@article{article_317242, title={Effect on Gestation Length of Litter Size, and Inter-Pup Interval, Change of Rectal Temperature in German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever Bitches}, journal={Harran University Journal of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine}, volume={1}, pages={103–106}, year={2012}, author={Zonturlu, Abuzer K . and Kaçar, Cihan}, keywords={Köpek, Gebelik süresi, Yavrular arası süre}, abstract={The objective of the current study was to investigate duration of gestation, inter-pup interval and rectal temperature during peripartum period in German Shepherd Dogs and Labrador Retriver bitches in the special care unit of dog in Bursa. The study was performed on 30 bitches of two breds. Estruses were determined according to acceptance of the male for mating. Bitches were examined in dorsal recumbency between days 25 and 30 of gestation without sedation. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonography in all dogs. Gestations length was ranged from 58-64 days. There were 62.61.5 and 61.62.0. days in German Shepherd dogs and Labrador Retriever bitches respectively. The time between birth of the first puppy and the second puppy ranged between 20-415 min, and 5-405 min in German Shepherd Dogs as compared with the labrador bitches. Length of the expulsion phase was calculated as 7.492.44 (3.5- 14.8 h) and 7.381. (4.08-11.11 h) respectively, in German Shepherd Dogs and Labrador Retriewers. Litter size did not have an effect on duration of gestation in the bitches(P> 00,5). Rectal temperature was calculated as 38.270.04 °C at 24 h before expulsion of the first pup and 37.430.06 °C at onset of whelping. Mean rectal temperature, 24 h after parturition, calculated as 38.270.04 °C was significantly higher (P< 0.001) than the temperatures measured prior to whelping. As a result, regarding with acceptance of the male for mating, gestation length did not differ in German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever bitches and rectal temperature decreased before the onset of whelping and increased following parturition. Mean gestation length were not significantly affected by litter size}, number={2}, publisher={Harran Üniversitesi}