41. Infertility of the bitch - abnormal mating (behavioural problems, abnormality of reproductive tract)

What are some behavioural problems in bitches that can lead to abnormal mating?

Previous poor experience (force-mated at wrong time), dominant female, submissive male, wrong timing (ovulation already happened), fear from a previously scary attempt

What are vestibulovaginal bands?

Constrictions or thin bands located between the vestibule and vagina

What problem can vestibulovaginal bands sometimes cause?

Vaginitis

How are thin vestibulovaginal bands typically treated?

Manually breaking them down

What surgical procedures can be used to treat larger vestibulovaginal bands?

Episiotomy, ligation and transection

What are vulvovaginal bands?

A less common condition involving a tight ring at the vulval opening

What is a common consequence of vulvovaginal bands during mating attempts?

Pain

How are mild to moderate cases of vulvovaginal bands treated?

Manual dilation under general anaesthesia

What is vaginal hypoplasia?

A rare condition where the vagina has a small diameter and is non-dilatable

What are some clinical signs of vaginal hypoplasia?

Pain at intromission, possibly vaginitis

How can the severity of vaginal hypoplasia be confirmed?

Using an endoscope

What is vaginal hyperplasia?

An exaggerated thickening of the vaginal wall in response to elevated oestrogen during pro-oestrus

What is the normal physiological response of the vaginal wall to elevated oestrogen?

Mild hyperplasia

What are the clinical signs of excessive vaginal hyperplasia?

Pain at mating, hyperplastic tissue protruding from the vulva, excessive licking and self-trauma

What are some differential diagnoses for protruding hyperplastic vaginal tissue?

Polyp or neoplasia

How is the diagnosis of vaginal hyperplasia confirmed?

Its relation to pro-oestrus and its origin (cranial to the urethral opening)

What is the typical outcome for vaginal hyperplasia once dioestrus begins?

It usually regresses

When might neutering be recommended for vaginal hyperplasia?

If it gets worse with every oestrous cycle

How can breeding be managed in bitches with significant vaginal hyperplasia?

By holding the mass ventrally to allow penetration or by using artificial insemination (AI)

What are some other abnormalities of the reproductive tract that can cause infertility in bitches?

Segmental aplasia (missing uterine body or uterine tube), uterine tumours/polyps, cervical stenosis, cystic endometrial hyperplasia, endometritis, ovarian hypoplasia, ovarian cysts

What is segmental aplasia of the uterus?

The absence of a segment of the uterus, such as the uterine body or a uterine tube.

What is cervical stenosis?

Narrowing of the cervical canal.

What is cystic endometrial hyperplasia?

A condition involving the formation of cysts in the lining of the uterus.

What is endometritis?

Inflammation of the lining of the uterus.

What is ovarian hypoplasia?

Underdevelopment of the ovaries.

What are ovarian cysts?

Fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries.

What is episiotomy?

A surgical incision of the perineum and the posterior vaginal wall to widen the vaginal opening.

What is artificial insemination (AI)?

The process of manually depositing sperm into the female reproductive tract.

What is the vestibule in the female reproductive tract?

The area between the vulva and the vagina.

What is the vagina in the female reproductive tract?

The muscular canal extending from the vestibule to the cervix.

What is the vulva?

The external female genitalia.