The Surprising 3 Markers Boosting Breeding Success in Dogs & Cats

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At the end of June, I found myself wandering through the vibrant streets of Barcelona—not just for the tapas and Gaudí’s masterpieces, but to attend the EVSSAR meeting. It’s the annual European conference where dog and cat reproduction specialists like me gather once a year.  Among all the lectures, one particularly grabbed my attention. It was delivered by my good friend Dr. Hasan Sontas, titled “Laboratory Tests in Repro Cases: An Update.” I really enjoyed his lecture; it was a great mix of science and practical tips that anyone can use in their kennel, cattery, or veterinary clinic. Intrigued? Let me break it down.

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1. Progesterone: The Key to Unlocking Fertility
2. CPSE: The Hidden Indicator of Prostate Health
3. AMH: The Future of Fertility Assessment

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Progesterone: The Key to Unlocking Fertility

Progesterone is like the maestro of the reproductive orchestra!

• In Dogs:
  • Timing Ovulation with Precision: Did you know that dogs start producing progesterone before they ovulate? This unique trait allows us to pinpoint the exact day of ovulation by tracking progesterone levels—a vital tool for successful breeding.
  • Monitoring the Critical Luteal Phase: The two months after ovulation are crucial. If the ovaries don’t produce enough progesterone—a condition known as luteal failure—pregnancy can’t occur. By monitoring progesterone, we can decide if supplementation is needed, ensuring healthy gestations.
• In Cats:
  • Confirming Ovulation: Misbreeding is the number one cause of infertility in felines. Progesterone levels help us confirm if ovulation has occurred, addressing infertility issues head-on.
  • Ensuring a Successful Pregnancy: Just like in dogs, monitoring progesterone during pregnancy can detect luteal failure. Catching this early can make all the difference in challenging cases.

CPSE: The Hidden Indicator of Prostate Health

Canine Prostate Specific Esterase (CPSE) acts like a window into a dog’s prostate health.

• In Dogs:
  • Detecting Prostate Issues Early: Dogs are prone to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), where the prostate enlarges due to aging and testosterone. This silent change can impact semen quality over time.
  • Adding Diagnostic Accuracy: While ultrasounds are helpful, CPSE levels provide an extra layer of certainty. With the vast size differences among dog breeds, visually assessing prostate size can be tricky. CPSE helps confirm enlargement and monitor recovery—especially important since BPH is treatable.
• In Cats:
  • CPSE is specific to dogs. Prostatic disorders are extremely rare in cats, usually only appearing as isolated cases of prostate cancer. So, our feline friends have one less thing to worry about when it comes to fertility!

AMH: The Future of Fertility Assessment

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is emerging as a revolutionary marker in reproductive medicine.

• In Both Dogs and Cats:
  • Uncovering Hidden Gonads: AMH is produced by the testes and ovaries. If an animal is spayed or neutered but shows signs otherwise, AMH testing can reveal if any gonadal tissue remains—like in ovarian remnant syndrome (when ovarian tissue remains post-surgery) or cryptorchidism (undescended testicles).
  • Simplifying Complex Diagnoses: Traditionally, diagnosing these conditions required hormonal stimulation tests and ultrasounds. Since AMH is directly produced by these tissues, testing for it offers a quicker, more straightforward answer, streamlining our clinical approach.

• Assessing Fertility Potential:
  • A Glimpse into Reproductive Health: In humans, AMH levels are used to assess fertility potential. Emerging research suggests we might use it similarly in dogs and cats. Interestingly, high AMH levels in males may indicate poor fertility, while in females, they could predict better fertility and larger litters.
  • The Road Ahead: While more research is needed, AMH holds promise as a tool to evaluate ovarian reserve and fertility potential. It’s an exciting development that could reshape our practices.

I found these insights incredibly valuable, and I hope you do too!

→ Now, here’s something special:

I was so captivated by Dr. Sontas’s presentation that he and I decided to take it a step further. 

We recently sat down for a lively Zoom chat, diving deeper into these three markers and highlighting key insights every dog and cat breeder should know. 

It was an engaging discussion, and I’ve turned it into a YouTube video just for you.

👉 Watch our insightful conversation here! 👈

I encourage you to check it out—you’ll gain even more valuable perspectives.