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