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It has been estimated that as many of 50% of matings do not result in conception and live birth. As a practitioner and researcher in this field for 21 years I think infertility is increasing. Environmental triggers, drug reactions, dietary components and additives, changes in immunization products and regimes have taken a toll on an ever increasingly inbred population of purebred animals. We know that for the first time in history the veterinary practitioner can seek help from especially trained and educated reproduction specialists. More breeders realize the value of such expertise. My clients have and are learning how to prevent problem before they compromise a breeding program. Their purebred animals can and do sire, whelp and queen healthy litters.
Twenty-five percent of all child-bearing age adult American are infertile. These couples spend an average of $15,000 for a 20% chance of produce a child. what counts for you and them is, results, a healthy litter.
All of you realize that prevention of infertility is much easier and a great deal cheaper. It is our mission to provide you with state-of-the-art technology, genetic screening on the cutting-edge, and service that exceed any in the veterinary profession to achieve your breeding goals
Clinical assessment of fertility begins with a general health exam of the male and female. History, physical examination and specialized diagnostic testing are essential to aid the breeder in selecting for maximum health and longevity in breeding animals.
Luteal Phase Defects
Undeveloped Ovarian/testicular Tissue
1. Vaginal Examination for Anatomical Defects
- Hymen
- Annular Vestibulo/Vaginal Structure
- Incomplete Genitalia
2. Vaginal Bacterial Flora Evaluation
- Responsible for Reduced Conception
- Streptococcus sp. (Lansfield D & G)
- E coli
- Klebsella sp.
- Pasturella sp
- Pseudomonas sp.
- Corynebacterium sp.
- Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma sp.
3. Thyroid Function Profile
- 4. Bleeding Disease Testing
- 5. Plasma Hormone Evaluation/Brucella & Herpes Titer
- 6. Ovulation Timing with Quantitative Progesterone Testing and Vaginal Smear Monitoring
- 7. Ultrasound Assessments and Monitoring of the Pregnancy
- 8. Neonatal Care and Health
1. Semen Analysis/Breeding Performance
- All Fractions of the Ejaculate
- Motility Evaluation
- Volume Assessment of each Fraction
- Ejaculate Count
- Morphological Examination of the sperm
- Bacterial/Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma Testing
- Prostate Fluid Biochemical Analysis
2. Testosterone Testing
3. Thyroid Profiling
4. Prostate Assessment/Ultrasound and Prostate wash
5. Testicular Biopsy/Measurements and Ultrasound Analysis
6. Penile Examination for Peyronies and Duputryn’s Contracture
Once fertility is assessed the treatment/management phase of the plan is implemented. One or more of the following plans is enacted.
1. Managed Breeding
- Vaginal Smears
- Progesterone Testing
- Artificial insemination/Semen Quality Assist
- Natural Service Assistance
- Ultrasound Pregnancy Diagnosis
2. Female Support
- Vaginal Douching
- Systemic Antibiotic Therapy
- Ideal Weight and Diet
- Optimum Immunization Schedule
- Brucellosis Screening
3. Male Support
- Sperm Count Enhancement
- Semen Extension
- Semen Banking
- Antibiotic Support
- Brucellosis Screening
4. Genetic Screening
- OFA Certification
- Annual CERF Registration
- Breed Specific Program Certification
9.5.1 ACCURATE HISTORY
- Estrus Cycles
- Discharge Course
- Breeding Behavior
- Ties
- Conception Rate
- Pseudopregnancy
- Uterine Disease
- Pregnancy Monitoring
- Litter History
- Travel/Trauma History
9.5.2 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
- General Exam
- Abdominal Palpation
- Vaginoscopic Examination
- Ultrasound Evaluation
- Inspection of Mammary Glands
9.5.3 PHYSICAL ASSESSMENTS
- Vaginal Culture
- Thyroid Profile
- General Chemistry Panel
The vaginal flora is obtained shortly after birth from the bacteria that populate the environment surrounding the pups and from the birth canal. There are two populations of bacteria, one in the anterior vagina and the other in the region of the urethra and vestibule. This latter bacterial population changes as organisms migrate from the vulva and skin into the vestibule. The mouth of the dog is another source of this bacterial population brought into the area by cleaning. The two populations of organisms can mix, and do increase with estrus and estrus discharges.
During anestrus, the population of bacteria is the lowest in number of species and number of organisms. This is the ideal time to culture. If potential pathogens (disease causing) are present in the anterior vagina then the risk of these organisms traversing the cervix into the uterus exists. As the estrus progresses the immune status of the bitch declines so that disease processes have an easier time establishing infection in the uterus.
These organisms are considered pathogens when found in the anterior vaginal culture during anestrus:
In addition to bacteria, mycoplasma and ureaplasma organisms will cause infertility in the bitch. To date the Mycoplasma canis and all species of Ureaplasma are pathogenic.
Treatment for bacteria consists of partial sterilization of the vaginal tract, especially during estrus, diestrus (15-30 days after season) and prior to whelp. The treatment of choice is vaginal douche. There are two drugs which accomplish this sterilization easily and do not damage the vaginal tissues or harm the semen transport. Gentomycin (10 cc/250cc Saline) and Amikacin (1 gm/250 cc Saline). There is a special regimen for each specific organisms and individual dog. (6-30cc b.i.d. per vagina) Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma TX: Chlorymycetin 5mg/lb B.W./b.i.d for 30 days prior to breeding. Again for the first 10 days of estrus cycle and 10 days prior to whelp.
