Dr Steve Surujbally

Last week, we spoke about the actual mechanics of the intercourse between a male dog and a bitch. 

Continued Further preparation This week, we’ll continue with the preparation of the two actors in the drama of canine reproduction.

Continued The actual mating act (the tie) The process whereby the male dog introduces his penis into the bitch’s vagina and then gets ‘stuck’ is called the ‘Tie’.

Continued Preparation Only healthy dogs must be taken for mating.  This means that both the male and female must be free of mange and ectoparasites (fleas, ticks, lice, etc). 

Continued The most important consideration relating to breeding is when to breed.

Continued Last week we dealt with the whole issue of the estrus cycle in dogs. 

Now that we have documented the pertinent discussions pertaining to the roles, prerequisites and expectations of the brood bitch and the stud dog, we can proceed with answers to the salient question of when to breed.

Continued The stud dog Last week, we dealt with the brood bitch.

Continued Today, we will have a closer look at one of the main actors in the drama of reproduction – the brood bitch (the potential mother).

Continued Today, we will continue making some more general remarks on this matter of breeding companion animals. 

Today, we commence with a whole new chapter in our discussions on the well-being of our companion animals. 

Continued Problems with the passing of urine You know, there is a bigger and less used word for urination.

Continued Last week, it was mentioned that there are four basic problems which could affect the lower urinary tract. 

Continued from last week Disorders of the bladder In the lower urinary tract, there are four basic problems, often interrelated. 

Continued from last week Kidney failure (uremic poisoning) Kidney failure, also called renal failure, may be sudden and acute or chronic and progressive.

(Continued from last week) A reader of this column called me and requested to know the difference between ‘nephritis’ and ‘nephrosis’ – terms, which she had seen in a medical book.

As I had mentioned before, because the kidney is that organ involved in the filtering of impurities, it seems to be the one that is most under the threat of infection.

How do you know if there is a urinary tract disease?

General comments Today, we commence a whole new topic. Ailments of the urinary tract are quite common in dogs and cats.

Continued from last week This disease affects puppies of the large, rapidly growing breeds, especially those three to seven months of age.