MANAGEMENT OF INFERTILITY IN BITCHES USING EXFOLIATIVE VAGINAL CYTOLOGY

The oestrous cycle of six bitches which did not conceive on previous two or more matings were monitored using exfoliative vaginal cytology. Four of the six bitches had one anuclear cell peak and the remaining two bitches had two anuclear cell peaks. Maximum anuclear cell peaks ranged from 51 and 83 per cent. When they were mated on the basis of anuclear cell peaks, four of the six bitches whelped with a mean litter size of 7.3 ± 1.9 (SD) pups. LH peaks were calculated retrospectively in all bitches after whelping. Based on the results of the present study it is recommended that bitches be bred two days after first anuclear cell peak and thereafter on alternate days (maximum two or three matings) for optimal fertility.