Call us

(404) 252-9200

Call us

(404) 252-9200
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Canine Reproductive Services in Sandy Springs

Trusted Reproductive Services for Dogs

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At Cliftwood Animal Hospital, we are proud to offer a wide range of cutting-edge canine reproductive services in Sandy Springs. Dr. Kestle is an expert in dog breeding, and she is passionate about sharing her knowledge and expertise with professional breeders. If you are seeking expert canine reproductive care, you are in the right place.

Reproductive Services

Our reproductive services include:
Canine semen freezing
Surgical insemination
C-sections
Fresh chilled semen
Trans-cervical insemination
Breeding soundness evaluations
Infertility workups
Artificial insemination
Semen analysis
Whelping consultations
Dr. Kestle has been freezing semen with Zoetis since 1992 and has extensive experience in the field because she has been raising champion Akitas since the 1980s. Her largest litters have always been from surgical inseminations performed with frozen semen. 

She enjoys working closely with professional breeds and helping them with pre-breeding exams, OFA, and Penn-HIP. She happily refers patients to other specialists for genetic testing. Dr. Kestle spoke at the 2008 Theriogenology Conference for Breeders and penned the article “Breeding Options In The Bitch.”

Contract

The contracts below must be completed for each dog having semen frozen and stored at Cliftwood Animal Hospital for the first time or if a client is transferring frozen semen to Cliftwood Animal Hospital from another location.
*Seven days' notice is required to ship/transfer any frozen semen. If you do not provide adequate notice, fee will be added to any and all bills. 

Canine Surgical Insemination FAQs

What is canine surgical insemination?
An abdominal incision is made after the patient has undergone anesthesia and aseptic preparation. Once the uterus is located, semen is directly injected into an anterior horn of the uterus using a small needle.

Canine Ovulation Timing

The estrus cycle in female dogs consists of four stages: 

Stage 1: Proestrus

Proestrus begins when there are observable signs of heat, including vulva swelling, the attraction of males, and bloody vaginal discharge. Hormonally, it is characterized by rising estrogen levels.

Stage 2: Estrus

This is the stage of female receptiveness, which is characterized by “flagging” and “winking.” During this time, the vulva softens and decreases in size. Discharge often changes from bloody to clear or straw-colored. Estrus levels begin with the luteinizing hormone (LH) and are characterized by rising progesterone and lowering estrogen levels. This is the stage during which ovulation and the fertile period occur.

Stage 3: Diestrus

Diestrus start eight to ten days after the LH surge, and it indicates the end of the fertile period. Progesterone levels continue to climb during this period and remain elevated whether the dog is pregnant or not. This elevated level of progesterone is necessary for maintaining a pregnancy.

Stage 4: Anestrus

Anestrus is the traditional period between one cycle and the next. Progesterone levels return to normal. This may happen gradually in a non-pregnant bitch or abruptly just before whelping. The reproductive tract rests for several months during this time, and hormonal changes occur to prepare the dog for her next heat cycle. 
very pregnant bitch

Important Hormones

Estrogen:


Serum estrogen levels increase gradually over a period of ten to fourteen days during proestrus, peak two to three days before estrus, then decline quickly. Estrogen prepares the reproductive system for breeding. Elevated estrogen levels cause: 
  • Behavior changes
  • Increases turnover rate of the cells lining the wall of the vaccine, which results in changes seen in vaginal cytology, and
  • Progressive swelling of the female reproductive tract and bloody discharge.
Blood estrogen levels are not reliable for timing breeding. They vary from one dog to another, and there is no way to standardize the results. Changes in estrogen levels also are not directly related to the fertile period.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)


Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is typically present in very small qualities. However, a significant increase in serum LH followed by a rapid return to baseline values happens in early estrus. This usually takes place over a 24-hour period. The LH surge triggers ovulation and determines the fertile period. 

The detection of a surge in the release of LH indicates impending ovulation. This hormone can be detected using urinary ovulation predictor kits performed around the time of expected ovulation. 

Progesterone


Progesterone levels remain at a low baseline level during late anestrus and proestrus, and rise when the LH surge takes place. It remains elevated for two to three months. Increased progesterone, combined with decreased estrogen, reduces swelling in the reproductive tract, and increased progesterone levels are needed to maintain pregnancy. Measurements of progesterone levels are consistent between bitches and are simple to perform. Serial blood samples may be performed to detect the initial progesterone increase that coincides with the LH surge. Breeding can be based on this parameter.

Ovulation and the Fertile Period

The LH surge triggers ovulation, which causes the ovaries to release the developing eggs. Ovulation occurs 48 hours following the surge. The eggs, or ova, cannot be fertilized immediately after being released from the ovaries. Instead, they need to mature for two to three days before sperm penetration and fertilization can occur. Once the eggs are mature, they only remain viable for two to three days before starting to degenerate. The actual fertile period lasts just two to three days and begins four to five days after the LH surge.
boston terrier bitch with her pup

Breeding Dates

Sperm can live in a bitch’s reproductive tract for five or more days in natural breeding or fresh AI from a normal healthy stud. Therefore, breeding performed a day or two before the fertile period should still be vital at peak fertility. Additional breedings during the fertile period maximize sperm numbers. We recommend breeding on days two, four, and six post-LH surge, if three breedings are possible. If not, perform two breedings between days there and seven post-surge. 

When using frozen or chilled semen or performing a natural breeding or fresh AI using a stud with compromised semen, the longevity of the sperm cell is decreased in early breedings and likely wasted. These breedings should occur during the true fertile period, which is days four through seven post LH surge.

Full-Service Animal Hospital

Canine Reproductive Services
in Sandy Springs, Georgia

To learn more about our canine reproductive services in Sandy Springs or to schedule an appointment, please reach out to us today.
Cliftwood Animal Hospital provides canine reproductive services for dogs in Sandy Springs, Atlanta, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Doraville, Chamblee, and the surrounding areas.
beagle puppy sitting

Full-Service Animal Hospital

Pet Boarding and Daycare
in Sandy Springs, Georgia

Look no further than Cliftwood Animal Hospital for pet boarding and daycare in Sandy Springs. Our staff is highly trained and takes every precaution to ensure that all of our guests remain safe and comfortable throughout the duration of their stay. And since we are also a full-service animal hospital, we’re equipped to provide expert veterinary care in the rare event that something goes wrong.
To book your stay or learn more about our daycare and boarding services, please reach out to us today.
Cliftwood Animal Hospital provides boarding and daycare services for pets in Sandy Springs, Atlanta, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Doraville, Chamblee, and the surrounding areas.
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Contact Info

Call us

(404) 252-9200

Email Address

Our Location

175 Cliftwood Dr., Atlanta, GA, 30328, US

Helpful Links

Contact Info

Call us

(404) 252-9200

Email Address

Our Location

175 Cliftwood Dr., Atlanta, GA, 30328, US

Helpful Links