Page 963 - Small Animal Internal Medicine, 6th Edition

PART EIGHT Reproductive System Disorders

Autumn P. Davidson

VetBooks.ir CHAPTER 54

The Practice of

Theriogenology

Theriogenology is the branch of veterinary medicine con- physical examination and semen evaluation is advised in the
cerned with reproduction, including the physiology and valuable stud dog.
pathology of male and female reproductive systems of Breeding soundness consultations for canine or feline
animals and the clinical practice of veterinary obstetrics, breeding animals should include evaluation of the tempera-
gynecology, and andrology. Clinical small animal therio- ment, physical condition, health and breeding history, infec-
genology primarily revolves around the production of tious disease status (canine brucellosis, herpes virus; feline
healthy purebred puppies and kittens from privately owned leukemia virus [FeLV], feline immunodeficiency virus [FIV],
breeding stock. Less commonly, veterinary participation in feline infectious peritonitis [FIP], and feline toxoplasmosis),
large-scale commercial breeding programs is sought. Gener- vaccination status, diet, current medications, and any sup-
ally, small animal theriogenology is a rewarding subspecialty plements, as well as available genetic screening appropriate
in veterinary internal medicine. Although demanding of the for the breed (Box 54.3). A review of kennel or cattery hus-
clinician’s time and expertise, the breeder client tends to be bandry should be completed (canine: housing, parasite
very loyal and compliant. A good reproductive practice gen- control, diet, supplements, medications; feline: light cycles,
erates its own referrals and usually is quite busy. Obstetrics housing, cat density, diet, parasite control, supplements,
and pediatrics are undeniably rewarding parts of the spe- medications). Proper perinatal nutrition and body condition
cialty for veterinarians and their staff. Reproductive practice for the prospective dam should be addressed. In bitches, a
incorporates the fields of physiology, endocrinology, embry- change from an adult diet to a diet formulated for pregnancy
ology, genetics, metabolism, nutrition, pediatric and mater- and lactation (usually labeled as nutritionally complete for
nal critical care, anesthesia, pharmacology, and anatomy. The all life stages or complete nutrition for growth, pregnancy,
field is uniquely both medical and surgical, and involves both and lactation) should occur at the fourth to sixth week of
intact and neutered dogs and cats (Boxes 54.1 and 54.2). gestation and continue through weaning. Bitches’ energy
requirements during pregnancy increase in the last trimester.
A change to a diet high in essential fatty acids at the time of
THE PREBREEDING CONSULTATION breeding has been advocated to improve litter size and neo-
natal viability (Kelley et al., 2004). The amount fed must be
Veterinary participation benefits dog and cat breeding pro- managed to maintain proper body condition, because obesity
grams not only by providing medical and surgical interven- negatively impacts labor. Supplements should be discour-
tion when indicated but also by promoting good animal aged because they generally unbalance a commercially pre-
husbandry with preventive medicine. Proper genetic coun- pared diet. The pregnancy and lactation diet should be one
seling and screening for selection of breeders minimizes previously tested and found to be adequate by the Associa-
inherited defects. Optimizing the prebreeding condition of tion of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) stan-
the dam and sire involves health and reproductive system dards, not one simply “formulated to meet AAFCO
examinations, nutrition evaluation, parasite control, and standards.” A protein level of 27% to 34% dry matter (prefer-
infectious disease prevention. Ovulation timing and breed- ably animal-based sources), at least 18% fat with a balanced
ing management improve conception rates and litter size. supply of both n-6 and n-3 fatty acids, and 20% to 30%
Obstetrics promotes eutocia and improves neonatal sur- carbohydrates with optimum vitamins and minerals (avoid-
vival. Postpartum preventive medicine minimizes morbidity ing deficiencies and excesses) is advisable. Queens uniquely
and mortality of both the dam and her offspring. Periodic experience linear weight gain during pregnancy; they should

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