Book of The Bitch -
A complete Guide to Understanding and Caring for Bitches
by
J.M. Evans & Kay White
Paperback 206 pages
Publisher: Ringpress Books
ISBN: 1860540236
First Published: 1998
New Edition 1995. Reprinted 2003
Foreword
"The Book of the Bitch follows the highly successful formula used in The Doglopaedia. The technical information is supplied by a veterinary surgeon with wide experience both in practice and as an advisor to the veterinary pharmaceutical industry; added to this are practical tips, observations and comments from a dog breeder who has owned and bred from many bitches in a long association with the canine world.
The authors hope that between them they are able to fulfil the information needs of both serious breeders and novice owners who want to know more about bitch ownership so that they can get the maximum pleasure from their pet. As the reader will discover, bitches are indeed very different from male dogs.
The book is intended to supply all the technical reference material a bitch owner will need, giving guidance on when to consult the vet and also serving to amplify and explain what was said at the consultation. It is fully indexed and contains a glossary and other listings, so that in effect the book becomes a veterinary dictionary.
The Book of the Bitch is divided into four sections. The first two describe in a straightforward and easy-to-read way the practical aspects of caring for and breeding from your bitch. The third section is more technical and outlines the medical problems specific to bitches. It has been structured for data retrieval at the time of need, although of course can be read through in its entirety. The fourth section covers further useful information and data.
It is hoped that The Book of the Bitch, which is both a celebration of and hymn of praise to the bitch, will prove to be of long-term value to all who enjoy the company of the female of the canine species."
Contents
List of illustrations
List of tables
Foreword
Introduction
Acknowledgements
SECTION ONE: CARE OF YOUR BITCH
Chapter 1
Obtaining a bitch
Chapter 2Bitch management
Chapter 3 Educating your bitch
Chapter 4Nutrition
SECTION TWO: BREEDING FROM YOUR BITCH
Chapter 5 Forward Planning
Chapter 6Pregnancy and whelping
Chapter 7Care or your newly-whelped bitch and puppies
SECTION THREE: ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND MEDICAL PROBLEMS
Chapter 8Anatomy and physiology
Part I The structure of reproductive organs
Part II The oestrous cycle and the physiology of reproduction
Chapter 9Medical problems specific to bitches
SECTION FOUR: USEFUL INFORMATION AND DATA
Chapter 10Further useful information
Chapter 11Your bitch’s records
Chapter 12Breeding data
Glossary of female terms
index
ILLUSTRATIONS:
Puppy crate
Energy requirements - adult dogs
The stages of coitus
The development of puppies
The structure of a foetal unit
The uterus in situ 21 to 25 days pregnant
Whelping boxes
- (a) designs for cardboard whelping boxes
- (b) a design for a permanent wooden whelping box
A puppy near term in the uterus
Normal birth
- (a) anterior presentation
- (b) posterior presentation
Incorrect presentations
- (a) downward flexion of the head
- (b) sideways deviation of the head
Puppy delivery
- (a) checking the presentation
- (c) traction by the hind legs
The structure of a hernia
The site of inguinal and umbilical hernias
A cleft palate
A harelip
Jaw structure
An open fontanelle
Bottle feeding a puppy
Puppy playpen
The internal organs in situ
Section through an ovary
The ovary in situ showing the uterine tubes
The genital organs of the bitch
Cross section through the uterus
The vulva of the bitch
- (b) in pro-oestrus, i.e. when on heat
The position of the mammary glands
The structure of a mammary gland and teat
The phases of the oestrous cycle in bitches
The interaction between gonadotrophins and the sex hormones
Oestrogen, progesterone arid LH blood levels during pro-oestrus and oestrus
Oestrogen and progesterone blood levels during met-oestrus
Feminine 'what ifs'
TABLES
Tips for owners buying a companion bitch
Tips for prospective breeders and exhibitors
Educating your bitch - tips for success
Types of prepared pet foods
Fresh foods
Examples of daily diets for an adult Beagle bitch weighing 13.5kg (301b)
Typical energy intake in gestation and lactation by a Labrador bitch
Examples of daily diets for a growing Beagle puppy
Mating - a summary
The development of puppies in the uterus
Looking after your bitch during pregnancy – summary points
Whelping summary
Whelping tips for breeders
Modern whelping lore
Vital statistics of the new-born puppy
Puppy development
Tips on bottle feeding puppies
Notes relating to the anatomy of the bitch's genital tract
The stages of the oestrous cycle
Detection of the stages of the oestrous cycle
Notes relating to the oestrous cycle in bitches
The endocrine glands and the hormones they produce
The effects of the sex hormones on the reproductive tract and mammary glands
Notes relating to hormone treatment in bitches
Tips on observing for signs of illness
Health checks
Additional health checks for bitches
'What its' in relation to diseases and conditions
Breeding table
Vaginal smears in the bitch
