Fat: more than just โ€œstorageโ€

Exploring the critical link between nutrition and fertility in pets, this insightful post reveals how body condition, particularly fat's role as an endocrine tissue, significantly impacts reproductive health. Highlighting the hormonal imbalances caused by obesity and the temperature sensitivity of gametes and embryos, it underscores the necessity of optimal body condition for breeding success.

[BLOG] Timing of ovulation in canines: 3 take-away messages from our previous webinar

Understanding the timing of ovulation in canines is crucial for successful dog breeding. Our recent webinar highlighted three key messages that every breeder should know. First, accurately identifying the ovulation period significantly increases the chances of conception. This process involves monitoring hormonal changes, specifically progesterone levels, to predict the optimal breeding time. Second, employing the right tools and techniques for ovulation detection can streamline the breeding process, ensuring breeders make informed decisions. Lastly, we emphasized the importance of veterinary involvement for health assessments and guidance throughout the breeding cycle. This knowledge is vital for optimizing breeding strategies and enhancing the reproductive success of your breeding program.

[BLOG] 2014 SFT meeting: news worth sharing with shelters (Part I)

At the 2014 Society for Theriogenology meeting in Portland, OR, specialists in animal reproduction convened to exchange insights on the latest breakthroughs. This post explores the relevance of these discussions to shelters, emphasizing contraception and population management in canine and feline reproduction. Highlights include a study on penile spines in feral cats and their reproductive adaptations, as well as innovative research on using nicotine as a non-surgical contraception method in dogs and cats

[BLOG] Canine repro: why it is really a unique species

Exploring canine reproduction reveals its distinct nature compared to other mammals. Canines exhibit early luteinisation of ovarian follicles, where progesterone production begins before ovulation, aiding in pinpointing ovulation timing. Unlike most mammals that release mature oocytes during ovulation, canines ovulate premature oocytes requiring 55 to 72 hours of maturation before fertilization can occur. This understanding is pivotal in devising optimal breeding protocols, offering a glimpse into the unique aspects of canine breeding and the ongoing scientific journey to unravel the mysteries of their reproductive physiology.

Dog Breeding Decoded: 20 Key Insights into Canine Ovulation Timing

This blog delves into the intricate details of canine reproduction, focusing particularly on the estrous cycle and the role of progesterone in ovulation timing. It provides comprehensive insights into the stages of the cycle, progesterone testing, and the inherent variability in ovulation timing. This resource is invaluable for dog breeders, and veterinarians offering a scientific yet accessible explanation of complex reproductive processes.

[BLOG] Canine and feline reproduction: why (and how) assessing presentation of the neonates during parturition ?

Exploring the critical phases of canine and feline reproduction, this blog offers a comprehensive guide on assessing the presentation of neonates during parturition. Understanding the presentation, position, and posture of puppies and kittens at birth is pivotal for ensuring a healthy start to life. With practical advice for breeders, veterinarians, and pet enthusiasts, we unravel the complexities of birth processes in dogs and cats. Highlighting the importance of timely intervention and expert care, this article empowers readers with knowledge to support the wellbeing of mother and offspring during this crucial time.

[BLOG] Canine and feline reproduction: 3 interesting questions I got during my last trip

This blog navigates the nuances of mastitis in pets, the necessity of C-sections across pregnancies, and the intricacies of detecting cervical readiness for birth. It emphasizes a collaborative approach to pet breeding, leveraging advanced treatments for mastitis and debunking myths around C-sections and cervical examinations in pets.

[BLOG] Determining the due date in the bitch: can we do this ?

Discover the art of determining the due date in canines with precision and confidence. Understanding the exact pregnancy length, traditionally observed at 63ยฑ1 days from ovulation, significantly impacts breeding success and management. Contrary to common practice, relying on the date of the first breeding may result in a broad 58 to 72 days range, complicating due date prediction. Learn about the valuable role of ovulation timing in enhancing fertility and predicting parturition with near certainty. This guide also explores size-specific delivery expectations and alternative methods for due date estimation, including biometric measurements and progesterone level assessments, to support breeders and veterinarians in ensuring optimal outcomes for both dam and offspring.

How to Protect Your Kennel From Brucellosis

One infected dog can silently destroy your entire breeding program. Here's how to stop brucellosis before it starts.

[BLOG] Doc, thereโ€™s one โ€œballโ€ missing in this puppy: is it going to be a problem ?

In the world of canine breeding, encountering a puppy with a missing testicle, known as ectopic testis or cryptorchidism, is not uncommon, affecting 1.2 to 5% of male pups. This condition, where one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum, can have significant implications. For breeders, it means such individuals should not be bred due to the potential spread of unfavorable genetics and should be neutered to prevent health risks like testicular tumors and torsion.