Facts You May Not Know…but Should

Timing of planned c-section should be done approximately 63 days from the day of LH surge or 2 days prior to ovulation. 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 .

EMERGENCY: Veterinary Emergency Group: 561- 752-3232

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

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

3. Courtyard: Dr. Oquist : 561-784-7387

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

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.  

A minimum of 100 million live progressively motile semen for each breeding. Large breed dogs may require 150-200 million sperm per breeding.  

10 million sperm per  pound of body weight. A 10lb dog should produce at least 100 million sperm per ml of ejaculate.

Motility is defined as movement. Progressive motility is the FORWARD movement. A desired progressive motility should be higher than 80%

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