Veterinary Reproductive Services
Reproductive veterinary services are some of the most time-sensitive in all of veterinary medicine. A missed ovulation window, an undetected infection, or a whelping complication can have serious consequences. Troy Animal Clinic provides a full range of canine reproductive services to support breeders and pet owners throughout the Troy area and the broader rural region.
Our two full-time veterinarians are the only two-doctor practice Pike County, which means we have the availability to accommodate the scheduling demands that reproductive care often requires.
Our Reproductive Services
Progesterone Testing
Progesterone testing is the most reliable method for determining the optimal time to breed. Hormone levels shift rapidly during a female’s cycle, and breeding at the wrong time is one of the most common reasons litters are missed or smaller than expected. We run in-house progesterone panels so results are available quickly, which matters when timing is critical.
Serial testing over several days is often needed to accurately track the progesterone curve and identify the ovulation window. We work with breeders to build a testing schedule that fits both the dog’s cycle and the logistics of the breeding plan.
Brucellosis Testing
Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that spreads easily between dogs during breeding and can cause reproductive failure, including early pregnancy loss and stillbirths, in infected females. It can also be transmitted to humans.
Testing both the male and female prior to breeding is the responsible standard for any breeding program. We recommend brucellosis testing before every breeding, not just with new dogs. We offer both rapid slide agglutination tests and can facilitate confirmatory testing when needed.
Semen Collection and Evaluation
Semen collection and evaluation gives breeders a clear picture of male fertility before committing to a breeding plan. We assess semen for motility, morphology, and concentration. This is particularly valuable when planning a long-distance breeding, when a stud dog has had a previous litter failure, or as part of routine fertility monitoring in an active breeding male.
Collected semen can also be used for same-day fresh artificial insemination when natural breeding is not practical.
Artificial Insemination
Artificial insemination is an effective alternative to natural breeding in a number of situations, including geographic distance between the male and female, physical incompatibility, behavioral reluctance, or when using chilled or frozen semen from an outside stud.
We perform transcervical and surgical insemination depending on the circumstances and the type of semen being used. Timing is coordinated with progesterone testing to maximize conception rates.
Caesarean Section
Some breeds are at high risk for whelping complications due to conformation, and some litters present emergencies regardless of breed. Troy Animal Clinic performs both planned and emergency caesarean sections.
Planned C-sections are scheduled based on progesterone testing to determine fetal maturity and the appropriate delivery window. Emergency C-sections are performed when a female is in active labor and cannot deliver naturally.
Brachycephalic breeds such as English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers frequently require planned C-sections. If you breed one of these breeds, we encourage you to establish a relationship with our clinic early in the pregnancy so we can plan appropriately.
A Note for Breeders
Reproductive services are in high demand across rural Alabama, and we understand that breeders often need to move quickly when a female comes into cycle. We do our best to accommodate same-day and next-day appointments for progesterone testing during active cycles. The best way to make that work is to call us as soon as you know a female is coming into heat so we can plan ahead.
We work with breeders of all sizes, from hobby breeders with one or two litters a year to more active programs. Whatever your situation, we are straightforward about what we can offer and what falls outside our scope.
To schedule reproductive services or discuss your breeding program, call us at (334) 566-3356.