Histological characters of female reproductive organs and the individual differences of the first estrus cycle in pubertal female Beagle dog.

[Objective] To understand the histological characters in uterus,ovaries,vagina and mummy gland of the pubertal Beagle dog,and the difference in initial time of the first sex cycle.[Methods] 20 female Beagle dogs in age of 1011monthes were euthanized followed by exsanguinations and necropsy.Uterus,ovaries,vagina and mummy gland were collected,fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin,sectioned,stained with HE,and evaluated by microscope.[Results] All the dogs were in their first estrus cycle,40% dogs were in proestrus,10% dogs were in estrus(metestrus),50% dogs were in diestrus;and no dog was in anestrus.[Conclusion] Older than 10 month Beagle dog suggested to be used in short term toxicological study;age and the individual difference should be considered when evaluation of compound is conducted in female dogs,especially for those hormonal effects.