Dissertation
Sex hormones in female dogs
Many female dogs have their ovaries removed in order to prevent them from going into heat. In some dogs, such as those that come from an animal asylum or that have had several owners, it is unclear whether the ovaries have already been removed. Female dogs can also display signs of being in heat even when it is clear that their ovaries have been removed. In her doctoral research, veterinarian Jenny Buijtels studied a method for determining whether a dog’s ovaries have been removed or not, and if some of the ovary tissue may have been left behind during the operation.
The method is called the GnRH Stimulation Test and involves administering the hormone GnRH intravenously. Under normal conditions, all dogs will secrete the hormone. The test has been used for other purposes for some time, but until recently it was unclear whether it could be used to determine the presence of ovaries. Buijtels’ research has shown that the GnRH Stimulation Test is a reliable method for doing so. In her dissertation she also describes how the GnRH Stimulation Test can provide valuable information on the functioning of ovaries for gynaecological diseases.
| Date and time: |
9/6/2011 10:30 |
| Location: |
University Hall, Domplein 29, Utrecht |
| |
| PhD student: |
Jenny Buijtels |
| Faculty: |
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine |
| Thesis: |
The pituitary-gonadal axis in healthy female dogs and bitches with gynecological disorders |
| Supervisor 1: |
Prof. J. Rothuizen, PhD, DVM |
| Co-supervisor 1: |
Dr A.C. Schaefers-Okkens, DVM |
| Co-supervisor 2: |
Dr H.S. Kooistra, DVM |