Luteal insufficiency in canines: Assessment of progesterone dynamics and efficacy of combined hormonal treatment

Background: Progesterone, primarily produced by the corpus luteum, is essential for maintaining pregnancy in dogs by promoting endometrial receptivity and supporting fetal development. Hypoluteoidism, defined by inadequate progesterone production, significantly increases the risk of pregnancy loss and reproductive failure. This study evaluates the role of progesterone in canine pregnancy, the risks associated with hormonal deficiency, and the effectiveness of therapeutic intervention. Aim: This study emphasizes the role of progesterone supplementation combined with magnesium and tocopherol in supporting pregnancy maintenance and restoring hormonal homeostasis. Methods: Progesterone levels were monitored across the estrous cycle in French Bulldog bitches (n=20). The control group was divided into two subsets. At the first stage of the study, control group C1 (n=10) consisted of dogs in the anestrus phase. At the second stage, control group C2 (n=10) included dogs on days 18 to 22 of pregnancy. Animals in both control groups (C1 and C2) did not receive any pharmacological treatments throughout the experiment. The experimental group (dogs with luteal insufficiency, days 18 to 22 of pregnancy; n=10) exhibited significantly lower serum progesterone levels (9.90 ± 0.19 nmol/L) compared to the control group (55.60 ± 2.23 nmol/L, p [Open Vet. J. 2025; 15(6.000): 2671-2681]