Last modified on May 13, 2002

Dogs and Cats

For information on management of colonies, go to the Resource Management section under Husbandry.

Taxonomy

A Safari cat is a cross between the domestic cat (Felis cattus) and the wild Goeffroy cat (Leopardus geoffroyi); they are a mosaic with respect to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and this is used in studies of hemolymphatic neoplasia.{4080}

Top of page

Anatomy

Pancreatic exocrine system

Humans have a major duodenal papilla near their bile duct, and an accessory duct entering at the minor papilla. The cat has similar duct anatomy to the human. In the dog, these are reversed: the accessory duct is the main outlet for pancreatic secretions and the major papilla is small and not always present. The smaller duct has many anastomoses, and can be ligated without causing any problems for the dog; therefore it is possible to collect pancreatic secretions with no bile contamination and without harming the dog. Surgical methods: pancreatic fistula (historic), duodenal pouch (essentially an extension of the pancreatic duct that allows collection of all secretions periodically), and duodenal fistula (insertion of a cannula opposite the accessory duct, and placement of a cannula into it as needed with direct visualization; a gastric cannula for diversion of gastric contents during collection periods may also be placed).{4003}

Top of page

Physiology

For a table of thermoneutral zones, click here.

Reproduction

Cats

Olson{2819} defines the cat as seasonally polyestrous, although many queens cycle all year. Other cats exhibit 2-3 estrous cycles between January and September. Behavior must be used to determine estrus, as there is no visible physical change in external genitalia; collection of vaginal smears may induce ovulation and pseudopregnancy. Receptivity lasts 1-4 days. Estrus can be induced by housing anestrous females with normally cycling females, or with exogenous gonadotropins. Increasing the light period to 14-18 hours per day may also help. Always take the queen to the tom's territory for mating. To induce ovulation (which naturally occurs 24 hours post-mating), multiple copulation over 20-240 minutes, or 3x/4 hrs is necessary. If not mated, the cycle lasts 10-14 days and another cycle occurs 2-3 weeks later. {2819, 3776}

Abdominal palpation can detect marble-sized swellings by day 17-21, and radiography can be used after day 43. Gestation lasts 63-65 days, but since multiple mating may have occurred, kittens can be born in more than one group. The placenta produces progesterone, and in fact can maintain the pregnancy even after ovariectomy after day 45-49. Prolactin rises slightly during the last half of pregnancy, and dramatically during the last 3 days. Mammary development begins during the last 3 days along with mucous vaginal discharge, vulvar enlargement, decreased body temperature and seclusion seeking. It is not customary to use oxytocin in queens, but if placental membranes are retained it can be given at 0.5-3.0U IM or IV. Return to estrus during lactation has been reported. {2819, 3776}

Dogs

The bitch has a single estrous cycle occurring in January-February and again in July or August. This is highly variable among breeds, with time between cycles ranging from 4-18 months. For an individual bitch, however, this time is usually consistent. Estrus is detected by observation for swelling of the vulva and serosanguinous discharge seen during proestrus. Estrus can be induced with PMSG and HCG, and prevented with progestational agents (Ovaban®) or androgens such as mibolerone (Cheque®). A bitch can be bred on her first heat after 1 year of age. Mating is accomplished by placing the dogs together every other day during estrus as long as she will accept him.{3776}

Pregnancy can be diagnosed by palpation at 21-28 days or radiographically after 43 days. Gestation is consistent in each individual, approximating 63 days. Signs of impending parturition include seclusion, nest building, decreased body temperature the day before parturition, and palpable relaxation of the pelvic musculature and ligaments. The first stage of parturition is uterine contractions which increase steadily for 6-12 hours. The second stage is marked by obvious tenesmus. Usually 30-45 minutes elapse between births, with membrane expulsion within 15 minutes. If delay is evident, palpation for malposition should be performed. If uterine inertia develops, oxytocin can be given at 5-10U IM or IV, 3 doses maximum 20 minutes apart. After whelping is complete, oxytocin can be given to stimulate milk letdown, control post-parturient hemorrhage, and contract the uterus.{3776}

Top of page

Cardiovascular

Implanted telemetry devices have been used to monitor blood pressure in the femoral artery of cats. Mean diastolic pressure is 94, systolic 125, and MAP 107 mmHg. Mean 24 hour heart rate was 172.{4552}

Top of page

Comments? Send an email to janet.rodgers@vet.ox.ac.uk