Reproductive Issues - Page 2

There's a big difference between doing progesterone testing and/or vaginal smears to determine when the optimal time for breeding occurs, and doing in vitro fertilization or repeatedly artificially inseminating because a bitch won't allow the stud to cover her. The former process is not altering the bitch's natural reproductive functions, whereas the latter most certainly would have to be considered manipulation of those functions. 'Low thyroid'is often cited as an impediment to a breeding animal's fertility, but if the animal is actually hypothyroid, why on earth should it be in the gene pool anyway? Just because a hormonal abnormality can be corrected with medication/supplementation does not mean the condition is not a problem that we don't want to propagate. That's not to say that a temporary condition, such as a treatable infection of the reproductive tract, should eliminate an animal as a breeding candidate, but the malfunction of glands and hormone-producing structures isn't in the same league as a bacterial infection. Abnormal reproductive behaviors need to be selected against, as well. For example, bitches that are too dominant to allow a male to mount them simply wouldn't be included in the gene pool, if we were letting nature take it's course--that trait is not something which is conducive to perpetuation of the species, after all. Bitches that can not whelp naturally, cannot carry a litter through gestation without careful handling and treatment, or have poor mothering skills are not an asset to the breed, either. Neither are males that cannot properly court and cover a bitch in standing heat. We can't teach these behaviors--they are either there from birth, because they are instinctual, or they are lacking. Perhaps this is one of the reasons the SV does not permit AI--because it does not offer the opportunity to ensure that a bitch can,will and does breed and conceive naturally? I'm not against the use of AI, mind--but I do think that a bitch should have to breed, conceive, carry and whelp at least one litter via natural cover, to prove that she has the correct instinctual behaviors as well as a normal reproductive process, before she can whelp a litter via AI. Similarly, studs should have to breed via natural service only for the first year they are eligible for breeding, again to ensure that they can, will and do have the appropriate instincts and are physically capable of performing the service naturally.

Hexe, Some very good points in your ahove posts.I fully agree. Dog1, Progesterone testing works well.I've found most vets who do AI generally have skill's that can help determine pregnancy issue's. Rgds The Axe Man

Hexe, I also agree with a lot of the points you made - however, the question didn't ask for a rundown of breeding ethics. Dog1 was only asking what was available for testing and what diagnostics people would recommend... My biggest recommendation for many of the questions posted across the board would be to find a vet you can work with. Many of the questions are technical in nature and although we all have experiences to share, most of us are probably not veterinarians.....

Progesterone testing work for me. But this needs to be done at a lab to get #'s When the progesterone rises to about 2ng/ml this triggers the LH surge 2 day after surg she well ovulate (at about 5ng/ml). 2 day's after ovulation the eggs well be the most fertile. so this is when you breed. So this would be about 4 day's after LH surge. If you do a natural breeding you can do your first breeding the day after ovulation skip a day and breed again. This well over the most fertile time. This works for me and many of my friends

Trying to determine what a problem is can be a huge service to the breed. THEN an owner can decide IF breeding is appropriate or not. For many owners it is a simple as better determining *when* to breed. Progesterone testings and slides can be helpful tool for many. As for poor breeders,unwilling partners,I do not care to utilize artificial means ( because of the male or female). That is my *choice* but I try to refrain from judgement of others that have different reasons or needs, each case should be looked at individually. D.L. Sherman www.naturalpetsource.net

Sorry have only just picked this up. I had the same problem with a bitch. Eventually after having her served over 4 seasons, each time the ovulation test being performed, I attended an excellent lecture by the European Fertility expert for Race Horse and Greyhound Org,. They will not waste money! The guy said that a Vet needs to have a Scanner and showed slides of Ovaries which appeared to be infected, they had large clusters of growths all over them. He explained that these are protein clusters. He agreed that when this is taken one then roceeds to have the first of the Ovulation blood tests performed. This is read and from this the decision of the next is taken. When it appears that the peak time is near another scan is performed and if and only then the clusters of protein cells are disapearing, one then does another blood test to confirm the mating date. He is very good at his job and many breeders of other working pastoral breeders consult him. He has had very few miss as the expence of travelling and the time especially if on goes abroad is not affordable if the bitch misses. He has and he is not spinning a YARN said he can say 8 to 9 pups in a litter, can be produced by using this method. I was fortunate to be able to meet him and he put me in touch with a colleague of his, my bitch produced 8 lovely pups. Superdog

Superdog, would you mind sending me some info on that vet and the procedure privately please. Click on my ID for eMail addy. thanks.

Superdog, could you send it to me as well, please. My email is also displayed under my screenname. Thank you so much. Chris