**2. Conclusion**

Megestrol acetate (Ovaban, Ovarid) may be applied to reduce the signs of prolonged estrus. Low doses of megestrol acetate are recommended via the peroral route for 2 weeks. A dose of 0.1 mg/kg is proper for the first week, and a dose of 0.05 mg/kg is proper for the second week. Although progesterone treatment with megestrol acetate is effective in bitches with persistent estrus, there is the potential to trigger the development of cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Therefore, the treatment is contraindicated for bitches to be later considered for copulation. In general, ovariohysterectomy is performed within 3 weeks after treatment with progesterone

Bone-marrow suppression related to long-term estrogen toxicity may develop in bitches with persistent estrus. Nonregenerative anemia and thrombocytopenia are observed in such bitches [31]. Therefore, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, such as synthetic erythropoietin, darbepoetin, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and granulocyte-macrophage colonystimulating factor, may be used beside proper antibiotic and blood products in bitches that have anemia due to bone-marrow suppression. In addition, lithium [30, 32], synthetic anabolic steroids such as nandrolone decanoate (Deca-Durabolin), or a dihydrotestosterone derivative

Prolonged proestrus is defined as a proestrous phase that is not followed by an estrous phase and that lasts 3 weeks or longer. In bitches with prolonged proestrus, estrus and ovulation do

Prolonged hemorrhagic vaginal discharge, cornified cells higher than 50–90% on examination of vaginal smear, and serum progesterone level remaining below 2 ng/mL indicate prolonged

Split estrus is a disorder in which no or quite short estrous signs develop despite the presence of proestrous signs. In this situation, pregnancy usually does not develop even if copulation occurs; the bitch is observed to enter proestrus again within 3–4 weeks. In these bitches, the

Split estrus is usually seen in young bitches that have shown first estrus. However, continuous or frequent split estruses should suggest chronic premature luteolysis or hypothyroidism. Split estrus may be confused with recurrent estrus (short interestrous interval). Ovulation will not develop in dogs showing split estrus but without the typical progesterone elevation. The

A serum progesterone level not exceeding 2 ng/mL despite cytological estrous signs is defined as anovulation. Although the cell type in vaginal cytology is noncornified, diestrous-specific

not occur, as the estrogen level insufficiently increases during the proestrous phase.

proestrus. Treatment principles are similar to those for prolonged estrus.

progesterone elevation does not occur, and the bitch enters anestrus.

in bitches with persistent estrus.

134 Canine Medicine - Recent Topics and Advanced Research

**1.7. Split estrus**

**1.8. Anovulatory cycle**

such as stanozolol (Winstrol) can be quite useful [33, 34].

**1.6. Prolonged proestrus (persistent proestrus)**

next cycle is usually a normal ovulatory cycle.

condition usually recovers spontaneously [1, 7].

There are many factors leading to abnormalities in the sexual cycle of bitches. A decent anamnesis is required to find out the causes of these abnormalities. Supporting the anamnesis information by clinical and laboratory examinations is of importance for the accuracy of the diagnosis. Vaginal cytology among the diagnostic methods should be used and interpreted efficiently. Accuracy of the diagnosis forms the first step of an effective treatment. Uses of hormones, particularly gonadotropins, come into prominence in the treatment of sexual abnormalities in these animals.
