GENETIC TESTING AND ASSISTED BREEDING
Genetic Testing
Since the sequencing of the canine genome was completed in 2004, many mutations responsible for inherited diseases in dogs have been identified. This, in turn, has led to the development of DNA tests for a wide range of inherited traits in dogs. Tests for genetic diseases in other companion species are also becoming available.
With increasing emphasis being placed on improving the health of purebred dogs, DNA testing is an important tool for breeders to help them make the best breeding selections and also for any pure or cross bred dog to detect disorders, as early intervention makes management of these diseases much easier.
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The test is performed on a small blood sample. Not all the tests are applied, just those to which your breed of dog is susceptible to. As well as these tests, tests for breed can also be performed to find out what your multi-breed dog actually is. DNA testing in dogs is well underway but is slowly gaining speed in cats as well so please talk to us if you need this for your cat.
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Assisted Breeding
We offer in-house progesterone testing for bitches to determine at what stage they are at within their heat cycle, to ensure the optimum time for mating or AI.
This is a simple blood test which we run through our in-house V-check Anigen machine. The test itself will take approximately 20-30 minutes to run, and this gives us the progesterone level. The progesterone levels tell us at what stage the bitch is within her heat cycle and helps us determine when she is going to ovulate, which will help us determine the optimum mating / AI times.
We offer artificial insemination within the clinic, to which we recommend doing two rounds of AI, 48 hours apart. AI is becoming more and more common and our aim is to ensure the procedure is quick and stress-free as possible. The procedure is done within the consultation room and we recommend allowing approximately 15 minutes for the procedure, as once we have the sample from the male, we then insert the semen sample into the female and she is required to stay in an upright position for approximately 5 minutes. During this time, the vet will take a look at the semen sample under the microscope and see how mobile and healthy the sperm is.
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The AI procedure we always recommend doing twice (minimum) - 48 hours apart. Some owners may even prefer to do three AI consults.
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We are then able to perform an ultrasound, normally done 3 weeks post AI (from the last AI consult), to confirm pregnancy. This is quick - normally takes about 10 mins, it is done within the consultation room and gives you piece of mind to know that the mating/ AI was successful.
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Within the last 10 days, leading up to the due date, we can also perform a puppy count via an xray. This will be able to give us a fairly accurate count on how many puppies you should be expecting. This is done without any sedation and it is a quick procedure, to avoid any stress on the bitch, during the final days of pregnancy.
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If required, we can also perform an elective ceasarian, for piece of mind for you and to ensure the safe arrival of the puppies.
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During the first 6 weeks of their life we can provide you with all the information you need in regards to what to feed mum, how to introduce solids to the babies and when to provide worm treatments.
Once puppies reach 6 weeks old, we perform a full health check and C3 puppy vaccination, to which we provide bulk discounts on litters with multiple puppies.
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Please contact us with any questions you may have, we are always willing to help ensure that the whole process is as safe and stress-free as possible.
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