Estrus diagnosis and timing of artificial insemination in a Brazilian Mastiff bitch – case report

Artificial insemination is a technique employed in dogs mainly when natural mating is not possible due to anatomical, behavioral or health problems. This article describes an intravaginal insemination performed in a two-year-old Brazilian Mastiff bitch. Vaginal cytology was the diagnostic method of choice for determining the stage of the estrous cycle: more than 80% of the cells were cornified epithelial cells, a feature of the estrus phase. Semen from a male Brazilian Mastiff was collected manually and inseminated fresh immediately after collection and also 48 hours later. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasound examination and radiography 56 days after first insemination. At least nine live fetuses were found; viability was proven by the presence of heartbeat.