Reproduction of Small Animals: Physiology, Pathology and Performance

Dear Colleagues,

Since the late 1970’s fundamental research of the unique reproductive physiology of the bitch brought about a greater understanding of the LH surge and ovulation which has led to the accurate timing of insemination and breeding today. Additional unique features of the reproductive physiology of the bitch such as the absence of a luteolytic mechanism has enabled greater understanding of the pregnant and non-pregnant state in the bitch as well as a greater understanding of reproductive pathologies such as pyometra.

Developments in novel pharmacological drugs and devices for both treatment and prevention of many reproductive diseases and management of clinical presentations in our small animal species have evolved from these fundamental early studies in female reproductive physiology. A greater understanding of both feline and canine reproductive physiology has also paved the way for many non- surgical, contraceptive solutions but effective management of endemic stray small animal populations on a worldwide scale is yet to be achieved.

Many factors can potentially influence reproductive performance in small animals after breeding or artificial insemination. Advances in semen evaluation, handling, chilled shipment and cryopreservation  along with technological developments in AI with the development of non- invasive endoscopes for transcervical insemination in both queens and bitches has allowed greater reproductive performance as measured by pregnancy rate and litter size as well as enhanced genetic gain through increased use of frozen semen.

Despite advancements that have been made in AI and breeding in canids and unlike in the felid species, progression of artificial reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization, blastocyst production, genetic manipulation of embryos and production of both normal and genetically modified offspring is still with limitations. It is hoped that with the development of novel technology such as gene editing, isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles and development of 3D organoid culture systems these limitations in the canine species will be overcome in the near future. A greater understanding of both feline and canine reproductive physiology has paved the way for many non- surgical, genetic modifying, pharmacological contraceptive options but management of large shelter/stray small animal populations all over the world is still not solved.

The aim of this Special Edition is to present recent research and reviews on the unique reproductive physiology features of our small animal species. It will highlight the implications these features have on the development of management, treatment and prevention of reproductive pathology and how they can be utilized to further enhance or prevent reproductive performance. The aim of this special edition is to gain knowledge in small animal anatomical and endocrinological reproductive physiology and stimulate interest in the evolving technologies that will further enhance this exciting field of research.

Dr. Fiona K. Hollinshead
Dr. Greg Burns
Dr. Natali Krekeler
Guest Editors

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• Artificial insemination
• Contraception
• Litter size
• Pregnancy
• Transcervical insemination
• In vitro fertilization
• Ovulation
• LH surge

• Reproduction of Small Animals: Physiology, Pathology and Performance, Second Edition in Animals