1Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Harran University Ôanlıurfa, Turkey
2Gemlik Military Veterinary School and Training Center, Bursa, Turkey
3Department of Obstetrics and Gyneocology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey
*Corresponding author: Tel: 90-414-3128456/2444; E-mail: aznt63@yahoo.com.tr
To investigate duration of gestation and variation in body temperature during peripartum period 20 bitches (14 German Shepherds, GS and 6 Labrador Retrievers, LR) were used. Gestation duration was found to be 60.6±1.3 and 61.6±2.0 days in GS and LR, respectively. The rectal temperature, which was around 38.5C during 144 h before parturition decreased (P<0.05) to 37.4C at the onset of whelping. Thus, monitoring rectal temperature before expected date of parturition may help to predict the time of parturition.
Dog, gestation length, body temperature
