Looking to improve conception rates in your breeding program? Using one of two methods, we can assist you in determining the optimum time to breed your dogs and enhance the success of pregnancy.
We can perform vaginal cytology on female dogs to calculate the stage of estrus. This method involves taking a swab of the vaginal cells and analyzing them under a microscope. Usually, more than one swab is required. Another method we can use is to perform a simple blood test to determine the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge and pinpoint the dog’s fertile period.
Additional tests, including a thyroid analysis, should be performed on your dog before estrus. These tests can rule out any potential problems or alert you to issues that need to be addressed before breeding.
Collections
- Collect male for semen evaluation such as sperm count, motility rate, morphology, and checking prostate
- Collections for semen freezing with Zoetis. We use liquid nitrogen to freeze straws and ship them to be stored with Zoetis
- Collections for shipping semen overnight for fresh chilled use
- Collections for artificial insemination in the clinic
Testing
- Brucellosis test: blood test sent out to Idexx 3-5 day turnaround
- Progesterone: In-house results within 1 hour. Use for breeding and reverse for c-section / labor timing
- Vaginal cytology: aid in breeding timing
- Breeding exams
- Hormonal testing sent to an outside lab
Artificial Insemination
- Vaginal: also known as a side by side where semen in injected into the vaginal canal via catheter
- TCI: a scope is used to ensure the semen is injected thru the cervix into the uterus with a catheter
- Surgical: a small incision is made to expose the uterus and the semen is injected straight into the uterus then closed up
- We can collect same day from stud dog or receive fresh chilled or even frozen semen for AI’s
During Pregnancy
- Ultrasound for pregnancy check around 30 days bred
- Ultrasound for heart rate check of babies if distress is a concern
- X-ray puppy count around 50-55 days
- Supplements and medication monitoring during breeding, pregnancy and lactation
Please call and set up an appointment with one of our veterinarians to discuss how we can further assist you with your breeding program.