Veterinary Physiology-III

BITCH

• The most notable sign during proestrus is vaginal bleeding
• Vulva swollen and reddish
• Female paying increased attention to her rear end.
• Female dogs will become attractive to male dogs but the female shows little interest in male or even become aggressive towards males
• Restlessness
• Frequent urination with small quantities of urine. The urine contains both pheromones and hormones signalling to any interested males
• During estrus, vulvar discharge becomes less hemorrhagic, or even colourless than proestrus bleeding
• Vaginal swelling is maximum
• Attracts males and shows signs of courtship towards male
• When a male attempts to mount, she will move the tail to side to allow breeding. When the perineal area is massaged, the estrus bitches respond with tail movement with deflection of tail to one side – tail turning reflex
• Estrus averages 9 days in duration, but can be as short as 3 days or as long as 21 days.