• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.39-45
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• 2007

This study was performed to induce the estrus in 9 anestrus Shih-tzu bitches by intramuscular injection of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) 50IU/kg for 10 consecutive days and by intravenous injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) 1,000IU/Head on Day 10. The day when the first injection of PMSG was counted as Day 0 of experiment. All of the bitches were monitored by vaginal discharges, displays the perineal region, vaginal swelling and male acceptances. The 9 bitches (100%) showed vaginal discharges and vaginal swelling, and were mated. The 5 bitches out of 9 bitches were pregnant (55.6%) and 4 bitches were non-pregnant (44.4%). The 3 bitches out of 5 pregnant bitches were spontaneously delivered (33.3%) and litter size were $1.66{\pm}1.15\;(1{\sim}3\;pups)$ pups. The 2 bitches were diagnosed as early embryonic death on days 38 and 41 after first injection of PMSG. These results indicated that rates of estrus induction, pregnancy and delivery were 100%, 55.6% and 33.3%, respectively, using PMSG and hCG.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.29-34
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• 2004

Serial ultrasonographic examinations were daily performed on 12 Shih-tzu bitches from 15 days after ovulation until parturition to determine the time of first detection and ultrasonographic appearance of the fetal and extra-fetal structures and to determine the size of gestational structures. Gestational age was timed from the day of ovulation (day 0), which was estimated to occur when plasma progesterone concentration was first increased above 4.0 ng/ml. The gestational length in 12 Shih-tzu bitches was 62.1 (range:60-64) days. The initial detection of the fetal and extra-fetal structures were: gestational sac at days 19.2 (16-21); zonary placenta in the uterine wall at days 25.9 (24-28); yolk sac membrane at days 24.1 (22-26); amniotic membrane at days 26.6 (24-28); embryo initial detection at days 22.3 (21-24); heartbeat at days 23.8 (23-25); limb buds at days 29.3 (27-31); fetal movement at days 32.3 (31-34); stomach at days 32.6 (29-34); urinary bladder at days 33.1 (29-35); skeleton at days 35.9 (34-38) and kidney at days 45.8 (45-48).

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.207-216
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• 2006

Vaginal cytology was examined in 12 Shih-tzu bitches to establish the accurate basic data for estimate to the optimal mating time and ovulation time. The mean duration of proestrus and estrus were $9.09{\pm}0.83\;(mean{\pm}SD)$ days and $7.36{\pm}0.47$ days in pregnant bitches. The gestational length in the 12 pregnant bitches was $65.2{\pm}0.5$ days in pregnant bitches when Day 0 was timed from the first day of male acceptance. Characteristic features of vaginal cytology during the estrous cycle were the high proportion of large intermediate cell, superficial cell, anuclear cell and erythrocyte in proestrus, superficial cell, anuclear cell and erythrocyte in estrus, and parabasal cell, small and large intermediate cell and leukocyte in diestrus, respectively. Cornification index (CI) was the high proportion in proestrus and estrus, then it decreased in diestrus and anestrus. When Day 0 was timed from the day of the first male acceptance, the CI peak was Day 2 and maintained above 80% between Day -4 and Day 6 during 11 days, and above 90% between Day -1 and Day 5 during 7 days. In relationship between CI and reproductive hormones, CI showed peak at the first day after plasma estradiol-$17{\beta}$ concentration peak and plasma progesterone concentration was first increased above 4.0 ng/ml at Day 0 which was the first day after CI peak. In conclusion, ovulation in Shih-tzu bitches occurred at the first day after CI peak. Vaginal cytology is the simple and reliable method for estimating estrous cycle, optimal breeding time and ovulation time in Shih-tzu bitches.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.303-310
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• 2004

To establish a prediction table of parturition day real-time B-mode ultrasonographic examinations were performed in 12 pregnant Shih-tzu bitches. Measurement of inner chorionic cavity diameter and fetal head diameter was performed from 15 days of gestation to parturition. These were converted retrospectively based on the day of parturition (Day 0). The data of inner chorionic cavity diameter obtained from Day -44 to Day -25 and fetal head diameter obtained from Day -25 to Day -1 were used to compile a prediction table of parturition day. The 22 pregnant Shih-tzu with unknown mating time were examined to assess an accuracy of the table established in this study. And these results were applied to the prediction of parturition day and compared to actual parturition day. Parturition day prediction based on the inner chorionic cavity diameter and fetal head diameter was 100% accurate within ${\pm}2$ days. In addition, the accuracy for parturition day within 0, ${\pm}1$, and ${\pm}2$ days interval using the prediction table of parturition day were 68, 82, and 100%, respectively. Therefore, the prediction table of parturition day seems to be a useful tool for the prediction of parturition day in practice.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.233-238
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• 2005

This study was undertaken to determine the normal serial ultrasonographic appearance of the postpartum uterine involution. Postpartum changes in uterine shape, architecture, echogenicity and diameter were monitored by ultrasonography in 10 Shih-tzu bitches. Serial ultrasonographic examination was done daily during the first week, 3 days interval from 8 to 30 days, and weekly from 31 to 100 days postpartum. All 10 postpartum bitches had normal involution by gross finding, vaginal discharges, and by ultrasonographic findings, uterine shape and echogenicity. The uterine diameter in the placental sites was decreased from $23.56{\pm}1.45$ mm at 1 day to $14.08{\pm}1.55$ mm at 7 day, and in the interplacental sites was decreased from $14.64{\pm}1.28$mm at 1day to $9.61{\pm}1.46$mm at 7 day postpartum. At 65 days postpartum the uterine diameter was 5-6 mm both placental and interplacental sites, and the uterine horns were uniform hypoechic, tubular structures without enlargement. Therefore, complete involution of the uterus occured 65 days. It was concluded that normal postpartum uterine involution in Shih-tzu bitches appeared to be completed 65 days postpartum by gross findings such as vaginal discharges, and ultrasonographic findings. And ultrasonographic characteristics of the postpartum uterine involution were described. Therefore, these result suggest that ultrasonographic assessment is a reliable method for diagnosing the subinvolution of placental sites and uterine dysfunction, such as pyometra in the bitch.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.67-75
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• 2010

To investigate the change of vaginal epithelial cell in estrus-induced Shih-tzu bitch, estrus was induced by PMSG (50 IU/kg, for 10 days) and hCG (1,000 IU, on Day 10) in 12 anestrus Shih-tzu bitches. Day-changes of vaginal epithelial cells during the whole period of hormone treatment were investigated in each experimental bitches. The first day of vulvar bleeding and the first day of male acceptant was on $6.72{\pm}1.38$ days ($Mean{\pm}S.D.$), and $10.44{\pm}1.63$ days after the first PMSG treatment. The duration of proestrus and estrus was $4.36{\pm}1.20$ days, and $7.58{\pm}1.43$ days. Characteristic features of vaginal cytology during the estrous cycle were the high proportion of large intermediate cell, superficial cell, anuclear cell and erythrocyte in proestrus, superficial cell and anuclear cell in estrus, and parabasal cell, small and large intermediate cell, and leukocyte in diestrus, respectively. When it was timed from the first day of PMSG administration (Day 0), the cornification index (CI) was the high proportion in proestrus and estrus. The CI peak was maintained above 80% between Day 11~14 (4 days) and CI showed a peak at Day 12. These results indicated that the 12 Shih-tzu bitches showed positive estrus induction by vaginal smear test and observation of clinical estrus sign.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.143-148
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• 2004

Serial ultrasonographic examination was daily performed on 12 pregnant Shih-tzu bitches from day 15 until parturition to determine the size of gestational structures. Gestational age was timed from the day of ovulation (day 0), which was estimated to occur when plasma progesterone concentration was first increased above 4.0 ng/ml. Extra-fetal structures were measurable from days 17 to 46. Outer uterine diameter increased from $9.9{\pm}0.4$ mm (Mean${\pm}$SD) at day 20 to $44.3{\pm}0.8$ mm at day 46 and inner chorionic cavity diameter increased from $7.2{\pm}0.2$ mm at day 17 to $36.9{\pm}1.5$mm at day 41. Length of chorionic cavity or zonary placenta increased from $6.6{\pm}0.4$ mm at day 21 to $46.4{\pm}0.9$ mm at day 44. Of the extra-fetal structures, inner chorionic cavity diameter was the most accurate for estimation of gestational age until day 38. Fetal structures were measurable from days 23 to 60. Crown-rump length increased from $3.9{\pm}0.3$ mm at day 23 to $55.2{\pm}3.3$ mm at day 41, fetal body diameter increased from $7.9{\pm}0.6$ mm at day 32 to $47.8{\pm}2$ mm at day 60, and fetal head diameter increased from $6.3{\pm}1.1$ mm at day 29 to $25.6{\pm}0.2$ mm at day 60. Of the fetal structures, fetal head diameter was the most accurate for estimation of gestational age from day 38 until day 60.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.77-84
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• 2010

This study was carried out the normal serial ultrasonographic appearance of the postpartum uterine involution with small pet bitches. Postpartum changes in uterine shape, architecture, echogenicity and diameter were monitored with ultrasonography in small pet bitches (Miniature Schnauzer, Cocker Spaniel and Shih-tzu). In the Miniature Schnauzer bitches, uterine diameter of the placental sites and interplacental sites were decreased from $24.31{\pm}1.65\;mm$ at 1 day to $13.56{\pm}0.76\;mm$at 7 day, and $15.19{\pm}1.28\;mm$ at 1 day to $10.41{\pm}0.76\;mm$ at 7 day postpartum. In the Cocker Spaniel, the placental sites and interplacental sites were decreased from $24.90{\pm}1.62\;mm$ at 1 day to $14.14{\pm}1.21\;mm$at 7 day, and $15.33{\pm}1.47\;mm$ at 1 day to $10.19{\pm}0.83\;mm$ at 7 day postpartum. In the Shih-tzu, the placental sites and interplacental sites were decreased from $23.96{\pm}1.55\;mm$at 1 day to $13.84{\pm}0.94\;mm$ at 7 day, and $14.93{\pm}1.29\;mm$ at 1 day to $9.98{\pm}0.84\;mm$ at 7 day postpartum. And uterine diameter was no statistically significant difference among bitches (p>0.05). At 67 days, the uterine diameter in Miniature Schnauzer bitches were 6~7 mm both placental and interplacental sites, and the uterine horns showed uniform hypoechoic, tubular structures without enlargement. In present study, the involution of the uterus was completed at 67 days after parturition in Miniature Schnauzer, and 65 days in Cocker Spaniel and the Shih-tzu. There were no significant differences of normal postpartum uterine involution between small pet bitches (p>0.05). In conclusion, the postpartum involution of small pet bitches appeared to be completed normally at 65~67 days after parturition and could be identified by gross findings such as vaginal discharges and ultrasonographic findings of uterine shape and echogenicity.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.442-446
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to document; the development of head circumferences, changes of the eyes, and the time of eruption of deciduous teeth in Shih-tzu dogs. In 12 pups of 4 Shih-tzu bitches, the development of head circumferences were estimated from whelping day (Day 0) to 41 days after birth, and the changes of the eyes and the time of eruption of deciduous teeth were estimated from whelping day to 45 days. The head circumferences were $11.24{\pm}0.67\;(mean{\pm}S.D)$ cm in Day 0 and $19.87{\pm}1.42cm$ in Day 41 and the daily increased length was $0.22{\pm}0.08cm$, respectively. The changes of the eyes wert: determined the first and the completely opening time of eyes. The first and completely opening time of the eyes in pups Day $10.75{\pm}0.97$ (range: $9.50{\sim}13.00$) and Day $13.17{\pm}1.27\;(11.50{\sim}15.33)$, respectively. In the time of deciduous teeth eruption in Shih-tzu, the first day of eruption was started in Day 35.90. The rank of deciduous teeth eruption was $C_1,\;C^1,\;P_3,\;I^3,\;I^2,\;P_4,\;I^1\;and\;P_2$, respectively.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.253-258
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• 2005

The aim of this study was to estimate the time of ovulation and mating derived by plasma progesterone and estradiol-$17{\beta}$ concentrations. The 11 pregnant Shih-tzu bitches were investigated the plasma progesterone and estradiol-$17{\beta}$ concentrations from proestrus to parturition. Gestation length in the 11 pregnant bitches was $61.9{\pm}1.1\;(mean{\pm}SD)$ days when Day 0 was timed from the day that plasma progesterone concentration was first increased above 4.0 ng/ml. The litter size was $3.8{\pm}0.3$ pups. Plasma progesterone concentrations were increased at the first day of vulvar bleeding and showed at Day 0 with $5.2{\pm}0.3$ ng/ml. It was gradually increased to reach a peak at Day 15 with $42.6{\pm}3.7ng/ml$, thereafter it was gradually decreased to below Day 62. Plasma estradiol-$17{\beta}$ concentrations were increased above 1.0 pg/ml at the first day of vulvar bleeding and showed a peak at Day -2 with $33.5{\pm}8.0$ pg/ml, thereafter it was gradually decreased. When Day 0 was timed from the day that plasma progesterone concentration was first increased above 4.0 ng/ml, plasma estradiol-$17{\beta}$ concentration reached a peak at Day -2. In conclusion, these results indicated that ovulation was estimated to occur the day when plasma progesterone concentration was first increased above 4.0 ng/ml after the first day of bleeding. It was estimated that mating time was the day when plasma progesterone concentration was between $3.0{\~}8.0$ ng/ml.