Facts You May Not Know…but Should

No arguments, No explanation. Fresh is Best. 

Nearly as good as Fresh…IF handled properly, This is an option if the sire and bitch are not local to each other and/or there are challenges with travel, location and scheduling. 

Reasons to use Frozen:

1. Sire had to be castrated 
2. Sire is retired 
3. Sire is deceased
4. Sire is not on the same continent ( Fresh Chilled can still be obtained in most cases overnight stateside)

Timing of planned c-section should be done approximately 63 days from the day of LH surge.  This is when to schedule c-section, but may not be when surgery occurs; this should be based on the below options.

PROGESTERONE Testing: Easiest. Level below 2ng/ml are recommended  for successful c-section. Levels above this number place the puppies at risk for lack of development and increases the chance of death

X-RAY; moderate difficulty; showing FETAL dentition

ULTRASOUND; most difficult and requires the most skill level; accurately accessing FETAL  kidney development and gut movement .

1. MorsVet: Dr. Cesar Morales ; 305-308-4767

2. Animal Medical Clinic: Dr. Simmons ; 561-790-3555

EMERGENCY: Veterinary Emergency Group: 561- 752-3232

Semen that is frozen and purchased is often expensive and comes with the air of it being “ valuable”. 

To be perfectly blunt: If the semen has low concentration and low progressive motility its “ value “ is equivalent to worthless. 

Frozen semen should only be used if the male has had to be castrated, is no longer alive or lives on a different continent ( even then fresh chilled can be obtained and typically received stateside next day).  

The concentration of semen is measured in millions per millimeter ( M/ml) and is breed size specific. 

Motility of semen is measured by determination of progressive to immobile. 

There is a MINIMUM percentage of PROGRESSIVE motility that is required for best chances of insemination

  * MOTILITY is NOT the same as PROGRESSIVE MOTILITY!! 

              Motility is movement…progressive motility is movement is a forward direction: we want forward movers not ‘ spinners’  

For obvious reasons, a general physical examination should be performed by a veterinarian. Review of  diet, supplements if any recommended, expectations  and any lifestyle changes should be discussed during this exam

General labwork will reveal the organ function and health of the internal organs; also important for anesthesia in the event a c-section is necessary. Medications given for anesthesia are primarily synthesized by the kidneys and or the liver; knowing if there are any restrictions for medication use based on organ health is very important in a successful recovery of any patient.

A sexually transmitted disease that can cause abortion, infertility and is highly contagious to other animals and humans should be tested for at the time of ovulation in the bitch and prior to live cover or collection of the male. Testing is sent to Cornell University and return or results is typically 3-5 days.  

There  are a variety of machines on the market. I have purchased the at home machine (found online under various names such as fincare)  the  Idexx Catalyst and the most clinically advanced Tosoh to compare numbers of the same sample across all three machines. What I found was that the in home machine gave various numbers of the same sample when tested three times. The idexx catalyst has a wide reference range and the Tosoh gave the most consistent results with the tightest reference range. 

Generally 5-7 days from first vulvar discharge except for those that have short cycles, therefore should be started 3- 5days from first vulvar discharge

Infection within the uterus ; often life threatening. Medical attention by a veterinarian should be sought asap. There are two types of pyometra ( closed and open), where one type allows the uterus to fill with infectious discharge and does not leak out of the body, and the other fills with infectious discharge and  is expelled  through the vulvar folds. Pyometra is most common with a bitch in heat cycle, during pregnancy or  in older females.  Learn more about Pyometra here : Pyometra  

This is a deadly and preventable disease. The following are safe and recommended by Dr. Salvo for use in pregnant, lactating bitches, stud and puppies at 6 weeks: Heartgard; Can be ordered here: ( a patient physical exam and negative heartworm test is required) : https://acuvetdoc.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/219856_Home.pml?productId=98309

Fleas and ticks can cause a multitude of diseases that can ultimately lead to anemia, paralysis, and death. The following are safe for use in pregnant, lactating bitches , stud and puppies at 24 weeks: Bravecto : https://acuvetdoc.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/219856_Home.pml?productId=134282