Application of domestic dog theriogenology practice in wild canids

Abstract

Theriogenologists working in clinical practice with domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) have experience in managing a wide variety of
subfertility cases and several aspects of breeding. Tools used include hormone monitoring, cycle manipulation, transcervical insemination,
uterine and testicular biopsy, ultrasonography, and semen collection, analysis and storage. Compared to some mammalian groups,
members of the family Canidae are relatively similar to each other anatomically. Species vary in their reproductive physiology and
much is still unknown about how disease processes differ among species. Furthermore, susceptibility to certain diseases is not uniform
throughout the clade. Diagnostic and treatment techniques developed in domestic dog theriogenology have been used with variable
success in wild canids. Transcervical insemination has been used successfully in wolves and coyotes. Transcervical endometrial biopsies
have been obtained and interpreted from gray wolves (Canis lupus), red wolves (Canis rufus), and African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus).
Semen has been collected via electroejaculation and chilled or cryopreserved from numerous species. Successful use of frozen semen to
obtain a pregnancy has been documented in gray wolves. Ultrasonography has been used in many species to diagnose pregnancy. Estrus
induction has been used in wolves. Areas that still require much investigation include cycle monitoring and manipulation, gestational
aging with ultrasonography, and semen freezing techniques.