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New Insights in Canine Reproduction
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New Insights in Canine Reproduction

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Reproduction".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 January 2021) | Viewed by 64110

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Monica De Los Reyes

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Reproduction Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
Interests: reproduction in carnivores; gamete research; IVM-IVF; reproductive biotechnologies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Nucharin Songsasen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Rd., Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
Interests: assisted reproductive technology; ovarian follicle development; reproductive endocrinology; widlife conservation; cryopreservation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Many features of canine reproduction are unique among mammals, including the extended interval of the reproductive cycle with a protracted period of anestrus, preovulatory luteinization with high levels of circulating progesterone at ovulation, the ability of sperm to sustain a long period inside the female reproductive tract, and, possibly the most intriguing feature, the delay in oocyte maturation until after ovulation. These unique characteristics of canine reproduction have presented as major challenges in the development of reproductive technologies, including in in vitro oocyte maturation, in vitro fertilization, and embryo culture in dogs and their endangered cousins.

During the past few decades, studies have been focused on better understanding the mechanisms that regulate the reproductive processes in canids. However, there are still many aspects of canine reproduction that remain unknown or have not yet been proven. Many published studies have answered some of these questions but have also raised new ones, and several of those questions are still unanswered.

This Special Issue aims to improve our understanding of canine reproduction; therefore, we invite high-quality and original research or review papers that address new insights on this topic, including physiological and pathological processes, pregnancy, contraception, andrology, biotechnologies, stem cells, welfare, and endocrinology in both domestic and in wild canids.

Prof. Monica De Los Reyes
Dr. Nucharin Songsasen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • canine
  • gametes
  • ART, pregnancy
  • endocrinology

Published Papers (16 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

2 pages, 155 KiB  
Editorial
New Insights in Canine Reproduction
by Monica De los Reyes and Nucharin Songsasen
Animals 2021, 11(7), 2021; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11072021 - 06 Jul 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3348
Abstract
Reproduction in canids has been characterized by having some peculiar aspects, such as the extended reproductive cycle and ovulation of immature oocytes [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Canine Reproduction)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

7 pages, 550 KiB  
Communication
Changes in Leukogram and Erythrogram Results in Bitches with Vaginitis
by Maria Chmurska-Gąsowska, Bartosz Bojarski, Natalia Sowińska and Magdalena Strus
Animals 2021, 11(5), 1403; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11051403 - 14 May 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2922
Abstract
Vaginitis in female dogs is a problem most veterinarians face in their practice. It manifests as localized inflammation, and its variable etiology and different severities often make diagnosis problematic. The study consisted of comparing blood smears taken from 16 animals: 8 healthy bitches [...] Read more.
Vaginitis in female dogs is a problem most veterinarians face in their practice. It manifests as localized inflammation, and its variable etiology and different severities often make diagnosis problematic. The study consisted of comparing blood smears taken from 16 animals: 8 healthy bitches and 8 bitches with confirmed vaginitis. We analyzed the percentage of different types of white blood cells (leukogram) and changes in the shape of red blood cells (erythrogram) in both groups. We observed changes in red blood cell morphology, i.e., a higher percentage of lacrimocytes and schistocytes in female dogs with vaginitis compared to their healthy counterparts. The observed hematological changes may illustrate the severity of inflammation. The analysis of erythrograms showed a significantly higher percentage of lacrimocytes and schistocytes in diseased bitches (1.58 ± 1.19% and 0.13 ± 0.12%) compared to healthy animals (0.58 ± 0.38 and 0.00 ± 0.00, respectively). The obtained results may indicate that the analysis of erythrograms throughout the course of vaginitis in bitches may constitute a diagnostic tool, as opposed to the analysis of leukograms, which is more sensitive when it comes to the systemic inflammatory response of the organism. It seems that simultaneous analysis of erythrograms and leukograms may facilitate the diagnostic process in clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Canine Reproduction)
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12 pages, 1011 KiB  
Article
Umbilical Cord Blood Gas Parameters and Apgar Scoring in Assessment of New-Born Dogs Delivered by Cesarean Section
by Agnieszka Antończyk, Małgorzata Ochota and Wojciech Niżański
Animals 2021, 11(3), 685; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11030685 - 04 Mar 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2611
Abstract
The article presents the results of the clinical evaluation (Apgar scores, AS) and umbilical cord blood gas analysis (UCBGA) obtained from clamped umbilical cords of newborn pups delivered by the elective Caesarean section. The study was planned as a controlled clinical study, the [...] Read more.
The article presents the results of the clinical evaluation (Apgar scores, AS) and umbilical cord blood gas analysis (UCBGA) obtained from clamped umbilical cords of newborn pups delivered by the elective Caesarean section. The study was planned as a controlled clinical study, the newborns were allocated into one of the groups, I—critical neonates (severe distress, AS ≤ 3), II—weak neonates (moderate distress, AS 4–6) and III—healthy neonates (no distress, AS ≥ 7). The following parameters were evaluated: pH (pH units), carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO2; mmHg), oxygen partial pressure (pO2; mmHg), actual bicarbonate (cHCO3−; mmol/L), total carbon dioxide (cTCO2; mmol/L), base excess of extracellular fluid (BE(ecf); mmol/L), base excess of blood (BE(b); mmol/L), oxygen saturation (csO2; %), lactate (Lac; mg/dL), hematocrit (Hct; %PCV), hemoglobin (cHgb; g/dL), glucose (Glu; mg/dL), ions (Na, K, Ca, Cl). The majority of puppies had low AS at birth (AS 4–6 in 38.1% and AS ≤ 3 in 57.1% of the neonates), but most of them (85.7%) improved by the 20th min. reaching AS of 7 and more. Moreover, puppies with lower AS (≤ 3) were at higher risk of death within the first 24h (20.8% did not survive). The positive correlation was found between Apgar score measured at 0 min and pH (r = 0.46, p = 0.01), and between Apgar score (at 0 min) and base excess in whole blood measured [BE(b)] r = 0.36, p = 0.03). Whereas, a negative correlation was detected between Apgar score at 0 and 5th min and glycemia (r = −0.42, p = 0.05, r = −0.34, p = 0.02 respectively. Overall, the puppies with higher glucose levels had lower Apgar scores and were at higher risk of death. Furthermore, in our study, the newborn puppies had mild acidemia with elevated pCO2 levels and the HCO3 at the lower range of normal limits, suggesting the mixed component in the acidemic state. Adaptation to extra-uterine life is crucial and any practical improvement in neonatal diagnostics and care would be beneficial for newborn puppy survival. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Canine Reproduction)
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9 pages, 244 KiB  
Article
Beneficial Effects of L-Carnitine Supplementation during IVM of Canine Oocytes on Their Nuclear Maturation and Development In Vitro
by Adel R. Moawad, Ali Salama, Magdy R. Badr and Mohamed Fathi
Animals 2021, 11(2), 581; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11020581 - 23 Feb 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2650
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of L-Carnitine (LC) supplementation during in vitro maturation (IVM) of canine oocytes on nuclear maturation, fertilization status, and preimplantation development. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) collected from the ovaries of ovariohysterectomized female dogs were matured in vitro for [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the effect of L-Carnitine (LC) supplementation during in vitro maturation (IVM) of canine oocytes on nuclear maturation, fertilization status, and preimplantation development. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) collected from the ovaries of ovariohysterectomized female dogs were matured in vitro for 72 h in a TCM-199 medium supplemented with (0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 1.0, or 2.0 mg/mL) or without (0.0 mg/mL) LC. Matured oocytes were fertilized in vitro with frozen–thawed spermatozoa, and zygotes were cultured in a SOF medium for 7 days. IVM rates were higher (p ≤ 0.05) in 0.3 and 0.6 mg/mL LC supplemented groups than in the control (0.0 mg/mL LC) and other LC groups. Fertilization (18 h postinsemination (pi)) and cleavage (2–16-cell stage at day 3 pi) rates were higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the 0.6 mg/mL LC group than in the control and 0.1, 1.0, and 2 mg/mL LC supplemented groups. Interestingly, 4.5% of fertilized oocytes developed to morula (day 5 pi) in the 0.6 mg/mL LC group, which was higher (p ≤ 0.05) than those developed in the 0.3 mg/mL group (1.0%). No cleaved embryos developed to morula in other groups. In conclusion, LC supplementation at 0.6 mg/mL during IVM of canine oocytes improved their maturation, fertilization, and preimplantation embryo development rates following IVF and in vitro culture (IVC). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Canine Reproduction)
15 pages, 2161 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Proteomics Analysis of In Vitro Canine Oviductal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles
by Seok Hee Lee, Saúl Lira-Albarrán and Islam M Saadeldin
Animals 2021, 11(2), 573; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11020573 - 23 Feb 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2567
Abstract
Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) have unique and peculiar reproductive characteristics. While the interplay between in vitro oviductal cell-derived extracellular vesicles (OC-EVs) and cumulus-oocyte complexes in dogs has begun to be elucidated, no study has yet provided extensive information on the biological content and [...] Read more.
Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) have unique and peculiar reproductive characteristics. While the interplay between in vitro oviductal cell-derived extracellular vesicles (OC-EVs) and cumulus-oocyte complexes in dogs has begun to be elucidated, no study has yet provided extensive information on the biological content and physiological function of OC-EVs and their role in canine oocyte development. Here, we aimed to provide the first comprehensive proteomic analysis of OC-EVs. We identified 398 proteins as present in all OC-EVs samples. The functional enrichment analysis using Gene Ontology terms and an Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that the identified proteins were involved in several cellular metabolic processes, including translation, synthesis, expression, and protein metabolism. Notably, the proteins were also involved in critical canonical pathways with essential functions in oocyte and embryo development, such as ERK/MAPK, EIF2, PI3K/AKT, and mTOR signaling. These data would be an important resource for studying canine reproductive physiology and establishing a successful in vitro embryo production system in dogs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Canine Reproduction)
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8 pages, 553 KiB  
Article
Effects of Sedation with Medetomidine and Dexmedetomidine on Doppler Measurements of Ovarian Artery Blood Flow in Bitches
by Paloma Nicolás-Barceló, Martina Facchin, Fernando Martínez-Taboada, Rafael Barrera, José Ignacio Cristóbal, Mario Alberto González, Ángela Durán-Galea, Beatriz Macías-García and Francisco Javier Duque
Animals 2021, 11(2), 538; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11020538 - 19 Feb 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2556
Abstract
The aim was to evaluate if medetomidine and dexmedetomidine affected arterial ovarian blood flow in dogs. The dogs were randomly assigned to two different groups. In Group 1, medetomidine (10 µg/kg) was administered intramuscularly and, in Group 2, dexmedetomidine (5 µg/kg) was used. [...] Read more.
The aim was to evaluate if medetomidine and dexmedetomidine affected arterial ovarian blood flow in dogs. The dogs were randomly assigned to two different groups. In Group 1, medetomidine (10 µg/kg) was administered intramuscularly and, in Group 2, dexmedetomidine (5 µg/kg) was used. After a preliminary exam, arterial blood pressure (BP) was measured and a duplex Doppler ultrasonographic examination of both ovarian arteries was performed. Twenty minutes after the administration of medetomidine or dexmedetomidine, BP and ovarian Doppler ultrasonography were repeated. High quality tracings of ovarian artery flow velocity were obtained in all dogs and Doppler parameters: Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV), End Diastolic Velocity (EDV) and Resistive Index (RI) were measured before and after drug administration in the left (LO) and right (RO) ovaries. PSV and EDV values decreased significantly after drug administration (p < 0.05) compared to the non-sedated values, but no differences were found between the LO and RO (p > 0.05). The RI was not affected by drugs administration in neither of the groups studied (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the administration of medetomidine or dexmedetomidine causes a decrease in blood flow velocity in the ovarian artery and may be a good choice to avoid excessive bleeding prior surgeries in which ovariectomy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Canine Reproduction)
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10 pages, 964 KiB  
Article
Decreased Size of Mammary Tumors Caused by Preoperative Treatment with Aglepristone in Female Domestic Dogs (Canis familiaris) Do Not Influence the Density of the Benign Neoplastic Tissue Measured Using Shear Wave Elastography Technique
by Barbara Pieczewska, Kamila Glińska-Suchocka, Wojciech Niżański and Michał Dzięcioł
Animals 2021, 11(2), 527; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11020527 - 18 Feb 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2186
Abstract
Shear wave elastography (SWE) can be useful to discriminate between malignant and benign mammary tumors. In dogs with elevated progesterone levels compared to the baseline and fast-growing tumors, treatment with the use of aglepristone allows for tumor size reduction, which facilitates surgery. This [...] Read more.
Shear wave elastography (SWE) can be useful to discriminate between malignant and benign mammary tumors. In dogs with elevated progesterone levels compared to the baseline and fast-growing tumors, treatment with the use of aglepristone allows for tumor size reduction, which facilitates surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the preoperative treatment of benign mammary tumors (BMTs), performed with the use of aglepristone, on the density of the tumor tissue measured by SWE. Twelve female dogs with diagnosed BMTs and increased levels of progesterone were treated with aglepristone (Alizine, Virbac, France) at 10 mg/kg s.c. (Subcutaneous injection). twice, with a 24 h interval. The density of the tumor was evaluated by SWE before and after the treatment. The type of tumor was evaluated by fine needle aspiration cytology before treatment, and a histopathological examination was made after surgical removal, performed after the aglepristone treatment. In all the cases, a significant reduction in the mammary tumor’s size was observed following treatment, with no influence on the density of the tumor’s tissue measured by SWE. Similar studies on malignant mammary tumors are warranted to verify if in these cases, density will also be a constant parameter that is not dependent on the tumor size. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Canine Reproduction)
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12 pages, 2160 KiB  
Article
Expression Profiles of the Progesterone Receptor, Cyclooxygenase-2, Growth Differentiation Factor 9, and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 Transcripts in the Canine Oviducts during the Oestrous Cycle
by Jaime Palomino, Javiera Flores, Georges Ramirez, Victor H. Parraguez and Monica De los Reyes
Animals 2021, 11(2), 454; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11020454 - 09 Feb 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4172
Abstract
The gene expression in the canine oviduct, where oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development occur, is still elusive. This study determined the oviductal expression of (PR), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9), and bone morphogenetic protein [...] Read more.
The gene expression in the canine oviduct, where oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development occur, is still elusive. This study determined the oviductal expression of (PR), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9), and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP-15) during the canine oestrous cycle. Samples were collected from bitches at anoestrus (9), proestrus (7), oestrus (8), and dioestrus (11), after routine ovariohysterectomy and the ovarian surface structures and plasma progesterone concentration evaluated the physiological status of each donor. The oviductal cells were isolated and pooled. Total RNA was isolated, and gene expression was assessed by qPCR followed by analysis using the t-test and ANOVA. The PR mRNA increased (P < 0.05) from the anoestrus to dioestrus with the plasma progesterone concentration (r = 0.8). COX-2 mRNA expression was low in the anoestrus and proestrus, and negligible in the oestrus, while it was around 10-fold higher (P < 0.05) in the dioestrus. The GDF-9 mRNA was expressed during all phases of the oestrous cycle and was most abundant (P < 0.05) during oestrus phase. The BMP-15 mRNA decreased (P < 0.05) in the anoestrus and proestrus phases. Thus, the transcripts were differentially expressed in a stage-dependent manner, suggesting the importance of oestrous cycle regulation for successful reproduction in dogs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Canine Reproduction)
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Graphical abstract

13 pages, 1897 KiB  
Article
The Role of Urine in Semiochemical Communication between Females and Males of Domestic Dog (Canis familiaris) during Estrus
by Martyna Woszczyło, Tadeusz Jezierski, Antoni Szumny, Wojciech Niżański and Michał Dzięcioł
Animals 2020, 10(11), 2112; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani10112112 - 13 Nov 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4868
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the mechanisms of semiochemical signal detection in dogs. In the first experiment, five males were exposed to volatile semiochemicals emitted by a live female in estrus and the female’s urine sample collected during estrus. The odor of canine [...] Read more.
This study aimed to assess the mechanisms of semiochemical signal detection in dogs. In the first experiment, five males were exposed to volatile semiochemicals emitted by a live female in estrus and the female’s urine sample collected during estrus. The odor of canine food and clean air were used as controls. In the second experiment, 25 males could directly sniff and lick the urine samples from females in estrus, from females in anestrus, from males and from humans, placed in a lineup. Sniffing, licking and salivation, as well as keeping dogs at different distances from the source of odor, were recorded in both experiments. Experiment 1 showed that food odor was sniffed by males longer than estrous urine. Volatile semiochemicals from females in estrus evoked interest in males but without visual cues did not cause overt symptoms of sexual arousal. In Experiment 2, the estrous urine evoked interest in males and provoked significantly longer sniffing. Licking accompanied by salivation was observed in all instances only during direct contact with estrous urine. The results suggest a complex character of detection of female reproductive status, in which both volatile and nonvolatile compounds emitted by females and present in female urine are involved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Canine Reproduction)
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13 pages, 290 KiB  
Article
Prevalence and Genomic Characterization of Brucella canis Strains Isolated from Kennels, Household, and Stray Dogs in Chile
by Nicolás Galarce, Beatriz Escobar, Eduard Martínez, Natalia Alvarado, Gabriela Peralta, Phillip Dettleff, Jessica Dorner, Víctor Martínez and Consuelo Borie
Animals 2020, 10(11), 2073; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani10112073 - 09 Nov 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3159
Abstract
Canine brucellosis caused by Brucella canis is a zoonotic disease that causes reproductive alterations in dogs, such as infertility, abortion, and epididymitis. This pathogen is especially prevalent in South America, and due to the lack of official control programs and the growing trend [...] Read more.
Canine brucellosis caused by Brucella canis is a zoonotic disease that causes reproductive alterations in dogs, such as infertility, abortion, and epididymitis. This pathogen is especially prevalent in South America, and due to the lack of official control programs and the growing trend of adopting dogs it constitutes a public health risk that must be addressed. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of B. canis infection in kennel, shelter, and household dogs and to characterize the genomic properties of circulating strains, including ure and virB operons and omp25/31 genes. Samples from 771 dogs were obtained, and the infection was detected by blood culture and/or serology in 7.0% of the animals. The complete ure and virB operons and the omp25/31 genes were detected. Interestingly, we found different single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in some of the analyzed genes, which could mean a change in the fitness or virulence of these strains. This study provides further evidence about dogs as a source of B. canis strains that can infect people. This also highlights the need to implement official control programs, including the mandatory testing of dogs, especially stray dogs, before adoption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Canine Reproduction)
12 pages, 292 KiB  
Article
Pregnancy Effect on Echocardiographic Parameters in Great Dane Bitches
by Monica Melandri, Ilaria Spalla, Luca Fanciullo and Salvatore Alonge
Animals 2020, 10(11), 1992; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani10111992 - 29 Oct 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2300
Abstract
Pregnancy is associated with adaptation of the left ventricular (LV) function. Due to differences between breeds in baseline echocardiographic values and specific predispositions for myocardial diseases, breed-specific echocardiographic parameters may be helpful to evaluate whether the systolic function varies during pregnancy. This study [...] Read more.
Pregnancy is associated with adaptation of the left ventricular (LV) function. Due to differences between breeds in baseline echocardiographic values and specific predispositions for myocardial diseases, breed-specific echocardiographic parameters may be helpful to evaluate whether the systolic function varies during pregnancy. This study enrolled nine healthy Great Dane bitches with uncomplicated pregnancy. Echocardiographic M-mode and B-mode data were collected before ovulation and within 7 days of the predicted parturition term. Evaluated parameters were: LV dimension in diastole (LVd) and systole (LVs), end-diastolic (EDVI) and end-systolic (ESVI) volumes indexed to body surface area (BSA), end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic (ESV), end-point-septal-separation (EPSS), left atrium to aortic root ratio (LA/Ao), sphericity index (SI), ejection fraction (EF), fractional shortening (FS), stroke volume (SV), heart rate (HR), and cardiac output (CO). The ANOVA showed a statistical effect of the age of gestation (p < 0.01) on the increase of diastolic dimensions and functional parameters and on the decrease of systolic dimensions. The CO increase parallels the rise in SV and HR (p < 0.01). No statistical differences were observed for EPSS, LA/Ao, and SI. The changes in cardiac chambers and function are likely to reflect maternal adaptation to allow the fetal development in uncomplicated pregnancy. The present study provides specific echocardiographic values in uncomplicated pregnancy of Great Danes, showing that the systolic function is enhanced and that the increase in preload, observed during gestation, is the likely mechanism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Canine Reproduction)

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

17 pages, 357 KiB  
Review
Usefulness of Maternal and Fetal Parameters for the Prediction of Parturition Date in Dogs
by Giulia Siena and Chiara Milani
Animals 2021, 11(3), 878; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11030878 - 19 Mar 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3984
Abstract
An accurate parturition timing is of key importance for breeders and veterinarians in order to give professional assistance to parturition in dogs. However, pregnancy length calculated from the breeding date has a wide variability. Different parameters and formulas have been described and calculated, [...] Read more.
An accurate parturition timing is of key importance for breeders and veterinarians in order to give professional assistance to parturition in dogs. However, pregnancy length calculated from the breeding date has a wide variability. Different parameters and formulas have been described and calculated, as well as their accuracy which is affected by various factors: stage of pregnancy, litter and maternal size. Therefore, the selection of the most appropriate parameter panel poses the challenge of weighing their influences and impact on the overall accuracy. The aim of this review is to analyze the parameters useful for parturition timing, especially their accuracy, and to propose the addition of fetal maturity and criteria for its evaluation to detect readiness for parturition. Parameters, as described in literature, are classified as: (i) maternal parameters, (ii) fetal parameters, (iii) ultrasonographic assessment of maternal and fetal heart rate and blood flow, (iv) parameters indicating fetal maturity. A focus on recently described parameters—such as fetal gastrointestinal motility and fetal lung development detected by quantitative ultrasound—is reported. Currently, the most accurate way to predict parturition day is represented by a prepartum progesterone drop, but the identification of a panel of ultrasonographic parameters combining their significance and their accuracy throughout pregnancy is still needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Canine Reproduction)
23 pages, 1305 KiB  
Review
Canid Reproductive Biology: Norm and Unique Aspects in Strategies and Mechanisms
by Jennifer B. Nagashima and Nucharin Songsasen
Animals 2021, 11(3), 653; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11030653 - 01 Mar 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4590
Abstract
The reproductive physiology of canids is unique compared to other mammalian species. Specifically, the reproductive cycle of female canids is characterized by extended periods of proestrus and estrus followed by obligatory diestrus and protracted ovarian inactivity (anestrus). Although canid reproduction follows this general [...] Read more.
The reproductive physiology of canids is unique compared to other mammalian species. Specifically, the reproductive cycle of female canids is characterized by extended periods of proestrus and estrus followed by obligatory diestrus and protracted ovarian inactivity (anestrus). Although canid reproduction follows this general pattern, studies have shown variations in reproductive biology among species and geographic regions. Understanding of these differences is critical to the development of assisted reproductive technologies including estrus induction, gamete rescue, and embryo production techniques for canid conservation efforts. This review summarizes current knowledge of canid reproduction, including estrus cyclicity, seasonality, and seminal traits, with the emphasis on species diversity. The application of reproductive technologies in wild canid conservation will also be discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Canine Reproduction)
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12 pages, 880 KiB  
Review
Hormonal Carcinogenesis in Canine Mammary Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms of Estradiol Involved in Malignant Progression
by Cristian G. Torres, María P. Iturriaga and Pamela Cruz
Animals 2021, 11(3), 608; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11030608 - 26 Feb 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4287
Abstract
Mammary cancer is a frequent neoplasia in female dogs, in which most important risk factors are hormonal. Sexual hormones as estradiol play an important role in mammary carcinogenesis, being able to induce carcinogenic initiation, promotion and progression. However, the molecular mechanisms involved are [...] Read more.
Mammary cancer is a frequent neoplasia in female dogs, in which most important risk factors are hormonal. Sexual hormones as estradiol play an important role in mammary carcinogenesis, being able to induce carcinogenic initiation, promotion and progression. However, the molecular mechanisms involved are incompletely understood. Estradiol is synthesized mainly in the ovaries, nevertheless, high concentrations of estradiol and some of its hormonal precursors have also been described in malignant mammary tumor tissue. The mechanisms of action of estradiol include the classic genomic effects that modulate gene transcription, and non-genomic effects, which trigger quick effects after estradiol binds to its specific receptors. These responses modulate various intracellular signaling pathways, triggering post-translational modification of several proteins. This review will discuss the well-known underlying mechanisms associated with the action of estradiol in the malignant progression of canine mammary tumors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Canine Reproduction)
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17 pages, 7574 KiB  
Review
Step by Step about Germ Cells Development in Canine
by Aline Fernanda de Souza, Naira Caroline Godoy Pieri and Daniele dos Santos Martins
Animals 2021, 11(3), 598; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11030598 - 25 Feb 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 10940
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) have been described as precursors of gametes and provide a connection within generations, passing on the genome to the next generation. Failures in the formation of gametes/germ cells can compromise the maintenance and conservation of species. Most of the [...] Read more.
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) have been described as precursors of gametes and provide a connection within generations, passing on the genome to the next generation. Failures in the formation of gametes/germ cells can compromise the maintenance and conservation of species. Most of the studies with PGCs have been carried out in mice, but this species is not always the best study model when transposing this knowledge to humans. Domestic animals, such as canines (canine), have become a valuable translational research model for stem cells and therapy. Furthermore, the study of canine germ cells opens new avenues for veterinary reproduction. In this review, the objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on canine germ cells. The aspects of canine development and germ cells have been discussed since the origin, specifications, and development of spermatogonial canine were first discussed. Additionally, we discussed and explored some in vitro aspects of canine reproduction with germ cells, such as embryonic germ cells and spermatogonial stem cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Canine Reproduction)
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17 pages, 1020 KiB  
Review
Exosomes as a Potential Tool for Supporting Canine Oocyte Development
by Seok Hee Lee and Islam M. Saadeldin
Animals 2020, 10(11), 1971; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani10111971 - 27 Oct 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3535
Abstract
The canine oviduct is a unique reproductive organ where the ovulated immature oocytes complete their maturation, while the other mammals ovulate matured gametes. Due to their peculiar reproductive characteristics, the in vitro maturation of dog oocytes is still not wellestablished compared with other [...] Read more.
The canine oviduct is a unique reproductive organ where the ovulated immature oocytes complete their maturation, while the other mammals ovulate matured gametes. Due to their peculiar reproductive characteristics, the in vitro maturation of dog oocytes is still not wellestablished compared with other mammals. Investigations of the microenvironment conditions in the oviductal canal are required to establish a reliable in vitro maturation system in the dog. Previous studies have suggested that the oviduct and its derivatives play a key role in improving fertilization as well as embryo development. In particular, the biological function of oviduct-derived exosomes on sperm and early embryo development has been investigated in porcine, bovine, and murine species. However, the information about their functions on canine cumulus-oocyte complexes is still elusive. Recent canine reproductive studies demonstrated how oviduct-derived extracellular vesicles such as microvesicles and exosomes interact with oocyte-cumulus complexes and how they can play roles in regulating canine cumulus/oocyte communications. In this review, we summarize the physiological characteristics of canine oviduct-derived exosomes and their potential effects on cumulus cells development as well as oocyte in vitro maturation via molecular signaling pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Canine Reproduction)
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