthritic, and off-leash... but I watched him walk with his Vietnam veteran owner through a crowd and never get more than 10 inches from his side. During this phase of the cycle, the vulva gradually enlarges and becomes quite edematous and firm by the last third of proestrus. Most bitches undergoing silent heat will accept a male at the time of ovulation; however, determining this time may be difficult, especially if the male is not on the premises. It usually develops because of a bacterial infection that ascends up the vagina and gains entrance to the uterus through the open cervix. • The dog’s libido and efficiency will increase with age and experience – at least, until the onset of old age problems. It may occur in any age of dog, but a juvenile form is seen in dogs less than one year of age. Very personable. Vaginoscopy is the examination of the vulva and vagina by introducing a scope through the external genitalia directly into the vagina to examine the area for evidence of tumors and inflammation. Will be available for adoption from the Northwest SPCA in a week or two. Spaying, with removal of the uterus, prevents the development of uterine tumors. • The female gonad is the ovary, responsible for the production of ova and the secretion of oestrogen and progesterone. Each individual area is prone to different disorders. They may also drink and urinate excessively (polyuria and polydipsia), and they may vomit. The hymenis the poorly developed, vestigial, mucosal folds at the junction of the vagina and vestibule. Vaginal hyperplasia is most common in young intact female dogs and is more common in the boxer, English. and phenotypic disorders affect the physical and biochemical reproductive properties of the dog. Tumors may also develop within the vagina. • Poor thyroid function is known to adversely affect libido and breeding soundness in animals, and other organ systems will likely be shown in the future to have intimate connections to the reproductive system. Pyometra disease is a complex problem of older female dogs that have not been spayed. Castration is the correct term for removal or destruction of the gonads, whether the subject is male or female. Tiny Sampson’s turn at slow-mo. Cytology can also be performed on milk samples. X-rays of the abdomen are useful to identify enlargement of the uterus. With the vestibule and vulva, it is the copulatory organ and the birth canal. Mastitis is inflammation and/or infection of the mammary glands. This usually occurs at the same time she is no longer attractive to males. Dogs in false pregnancy may demonstrate swelling of the mammary glands, lactation, nesting, or other “mothering” signs, without the presence of fetuses. Bacteria may enter the uterus through the cervix and begin to grow in the uterus. This lasts for about 9 days, although it may vary by 2 or 3 days. I. EMBRYOLOGY AND ANATOMY OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT. • Be certain the female has reached puberty. Diestrus is completely dominated by progesterone; other hormones are essentially at baseline levels. For now, I’ll just say that their exact cause is unknown, but if a female is spayed before her first heat cycle, her chances of developing mammary tumors is near zero. During this phase she can become pregnant and this is when she will be “in heat”. The time between cycles varies with the individual from 3 ½ to 13 months, and the estrus cycle lasts from 2-21 days (6 to 12 days on average). They are also prone to mammary cancer. Anestrus is the quiescent period of the reproductive cycle, behaviorally characterized by sexual inactivity. The reproductive system of the female dog The oviducts (also called Fallopian tubes) are small tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. The vaginal tissue becomes swollen and may protrude through the vulva, and appear as a donut-shaped mass. It is important to realize, however, that an examiner can’t tell early estrus from late estrus from a single cellular cytology or vaginal endoscopic exam; sequential evaluations are needed to truly evaluate timing of the cycle. Vaginal hyperplasia or edema is an exaggerated response by the vaginal tissue to estrogen during certain phases of the estrus (heat) cycle. • Be certain that the bitch is truly in standing heat (the most common cause of breeding failure is that the female is not truly in estrous). During fertilization and birth the sphincter of the cervix is relaxed or opened. One of them is riveted. You may have guessed I am not at home. The female reproductive system has evolved to produce ova from the ovaries which are released and pass down the reproductive tract where they may be fertilised by sperm from the male animal. Where Is the Female Canine Reproductive Tract Located? Start studying Female Dog Reproductive Tract. The ovary is the site for production of the ovum and a variety of hormones including the estrogenic compounds (primarily estradiol-17 Beta) and progesterone; other hormones, including testosterone, are also produced in the ovary. In many species the females in the herd or colony will come into heat only in the presence of a male (or in the presence of something that is redolent with his male odor). But isn’t he handsome? In my mind, this makes the phytoestrogens (estrogens from plants) a good option for treatment. ... Today’s new friends. Bacterial culture and sensitivity testing may be performed. Some females may have a “silent heat,” a heat cycle that is not associated with bleeding. Transmissible venereal tumors (TVTs) occur frequently in some geographic areas and rarely in others. Shepherd? Most … Material is retrieved using a special culture swab or collection tube, and attempts are made to grow the bacteria and identify them. Females reach sexual maturity (puberty) between 8 and 18 months of age. Are Seresto Flea and Tick Collars Harmful to Dogs? Abnormal or Difficult Birth (Dystocia) Many factors can cause a difficult birth (dystocia), including uterine problems, a too-small birth canal, an oversized fetus, or abnormal position of the fetus during birth. The dog reaches sexual maturity at from 5 to 24 months of age – earlier in smaller breeds; later in larger breeds. My suggestion is the homeopathic remedy Arnica (available in health food stores). • Anestrus (65 to 281 days, mean 150.3 days). • The male gonad is the testis, responsible for spermatogenesis and the secretion of testosterone. Apparently dumped in her neighborhood. The ovaries are connected to the uterus by small ducts called oviducts. The dog usually has five pairs of mammary glands. The vagina terminates at the cervix, an organ that separates the vagina from the uterus, which is a Y-shaped organ in the bitch. The vaginal walls are made up of an inner mucosal layer, a middle smooth muscle layer, and an external coat of connective tissue. The eggs are released from small saclike structures called follicles during the process of ovulation and pass through the fallopian tubes into the uterus. But isn’t he handsome? All dogs have 78 chromosomes. I discussed my opinions last month about spaying and neutering in “All Male Review.” For this article, suffice it to say that I feel that castration (of both male and female dogs) is a positive step to take to help alleviate our overpopulation problem, even at the possible expense to our dogs of the benefits of normal hormone levels. Estrus (from the Greek oistros, meaning mad, frenzied, any vehement desire), is defined as the period of sexual receptivity in female mammals, and proestrus is the period of heightened follicular activity prior to estrus. The vagina provides a passage way from the outside of the body to the uterus. One form of tumor, the transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is caused by a virus. It is a highly contagious disease that can spread rapidly through a kennel by contact with infected fetuses, vaginal discharge, or occasionally by venereal means. The uterus gradually increases in size, filling with purulent material. A complete blood count, organ profile, urinalysis, and urine culture are often used to look for evidence of infection or other related organ abnormalities (e.g. This usually starts from 6 to 12 months old depending on the breed. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. This phase can be precisely defined by observing changes in vaginal epithelial cells; a less precise way to identify it is by noting the first time the female refuses the male. The most common diseases are discussed in this section. Alternative therapies for tumors of any type include homeopathy or acupuncture; nutritional supplements and herbal remedies may be included to support the primary therapy of choice. #superdog. The uterus houses the fetus until it is ready to be delivered. A complete breeding soundness exam will certainly include an evaluation of thyroid function, and an evaluation of other organ systems may also be indicated. A fine needle aspirate and examination of the cells is often useful when assessing masses or tumors. Vaginitis, inflammation of the vagina, is usually due to a bacterial infection, but viruses, conformational abnormalities, foreign bodies, or therapeutic use of steroids may also be involved. We will tell you about the general structure, how it works in dogs, common diseases and common diagnostic tests performed in female dogs to evaluate the reproductive tract. Further signs such as fever or a change in the WBC count are variable; x-rays or ultrasonic exams may be indicated for a final diagnosis. As the name suggests, it is a condition where the female appears to be pregnant, but she is not. While there may be hormonal changes during anestrus, these changes are not consistent among individuals. Also, the mother may neglect her puppies. Discussion of the female reproductive system-cats, dogs, horses. The vomeronasal organ in most species (including the human species) is composed of two short tubes with tiny, slit-like openings into the nares, tucked away just below the floor of the nose. Dog Reproduction (The Heat Cycle) Signs of Heat. A female dogâ s reproductive system involves the uterus, the cervix, the oviducts, the ovaries, and the vagina. Ovulation usually occurs about the 11th day of heat (day 2 of estrus). Recognizing Dog Stress While Adjusting to a New Home, Punishment vs. Interruption: Properly Managing Your Dog’s Behavior, Meditations on Raising Small Children with Dogs, How to Engage Your Dog’s Brain When Activity is Restricted, Cooperative Care: Giving Your Dog Choice and Control, Infection vs. About four months old. The cervix contains connective tissue and muscle that form a firm tube-like sphincter. Maybe a little mastiff or some thing big in there? Bitches with pyometra often become dehydrated, and they are typically lethargic and refuse to eat. • The male reproductive tract conducts the sperm from the testis into the female reproductive tract during mating. If it is a young female, the condition almost always resolves itself after her first estrus cycle. Bacterial infections usually respond to local treatments (vaginal douches) using antibiotics or herbs with antibiotic activity. Very personable. The IHC Group. In canines, the reproductive system is not spared when it comes to tumors. Other tumors of the lower urinary tract are relatively common in dogs. The signs and symptoms of gonadal or reproductive sexual development disorders may include having an unusually large clitoris Mammary glands are composed of connective tissue to provide support and structure, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and glandular tissue. There is usually a vulvar discharge, which the female may constantly lick, and she may attract male dogs. The ovaries of the dog are located in close proximity to each kidney. Cysts are fluid-filled sacks that result in a prolonged secretion of estrogen, leading to the signs of heat. The dog’s ovarian cycle is divided into four phases – anestrus, proestrus, estrus, and diestrus. And when this dog dies I’m going to be awfully tempted to have him stuffed. Maybe a little mastiff or some thing big in there? Just cranial to the vestibule lies the vagina, which is oriented horizontally in the standing female. Not really. Signs of estrus and proestrus are often indistinct and especially difficult to detect in young females. The uterine horns extend from each ovary and join to form the body of the uterus. • Proestrus (6 to 11 days, mean 9.1 days). In a normal pregnancy one or more fetuses will develop in each of the uterine horns. They are treated via Western medicine by the usual means: surgical excision, and/or some form of chemo- or radiation-therapy. Disorders of the reproductive tract may affect the ovaries, the uterus, the vagina, the vulva or the mammary glands. Pyometra often occurs within eight weeks of the dog’s last heat cycle due to increased levels of the hormone progesterone. The ovaries are where the unfertilised eggs for pregnancy formulate. It is an uncommon condition in the dog. The female’s reproductive system will include the breasts, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina. Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. The canine reproductive system for females differs greatly from the male counterpart. And when this dog dies I’m going to be awfully tempted to have him stuffed. All rights reserved. #damngooddog #thankyoubothforyourservice, Silly Nova, from foster litter in Oct 2018 and now, Incredulous that no one else wants to swim at dusk in winter, Doesn’t matter if it’s freezing or raining, he’s gonna wade. The vagina constitutes the part of the female reproductive tract between the cervix and the vulva. Instead, they havean estrous cycle, often called a heat cycle, appearing twice and often more than once per year. Mammary tumors will be discussed more fully in an upcoming article on pregnancy and lactation. Sweet, smart, Already well mannered from just 10 days with a dog-savvy foster provider. #superdog ... #nofilter The light here at this time of year is just unreal. The vagina of the bitch is very long and passes through the pelvis toward the vulva. The primary clinical sign is vaginal discharge. Difficulty during breeding attempts or whelping may lead to metritis, an infection of the uterus. bladder infection, kidney disease, etc.). A dog breeder would refer to the combined two stages of proestrus and estrus as “heat” or “season,” with the first day of heat being the first day of proestrus, the last day of heat being the last day of estrus. Sweet, smart, Already well mannered from just 10 days with a dog-savvy foster provider. The Fallopian tubes are where fertilisation occurs between the sperm and egg. Yes, she is one of those women who always carries a purse, and takes hikes in a colorful skirt. Spaying the dog before its second heat cycle can effectively prevent these tumors. Ovarian remnants may sometimes occur when a portion of the ovary is cut and left behind during the spaying surgery. What You Should Know, Whole Dog Journal Product Review: 2020 Dog Gear of The Year. ), • Realize that each female is an individual, and each will have her own way of expressing her heat cycle. Each horn of the uterus terminates in a tortuous uterine tube (oviduct), which then expands into a bursa that completely enfolds the ovary. TVT is a contagious condition and is often spread during breeding. During estrus, endoscopic examination of the vagina by an experienced evaluator may also be helpful for pinpointing the time of ovulation. Brucellosis can be diagnosed by isolation of the organism; however, a serologic test is usually more practical. When a bitch is spayed, the ovaries, oviducts, and uterus are removed. Ovarian cysts may develop from the accumulation of fluid within the follicles. It’s an amazing, powerful, complex system. Pyometra, a hormonally mediated disorder that occurs after estrus, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that typically occurs in older females. The ovarian or estrus cycle At the end of the oviduct nearest the ovary a funnel-like structure, the infundibulum, catches the egg (ovum) when it is released from the ovary. Two of these dogs don’t much care for the tractor-mower. Whenever breeding problems occur in a kennel, the entire kennel should be tested. This little service dog may be overweight, arthritic, and off-leash... but I watched him walk with his Vietnam veteran owner through a crowd and never get more than 10 inches from his side. Disorders of milk production include galactorrhea (milk production that is not associated with pregnancy), agalactia (the failure to secrete milk at appropriate times), and galactostasis (the abnormal collection of milk in the mammary glands). ... Smart foster girl earned off-leash privileges in three days (and got grass-stains on her forehead from somersaulting in the deepgrassrunningjoy) ... Foster/assess project: So far, 100% adorable. After utterly failing to get six overstimulated dogs to sit still for one minute, I can always count on my two , Best result from several attempts to get six dogs to stay still for one minute, “Something moved in the grass, I’m telling you!”. Female Reproductive Anatomy. ... Made a new friend today. I’ll bet you can guess which dog wouldn’t stop following me today. To be sure, use a combination of hormonal, cytological, endoscopic, and behavioral evaluations, especially for the difficult-to-breed female. The juvenile form of vaginitis often resolves after the first estrous cycle. The Pelvis, where the respective male dog reproductive system and female dog reproductive system are given support. Thank you, Pam and family, for taking good care of him for me. In a 25-pound dog, the vagina averages 12 cm long and 1.5 cm in diameter. However, common usage in animals generally refers to female castration as “spaying,” and in the male the procedure is called either castration or neutering. A female dog in heat. The vulva protects the opening of the vagina and provides external markings that identify the animal as a female. While traditional lore has it that bitches tend to cycle in the spring and fall, actual observations have indicated that for most breeds heat cycles occur randomly throughout the year. What Is the Female Canine Reproductive Tract? There are several common disorders of the female canine reproductive tract that deserve mention. The uterus of the dog is Y-shaped, with the arms of the “Y” being longer than the stem. Or it may be associated with the administration of hormones, such as progesterone compounds given to delay or suppress heat, or estrogens administered to females after an unintended and unwanted mating. Each phase is under the influence of the dominant hormone produced. Systemic antibiotic therapy may be necessary in some cases. It can be caused by infections during or after breeding. The reproductive system in dogs is a composite of the necessary organs to generate puppies.