Advances in Canine Reproductive Health: From Fertility Management to Neonatal Care

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Companion Animals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 March 2026 | Viewed by 4584

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
Interests: small animals; neonatology; obstetrics; pregnancy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
Interests: domestic animals; reproduction; neonatology; clinical andrology; gynecology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, significant strides have been made in understanding and enhancing canine reproductive health, spanning from fertility management to neonatal care. This Special Issue aims to highlight recent advancements in canine reproduction and neonatology. Contributions are invited to cover a spectrum of topics, including reproductive physiology, assisted reproductive technologies, novel diagnostic approaches for fertility assessment, therapeutic interventions to optimize reproductive health, and strategies for improving neonatal care and development. Furthermore, this Issue will delve into emerging research on reproductive disorders, hormonal therapies, and nutritional influences impacting canine reproductive performances. We encourage submissions that advance our knowledge base, foster interdisciplinary dialogue, and promote best practices in canine reproductive health.

Dr. Jasmine Fusi
Prof. Dr. Maria Cristina Veronesi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • canine
  • fertility
  • pregnancy
  • neonatology
  • reproduction

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2302 KiB  
Article
Vaginal Seeding: Is There Any Positive Effect in Canine C-Sections?
by Samara Beretta, Renatha Almeida de Araújo, Melissa Oliveira Bianchini, Jaqueline Tamara Bonavina, João Domingos Rocha-Júnior, Nayara Camatta Campos, Lucas José Luduverio Pizauro, Fernanda Andreza Rodrigues-Silva, Gilson Hélio Toniollo, Marita Vedovelli Cardozo and Maricy Apparício
Animals 2025, 15(3), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15030416 - 2 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 983
Abstract
This study aimed to scrutinize variations in the intestinal microbiota of neonatal dogs born through natural birth versus elective cesarean section, focusing on evaluating the influence of vaginal seeding on the microbiota of cesarean-born neonates. Samples were collected from cesarean-sectioned females before anesthesia [...] Read more.
This study aimed to scrutinize variations in the intestinal microbiota of neonatal dogs born through natural birth versus elective cesarean section, focusing on evaluating the influence of vaginal seeding on the microbiota of cesarean-born neonates. Samples were collected from cesarean-sectioned females before anesthesia and from naturally birthing females during prodrome signs, along with neonates at eight time points from birth to 15 days of age. In the cesarean section group, seeding was performed in half of the neonates (cesarean section seeding group; seeding consisted of gently rubbing the gauze, obtained from the mother’s vagina, onto the mouths, faces, and bodies of the newborns), while the other half underwent microbiological sample collection without seeding (cesarean section group). Another group (normal birth group) consisted of naturally born neonates. Microbiota analysis included counting for enterobacteria, Staphylococcus spp., and Streptococcus spp. The results suggested that vertical transmission played a crucial role, but the method of birth did not emerge as the primary determinant of observed differences. Under study conditions, vaginal seeding failed to effectively modulate the microbiota of neonates born through elective cesarean section. Further investigations into the gut–brain axis are suggested for understanding factors influencing the initial development of the canine intestinal microbiota in neonates born through different delivery routes. Full article
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Review

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41 pages, 15640 KiB  
Review
Neonatal Clinical Assessment of the Puppy and Kitten: How to Identify Newborns at Risk?
by Keylla Helena Nobre Pacífico Pereira, Kárita da Mata Fuchs, Júlia Cosenza Mendonça, Gleice Mendes Xavier, Diogo Ribeiro Câmara, Raíssa Karolinny Salgueiro Cruz and Maria Lucia Gomes Lourenço
Animals 2024, 14(23), 3417; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233417 - 26 Nov 2024
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Abstract
Neonatal puppies and kittens have physiological and anatomical characteristics that differ from those of adult animals, which impacts the interpretation of physical examination and complementary tests. The veterinarian must be familiar with the clinical, laboratory, and imaging aspects observed in neonates. It is [...] Read more.
Neonatal puppies and kittens have physiological and anatomical characteristics that differ from those of adult animals, which impacts the interpretation of physical examination and complementary tests. The veterinarian must be familiar with the clinical, laboratory, and imaging aspects observed in neonates. It is necessary to thoroughly evaluate the litter and the mother to notice the most subtle signs of illness and advise the owner to constantly monitor the newborns, quickly sending them to specialized care. This review describes how to perform clinical assessments of newborns systematically and recognize clinical signs of neonatal changes or affections in puppies and kittens. Full article
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