Production and Reproductive Management.

Programs breeding high-quality dogs are now able to use newer technologies in order to maximize use of genetic material and improve the efficiency of the production program. Missed estrus cycles and failure to conceive are costly in canine production programs, and parameters should be established to help minimize these failures. This article outlines lessons learned over the last 20 years in a medium-sized production program and also reviews other current production programs.

Breeding Program Management.

Managing a colony of high-quality, purpose-bred dogs requires strategic organization and planning. Because current demand for working dogs exceeds the supply available, production success should be maximized. Quality should always be emphasized over quantity, especially for the selection of breeding stock.

Equine endometrial development during late fetal and postnatal periods.

Equine uterine development, including endometrial histogenesis, begins prenatally and is completed postnatally. Little is known about this process in the horse. Uterine tissue was acquired from 38 foals, ranging in developmental age from gestational day (GD) 300 to postnatal day (PND) 180, for assessment of endometrial histogenesis.

Breeding Soundness Examination of the Bitch.

A breeding soundness examination is a vital part of any breeding program. These examinations are not performed as frequently in the bitch as they are in the male dog. They allow clinicians to identify any problems at an early stage in a bitch's breeding career and to screen for any genetic abnormalities.

Small Animal Neonatal Health.

Although most veterinarians have been caring for neonates successfully for several years, it is often good to review our methods and aim to incorporate new practices that will increase survivability, especially of the weaker neonates. These tips are easy to incorporate and do not require radical change by the doctors or staff. Armed with some key pearls of neonatal knowledge and basic clinical skills, one can successfully prevent and treat the most common clinical presentations of neonatal puppies and kittens.

Evaluation of chlorhexidine hydrochloride treatment on endometrial health of normal mares.

Chlorhexidine gluconate solution is a potent antimicrobial and therefore could be used effectively for treatment of endometritis, but historically this substance has been implicated as irritating to mucous membranes, including the endometrium of the mare. The use of chlorhexidine hydrochloride suspension (Nolvasan Suspension, Zoetis, Florham Park, NJ, USA) was evaluated in the uterus of normal mares to determine if adverse effects on endometrial health were noted. Twelve healthy, adult light breed mares were included in this study.

Distribution and regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, kisspeptin, RF-amide related peptide-3, and dynorphin in the bovine hypothalamus.

Recent work has led to the hypothesis that kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin (KNDy) neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) play a key role in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generation and gonadal steroid feedback, with kisspeptin driving GnRH release and neurokinin B and dynorphin acting as pulse start and stop signals, respectively. A separate cell group, expressing RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) has been shown to be a primary inhibitor of GnRH release. Very little is known regarding these cell groups in the bovine.

Infection of an equine placenta with a novel mycobacterial species leading to abortion.

A 25-year-old pregnant American Quarter Horse mare presented with a 1-week history of progressively worsening vaginal discharge. Transrectal ultrasound revealed increased thickness of the combined uterus and placenta with evidence of chorioallantoic edema but no placental separation. A thickened amnion was visible on transabdominal ultrasound.

Clinical approaches to infertility in the bitch.

When presented with the apparently infertile bitch, the practitioner must sort through a myriad of facts, historical events, and diagnostic tests to uncover the etiology of the problem. Many bitches that present for infertility are reproductively normal and are able to conceive with appropriate intervention and breeding management. An algorithmic approach is helpful in cases of infertility, where simple questions lead to the next appropriate step.

Interaction of estrogen and progesterone on kisspeptin-10-stimulated luteinizing hormone and growth hormone in ovariectomized cows.

Background/aims: Growth hormone (GH) is necessary for optimal reproductive efficiency and its secretion is influenced by sex steroids. This study was designed to determine whether kisspeptin-10 (Kp10) could stimulate GH and if gonadal steroids enhance the GH response to Kp10 in cows.

Methods And Results: Intravenous injection of Kp10 at 100 or 200 pmol/kg body weight with or without treatment with estradiol cypionate and/or progesterone increased luteinizing hormone (p < 0.