OESTRUS-LIKE SYMPTOMS IN PREGNANT BITCHES

Oestrogenization during pregnancy was described in a few animal species and in women. The authors of this paper observed oestrus-like symptoms during five pregnancies in four bitches (group S) and compared chosen parameters with those in pregnant bitches without such symptoms (group C). Studied bitches were examined by vaginoscopy, vaginal cytology and ultrasonography. Concentrations of progesterone, estrogens and testosterone were measured. Blood progesterone concentration during pregnancy was similar in groups S and C. There were statistically significant diffe- rences in concentration of estrogens from 21st to 35th day postmating (P from 0.01 to 0.001). Testosterone concentrations showed statistically significant differences be- tween group S and C only on 42nd and 56th day postmating (P 0.01). We did not observe signs of embryonic resorption or miscarriage in group S, and bitches delive- red 6, 5, 7, 8 and 11 puppies. Higher estrogens concentration in pregnant bitches with oestrus-like symptoms suggests hormonal extra supplementation, but the source/es of estrogens remained unknown. Additional research would be necessary to discover the source of estrogens in pregnant bitches.