Prolonged whelping in bitches

Physiological whelping occurs at the end of gestation and involves the expulsion of fetus/pups through the genital tract aided by natural forces. These reports draw the attention of practitioners and breeders to the possibility of some unusual events during whelping and precautions to be taken in its management. They also highlight some unethical practices by breeders that may put in jeopardy processes and outcome of whelping. Two bitches separately presented to a Veterinary Hospital with history of dystocia were investigated. The dystocia was characterized by prolonged inter-whelping interval (more than 72 hours) in the first and unproductive labour in the second. Administration of appropriate doses of oxytocin led to the relief of the dystocia in both cases. The misuse of oxytocin by breeders was probably responsible for alteration in whelping events. The above reports suggest that dystocia should be thoroughly evaluated, an appropriate obstetric management regimen be established, strict enforcement of regulations guiding drug handling by non-professionals should be recommended.Keywords: Bitch, Dystocia, Oxytocin, Unethical practices, Unusual whelpin

Semen Characteristics and Haematological Parmeters of West African Dwarf Bucks Treated with Aqueous Extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius

The effect of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius extract was carried out on eight West African Dwarf breeding Bucks weighing between 13kg-15kg and aged 18-24 months. The experiment spanned through 14 weeks. The animals were divided into two groups (T1 and T2) of four bucks each. 5mls of 20% and 30% Chaya leaf extract was administered to groups T1 and T2 each day, respectively, for two weeks. Semen and Blood samples were collected and analyzed.The result showed mild effects on the semen characteristics though there were no significant changes (P>0.05) in the semen volume, motility, percentage livability, the semen count (sperm concentration) and morphology.There was no significant effect (P>0.05) noticed on all the blood parameters except for the WBC count in which there was significant reduction (P<0.05) of T1 and T2. T1, Pre-treatment (22.80± 1.75), first week post treatment-WPT (18.65± 3.00), and second WPT (12.50± 1.39). T2, pre-treatment (14.85 ± 1.58), first WPT (22.67 ± 1.02), and second WPT  (11.85 ± 0.39).It can be concluded that administration of either 20% or 30% extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius has no negative effects on the semen characteistics and haematological parameters of West African Dwarf (WAD) breeding bucks.Keywords: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, Haematological parameters, Semen characteristic