Evaluation of prostaglandin F2a, estradiol benzoate and deslorelin acetate protocol for oestrus induction in bitches

Abstract

Inter-oestrus interval in bitches is relatively longer than in other domestic animal species, efforts have been brought about to reduce it due to the increase in the pet market. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a prostaglandin F2_a, estradiol benzoate and deslorelin acetate protocol for oestrus induction in bitches. Six healthy female dogs were used. Two bitches were on day 75 of postpartum anoestrus, the other four dogs were in dioestrous and a luteolysis was induced in those ones with prostaglandin (2.5 ng/kg/24h/4d sc). All bitches received a single dose of estradiol benzoate on day 75 of anestrous (postpartum or induced). On day 76 and every day onwards, injection of deslorelin acetate was applied until the seric progesterone levels were between 1.5 and 2.5 ng/mL. The proportions of proestrous-induced bitches and of ovulating bitches as well as pregnancy rates were measured, and Wilcoxon Rank-Sum nonparametric statistical test was applied. All female dogs became in proestrous on day 4.5. All bitches were artificially inseminated three and five days after progesterone levels were between 1.5 and 2.5 ng/mL. No bitches ovulated and no pregnancy was achieved. We conclude that this protocol is effective to induce estrus, but not to induce ovulation.