Bruce Christensen, DVM

he simplest, least invasive, most economical diagnostic tool for determining the stage of the estrous cycle in a bitch, and surely the most widely utilized, is the examination of the bitchs vaginal cytology.

While vaginal cytology is an inexpensive, accurate way to diagnose the stage of the estrous cycle of a bitch, use of cytology alone will not allow the clinician to determine the truly important events in the cycle: the LH surge, ovulation, and the fertile period.

Canine pyometra is considered an emergency in veterinary practice due to the life-threatening nature of the condition.

Dystocia is a significant event in equine reproduction.

With some minor breed differences, most mares have similar reproductive physiology and, from that respect, may be expected to respond similarly to a canned breeding management protocol.