Glossary

Anterior pituitary
The front portion of the pituitary gland, which is found at the base of the brain
Corpus luteum
Literally means “yellow body” and is responsible for progesterone production within the ovary
Dopamine
neuro-hormone released by the hypothalamus that inhibits the release of prolactin from the anterior pituitary gland
Entire
un-neutered or un-spayed
FSH
Follicle stimulating hormone; produced by the anterior pituitary gland and stimulates maturation of the ovary prior to ovulation
GnRH
Gonadotropin release hormone; responsible for the release of FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary gland
LH
Luteinising hormone; produced by the anterior pituitary gland and triggers ovulation
Luteal phase
another term for metoestrus
Mastitis
inflammation of the mammary glands
Oedema
fluid accumulation
Oestrogen
a steroid hormone produced primarily by the ovaries that stimulates changes in the female reproductive organs during the oestrous cycle and promotes the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
Ovulation
the release of an egg cell (ovum) from the ovary in female animals
Oxytocin
hormone produced by the hypothalamus in the brain that stimulates milk let-down
Parturition
give birth
Progesterone
a steroid hormone secreted by the corpus luteum of the ovary that maintains pregnancy and promotes the development of the mammary glands.
Prolactin
a hormone released from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that stimulates the secretion of progesterone by the corpus luteum and initiates and maintains lactation.
Pyometra
infection and pus accumulation within the uterus