Theriogenology
What is a Theriogenologist?
A theriogenologist is a veterinary specialist that has expertise in all areas of reproductive medicine. Specialist care may be sought for a variety of reproductive problems but may also be used prophylactically to evaluate a pets reproductive health, facilitate the breeding process, improve conception rates, manage the birth process, and provide neonatal care.
The reproductive system interacts with many other body systems such as the urinary system, cardiovascular system, and immune system. Animals that have not been spayed or neutered have specific health care needs while they are reproductively active and, as they age, may be at higher risk for certain disease process. For these animals in particular, the specialties of internal medicine and theriogenology compliment each other ensuring excellence of veterinary care for your pet.
Reproduction Services
The reproduction service provides evaluation, treatment, and management for all diseases and conditions affecting the male and female reproductive tract. Services include:
• Kennel or cattery reproductive management
• Pre-breeding evaluation
• OFA certification
• Semen evaluation
• Breeding management (ovulation timing, insemination, and pregnancy diagnosis and management)
• Estrus induction
• Surgical and non-surgical management of pyometra
• Testicular and uterine biopsy
• Diseases of the mammary gland and prostate
• Nutritional guidance
Neonatology and Pediatric Services
The reproduction service provides consultation for all aspects of neonate and pediatric care. Services include treatment and management of the following:
• High neonate loss
• Sickness or failure to thrive
• Congenital disease
• Nutritional consultation
• Infectious disease
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is ovulation timing and why is it performed?
In the female dog an ovulated egg must mature for several days before it is capable of being fertilized. The process of ovulation and subsequent maturation are not able to be identified by any external signs in the female such as '˜heat' or stud dog receptivity. Ensuring insemination at the expected time of egg maturation not only improves pregnancy rate but may also increase litter size.
What is a semen evaluation?A semen evaluation in the dog and tom evaluates the sperm output and quality at a single time point in an individual male. In the dog, semen evaluation is completed as an outpatient procedure using manual stimulation. In the tom, semen evaluation is typically achieved via stimulation under general anesthesia. For both the dog and the tom ejaculate volumes, sperm count, movement and appearance are recorded and compared to species standards.
- What is a trans-cervical insemination?
Trans-cervical insemination refers to the placement of semen into the uterus by passing a small catheter through the cervix. Placement of the catheter is completed under direct visualization of the cervix using a special scope. Trans-cervical insemination is particularly useful when using frozen semen or when inseminating females that have difficulty conceiving.
- What Other Services are Offered in our Theriogenology Department?
• Pre-breeding evaluation of the male and female
• Semen evaluation
• Ovulation timing
• Artificial insemination, both Vaginal and Trans-cervical
• Whelping / Queening monitoring
• Infertility evaluation
• Non-surgical treatment of pyometra
• Evaluation and treatment of prostatic disease
• Evaluation and treatment of mammary neoplasia
• Neonatology
