Reproduction

Progesterone Testing, Mating's, Ultrasounds, Radiographs and C-sections

Progestone Testing

we currently have an on site Mini Vidas Progestone machine. This machine measures the amount of pPogestrone in the blood. Measuring progesterone levels is an easy and reliable way of gauging the optimum time to mate. It will also give you a more accurate assessment of when your dog is likely to whelp.

We interpret the results and give you advice to ensure you have the most accurate information for mating and whelping.

Matings

We currently offer 2 types of mating an Ai (Artificial Insemination or Assisted Insemination) and TCI (Trans-cervical Insemination)

We are currently offering Fresh and Chilled Ai's and Fresh, Chilled and Frozen TCI

TCI: Trans-cervical insemination is a method to deliver sperm directly into the uterus, through the cervix. The advantage is that the semen is deposited exactly where it needs to be- close to the eggs it will need to fertilize.

Ai: Artificial Insemination is technique used to help dogs become pregnant without a natural mating. Semen is collected from a stud dog, examined under the microscope for viability and, depending on the technique used, is either inserted into a bitch's vagina or her uterus

Ultrasounds and Radiographs

Ultrasounds are done at 4 weeks gestation. This allows the Vet to view the individual heartbeats on the puppies and can help determine how many they have. Although puppies can be hidden and the count may not be precise, this information can still be useful for both you and your veterinarian

We recommend radiographs during the last week of pregnancy. This is recommended for getting a more specific puppy count, as well as evaluating the birth canal width in relation to puppy size.If you have a clear idea of how many puppies she should have, you can make better decisions at home before deciding she needs veterinary help. If she delivers 6 puppies (and you saw 8 on radiograph), then stops pushing and seems “done”, you know that she may need assistance to complete her delivery.It can also help determine if she will need a c-section or if she is able to whelp naturally

C-Sections

We offer both elective and emergency c-section. We currently have several Veterinary Surgeons who have years of experience doing this procedure. We have an on call Vet and Nurse who perform c-sections after hours and a team of nurse who help in hours.

Our main surgery suite has a room off of it is specifically set up for mums and bubs, this is called Neonatal. Our Neonatal room is fully equipped with everything we will need to help support your new arrivals.

Some Bitches may have their puppies naturally or some may require assistance. For Instance a bitch with a very small (one or two puppy) litter or a very large litter may be more likely to need a C-section. The puppies themselves elicit labour by producing hormones that affect the dam and with a very small litter, they may not produce enough hormones to induce labour.