%0 Journal Article
%T Reproductive Parameters of the Dogo Argentino Bitch
%A Marina Caffaratti
%A Griselda Gonz¨˘lez
%A Nora Gorla
%A Corina Guendulain
%J Journal of Veterinary Medicine
%D 2013
%R 10.1155/2013/495975
%X The Dogo Argentino (DA) is the first and only breed from Argentina recognized worldwide. Although its morphologic features have been well established, its normal reproductive parameters are not clearly known. The aim of this study was to determine the main DA bitch reproductive parameters. One hundred and forty-nine surveys were obtained from breeders from C¨®rdoba province, Argentina: one for each intact DA bitch from 1 to 14 years old. The DA bitch reached puberty at an average of 8.93 months. The mean duration of vulval bleeding found in this study was 11.11 days. The clinical signs characteristic for proestrous-estrous were vulval edema (89.93%), bleeding during the time of mating (32.21%), holding the tail to the side (95.30%), and docility during mating (85.91%). DA bitches had a whelping rate of 84%. Out of 299 pregnancies, 89.30% exhibited a normal parturition, 6.69% presented dystocia, 2.68% needed Cesarean section, and 1.34% aborted. In conclusion, the reproductive parameters of the DA bitch are similar to those identified for other large breeds. DA often showed a prolonged vulval bleeding longer than proestrus. Its high whelping rate, its low incidence of dystocia, and its good maternal ability define the DA as a good reproductive breed with normal reproductive functions. 1. Introduction The Dogo Argentino (DA) is so far the only breed from Argentina recognized by the F¨¦d¨¦ration Cynologique Internationale (1973). Even though it is known as a big-game hunting dog, it is now also used as companion and guard dog. Its morphologic features have been very well established; however, its normal reproductive parameters are not clearly known. This knowledge is essential to achieve a proper reproductive management, to determine the ideal time of mating or artificial insemination, to avoid unwanted pregnancies, to estimate whelping date, and to diagnose many pathologies. Domestic dogs are monoestrous and typically nonseasonal breeders, with large individual and breed-specific variations [1]. They reach puberty variably at 6 to 14 months of age, with means positively correlated with breed size [2]. The average of the interestrous interval is 6 months, it ranges from 4 to 12 months depending on breed, age, and individual [3]. The proestrous duration is highly variable, from 6 to 11 days, with an average of 9 days [4]. This stage is characterized by male attraction, nonreceptive bitches, and vulval bleeding. Pseudopregnancy is a physiological syndrome which may occur during diestrous. Its signs are very similar to those typical of pregnant bitches, such as
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jvm/2013/495975/