Summerfield Reproductive Veterinary Services

Bringing the Next Generation of Pets into the World

Are you considering expanding your furry family? Or are you managing a breeding program? At The Animal Hospital of Lake Brandt, our veterinary team can help you with your pet’s reproductive goals. As an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited animal hospital, we offer comprehensive reproductive services from conception to birth.

We understand that your pets are a part of your family and when you’re looking to expand your furry family, you need a veterinarian you can trust. Our veterinary team will deliver the same high quality, personalized care for your breeding pets that you’ve come to expect with your pet’s regular medical care.

If you are interested in breeding your pets, please give us a call at (336) 252-2208 to learn more about our reproductive services.

Before your breed your pets, consider the following questions:

• Is your pet in good health?
• Can you afford to pay for the veterinary care of your pet and their litter?
• Would you be able to handle an unusually large litter?
• Do you have the time and resources to care for a litter of animals until they are older enough to go to their new homes?
• Are you able to find good homes for your newest furry family members?

If you answered “no” to any of the questions above, consider your reasons for wanting to breed your pet. There are many reasons you might want to breed your pet and we’ll help you understand all of the things you need to know before you embark on the breeding journey.

Birthing Assistance at the Animal Hospital at Lake Brandt

While most animals are able to give birth on their own without medical intervention, there are some cases where a mother might need extra help during their delivery. Our Summerfield veterinary team is here for you and your pet if they need medical assistance during their birth. As an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited animal hospital, we are fully equipped with a surgical suite to help mitigate birthing complications. If necessary, we are able to perform caesarean sections under general anesthesia.

During a caesarean section, your pet is placed under anesthesia before we make an incision along their abdomen and through the uterus. Then, our veterinary surgical team is able to retrieve the unborn puppies or kittens. Depending on your pet’s condition, we may recommend that we spay your pet during this procedure.

Spay & Neutering Services

If you decide that you no longer wish to breed your pet, the Animal Hospital at Lake Brandt also offers both spay and neuter surgeries to prevent future pregnancies. This is a routine surgery that can help protect and preserve your pet’s general health, as well as help to combat the overpopulation of pets across the country. We can help you make this decision when you bring your pet in for a reproductive assessment.

Types of Insemination

• Transcervical Insemination – Transcervical insemination (TCI) is a technique that is popular because it can be used with any form of semen (fresh, fresh-chilled, and frozen). It is one of the few options that should be used with frozen or poor-quality semen. It is a good option for large and giant breed dogs and when only one breeding can be performed. This technique is performed with the use of an endoscope to help see the cervix. In this technique, a special instrument is used to bypass the cervix and deposit semen directly into the uterus. Sedation is typically not needed. This procedure does involve the use of specialized equipment and a trained inseminator.

• Surgical Insemination – As with TCI, reproductive veterinarians recommend that this technique be used with frozen or poor-quality semen. It is also a good choice for older females, females with poor fertility, and those with uterine pathology. This procedure does require the use of anesthesia. An incision is made into the abdomen, and the uterus is found. The semen is injected either into the uterine body or at the base of either horn. Conception rates can be as high as 100 percent when the estrus cycle has been appropriately managed.
• Artificial insemination has become a popular means of mating, and, with the development of these different techniques, it can be performed easily and with relatively good conception rates and litter sizes. The important aspect with any of these techniques is proper cycle management. If the breeding is not performed at the correct time during a female’s estrous cycle, fertility rates can suffer.
• Transvaginal Insemination – The most common and least technical method of artificial insemination is transvaginal insemination. In this technique, an insemination pipette is used to deposit semen just in front of the cervix. This technique should only be used with good quality semen (fresh or fresh-chilled) and in a female with good fertility.

For more information about our reproductive services, please call (336) 252-2208 or contact us online.