Reproductive Care

Dog show enthusiasts like you know that proficient reproductive care is fundamental to the lifetime well-being of dogs. It’s vital for the health of pregnant females as well as for litters. Willow Creek veterinarians and technicians have expertise in reproductive health along with general wellness care and compassionate treatment for a wide range of conditions, illnesses and injuries.

We have depth of experience in conducting health clearances for breeding, and in assessing and treating male and female fertility problems arising from genetics, illness or estrus disorders that can result from hormonal imbalances. Our chief veterinarian and lead reproductive technician also are highly regarded for expertise in breeding functions, pregnancy complications, whelping and neonatal care.

Reproductive System Diagnostic Tests and Procedures that We Perform

Willow Creek Veterinary Clinic has an array of the most advanced equipment. Our capabilities include:

• Ultrasound imaging with the technologically advanced Mindray Vetus E7 color doppler system, enabling non-invasive visualization of the reproductive system, pregnancy confirmation and fetal monitoring
• Advanced, non-sedated Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)-recommended radiography using safe, low-level dosages to determine puppy counts and anticipate any potential whelping problems based on fetal sizes and positions
• Progesterone (PG) testing, using a Tosoh Bioscience Immunoassay Analyzer and other methods for assessing hormonal levels to precisely determine the optimal interval for mating
• Semen collection and motility analysis using MiniTube Sperm Vision, the most sophisticated computer-assisted semen analytical system available
• Transcervical insemination (TCI), a specialized highly effective nonsurgical technique to transfer sperm into the uterus by endoscopy, usually without anesthesia
• Surgical artificial insemination when necessary — for example, to remove uterine cysts
• Cesarean section for dogs experiencing pregnancy complications or obstructed labor
• Semen handling, including freezing and storage, and shipping fresh chilled semen
• Vasectomies to prevent unwanted breeding while leaving behavioral characteristics intact
• Medical treatment for pyometra, a life-threatening infection of the uterus, as a means to preserve fertility

Health Clearance Assessments

Willow Creek Veterinary Clinic adheres to the latest protocols and the best practices in determining the suitability of a dog for reproduction and competition, including:

• Complete health clearance services, validated by OFA certification
• Brucellosis/Brucella testing to detect a contagious venereal disease caused by the bacterium Brucella canis that can cause infertility in dogs and is transmissible to humans
• PennHIP and German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany hip clearance assessments by means of radiographic imagery certified by an independent panel — a protocol recognized by agencies including Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (ADRK) of Germany — to verify presence or potential of hip dysplasia.