What is New in Canine Reproduction
and That Which Lies Ahead
William Truesdale, DVM;
Director, AKC Canine Health Foundation
Since
the 1980s there has been increased scientific awareness and availability of Technology for the Canine Breeder.
An explosive veterinary and breeder interest in centers for
the collection, storage and use of canine semen is at a rapid growth. Many are
individually owned, as well as franchised facilities, within the US and worldwide (Clone, Symbiotics, ICS). Other purposes are geared in the direction of genetic counseling and health testing
(OFA, Cardiac monitoring, OD, CHIC) at this point monitoring physical health, physical exam, CBC and profiles, fecal and urine,
Brucella canis, culture for other bacteria, when indicated. There has also been
a focus on reproductive health (gonads, semen evaluation, exam of prostate, etc.).
Utilization of Frozen Semen
I. Types of Breeding with Frozen Semen
a. Standard AI
b. Transcervical Scandinavian and Endoscopic Transcervical
c. Surgical Standard, and Laproscopic Technique
II. Timing the Bitch for Frozen Semen
a. Behavior of Bitch
b. Vaginal Smears and their use
c. Vaginoscopy Changes and the cycle
d. LH Testing
e. Progesterone (The Gold Standard); RIA, Illuminescence
In-House Testing, etc.
III. DNA Testing; Paternity, and as a Vehicle to ID Dual Sired Progeny
IV. Pregnancy Determination
a. Palpation
b. X-ray
c. Relaxin Test
d. Ultrasound
e. Vaginal Cytology and Clumping Effect (Dr. E Mason ongoing study in Norfolk, VA)
V. Whelping Date
a. Estimate by Breeding/The Whelping Chart
b. LH Peak Due 65+One Day
c. Progesterone = Ovulation due 63 days conception
2-3 days post ovulation
d. Ultrasound and software to determine whelping date
e. Fetal Size
f. Progesterone less than 2 nanograms, when ready to whelp if ovulation
not determined
VI. Whelpwise: A Prenatal Care Service involved
Fetal Ultrasound
and Uterine Contraction Monitoring
VII.
Discussion
and Slides: What Lies Ahead for Canine Reproduction
a. Improved Freezing Techniques for easier use
b. Invitro Fertilization
c. Introcytoplasmic Sperm Injection
d.
Gender Selection based
on physical properties of X/Y
sperm and time of breeding and ovulation
e. Lazaron-Cloning/Cryopreservation slides to
show first litter due in 1-5 years
1. What are the ethics of this?
2. Will it be welcome by breeders and registry?
f. Weak Point: Is cultivating the Ova for Canine Cloning and Synchronizing
Estrous for Implanting of the Surrogate Dam, Cloned Embryo Not Suitable for Freezing/ VERY FRAGILE; LSU and Texas A&M
lead the way.
There is a need for research on canine fertility;
both the maintenance of and treatment for, and the funding for educating dog breeders.
Much has been said that priority one is to get our
canine supporters “breeder wise.” Much myth surrounds the dog breeding
world. Only through science and education can this be resolved.
