Dog Breeding by LowchensAustralia.com

• These organs produce ova (eggs) and certain reproductive hormones. The eggs in the ovaries develop within fluid-filled sacs called follicles.

• These tubes move the ovulated and released eggs from the ovaries to the uterus in approximately two days. Moreover, the oviducts are the sites of egg maturation and fertilization.

• This organ consists of two long horns and a short body. The uterus is the site of implantation and placental and foetal development.

• This structure is a constricted orifice that serves as a channel from the uterus to the vagina. During pregnancy the cervix closes the birth canal and serves as a barrier against the entry of micro-organisms into the uterus.

• This hollow organ extends from the cervix to the vulva. The inner lining of the vagina is made up of cells that undergo particular changes during the oestrous cycle.

• This structure is composed of the external genitalia, which includes the clitoris (sexual organ) and two vertical lips.

This is potentially life threatening, and usually occurs after an oestrous cycle. Bacteria multiply in the womb and create pus. If the cervix remains open, the pus escapes through the vagina and out of the vulva. This is known as an "open pyometra", and is relatively easily diagnosed and treated. If the cervix is tight, however, pus builds up in the womb; this is called a "closed pyometra" and clinical signs develop quickly. A dog with pyometra has increased thirst and a decreased appetite. She rests more and may or may not have a vaginal discharge. Untreated, this leads to collapse and shock. If a dog has a closed pyometra, immediate surgery is needed to remove the womb.

Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) in adult female dogs causes discomfort, and affected dogs persistently lick their vulva. Some young pups develop a sticky, green-yellow vaginal discharge that dries into a hard crusty wick in the hair on the tip of the vulva. This condition, known as juvenile vaginitis, almost always spontaneously clears when a pup has her first season. If your pup is affected, postpone spaying until three months after her first season.

In most cases, mammary tumours appear as hard, pebble-like mobile masses under the skin near teats, but the most aggressive form causes rapid, painful swelling in breasts in the groin area. Removal and examination of a lump is the only guaranteed way of diagnosing mammary tumours. Neutering a female dog can reduce the risk of mammary tumours: if bitches are spayed before their first season, the risk is negligible, and even spaying after the first season still reduces the risk by over 99 per cent. However, spaying a female dog after she has had about six oestrous cycles has no effect on the risk of her developing mammary tumours.

• Function of the Male Reproductive System
• Male Reproductive System
• Male Reproductive System
• Function and Structure of the Male Reproductive System
• Infertility, Diseases of the Male Reproductive System And Contraception.
• Reproductive Diseases of the Female
• Bacteria May Cause Infertility in Dogs and Bitches
• Stress, Infertility and Herpes Infection
• Female Infertility
• Female Fertility and Management
• Reproductive Complications Affecting Fertility and Pregnancy in the Bitch
• Infertility In Bitches
• Canine Reproduction with Dr. Robert Hutchison
• Canine Infectious Infertility
• Determining Canine Pregnancy Failure (PDF format)
• Mycoplasma and Reproductive Systems
• Breeding Culture Programs and Problematic Infections for Dams, Sires, and Puppies
• Use of Supplemental Progesterone in Management of Canine Pregnancy
• Infectious Causes of Reproductive Failure
• Vaginal Bacteria in the Bitch
• Canine Infertility - A Silent Threat
• Reproductive Management of the Brood Bitch
• Fertility Problems in Pets
• Why Do Bitches Miss?
• Causes of Infertility in the Bitch
• Clinical Use of Anti-Progestins in the Bitch
• Fetal Resorption is Another Cause of "Missed" Pregnancies
• Thyroid Dysfunction and Reproduction
• Phantom or False Pregnancy in Dogs
• Pyometra
• Structure and Function of the Mammary System in Dogs