Reproductive Services

Males and Females: Prebreeding Checklist

Prebreeding Physical Exam - to check for any health problems, physical abnormalities, and any other    conditions that may affect breeding, pregnancy or the puppies.
Update all vaccinations - (especially Rabies and DHLPP) and test for heartworm/tick-borne diseases.
Fecal Exam - to check for intestinal parasites and deworm if necessary
Test for Brucellosis - This is an infectious disease which is a major cause of abortion and infertility in dogs.
Radiographs (x-rays) for Hip Dysplasia - Radiographs are sent to the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals (OFA) and certified as free from hip dysplasia (in certain breeds, the elbows should be examined and certified as well).
CERF Exam for Eye Disease - The Canine Eye Registration Foundation registers eyes as being free from heritable disorders after the eyes are examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist. We do not offer this service, but will be happy to refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Medical Workup (blood and urine tests to screen for medical disorders) - especially important if the dog is over 5 years of age or has had a history of any reproductive or medical problems.
Nutritional Program - feed a high quality diet and make sure the dog is at an appropriate weight before breeding.

Females:

Vaginal Cytology/Progesterone Assays during heat cycle - These tests allow breeding to be timed precisely and are particularly useful if the bitch will be sent away for breeding, if she has had previous conception problems or if it is necessary to know the exact due date. These tests can also help to maximize litter size.
Ultrasound Exam - This is a non-invasive exam and will confirm pregnancy, usually done 25-30 days post breeding.
Abdominal Radiographs - A radiograph (x-ray) will determine litter size and individual puppy size. This is important to help us anticipate problems and to determine how many puppies to expect.
Whelping Procedures - Normal whelping and recognition of potential complications should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Males:

Semen Evaluation (test for quantity and quality of semen, check for infection) - this is especially important if there have been fertility problems in the past.