Advances in Canine Reproductive Technology By D.J. Wolover, B.S. and Dr. Jesse Sondel, DVM Spring Harbor Animal Hospital 5129 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705 The goal of any reproductive clinic is to help clients make reproductive programs more efficient while enabling them to expand genetic potential over increasing periods of distance and time. This is achievable by utilizing available state-of-the-art technology in cycle timing, semen evaluation, cryopreservation and shipping of semen, pregnancy diagnosis, and whelping. Any breeder knows the range of issues that can arise in determining where a bitch is in her cycle. Past techniques have included vaginal swabs, body temperature changes, and Lutenizing Hormone (LH) levels. As demands for faster, more accurate results increase, growing numbers of clinics are turning to blood progesterone tests. The test quantitatively determines where a bitch is in her cycle, and therefore, when breeding should occur. The quality of a stud’s semen is a second area of concern to breeders. Until recently, a sample drop was placed under a microscope and scored on a qualitative basis. Now, computer software can quantify multiple values, removing the human variable. Accounting for sample size and dilution ratios, it provides a total number of sperm present, number of alive sperm, and number of alive sperm moving forward. This information can help track a stud’s fertility over time, or help identify and treat infections affecting his reproductive system. Newer technology has also made shipping more reliable. Today’s shippers, in addition to various extenders, help clinicians keep chilled samples viable for up to ten days post-collection. Frozen samples are becoming more viable through advances in freezing techniques paired with advanced analytical methods. Older methods of freezing caused considerable cell death, thus resulting in decreased conception rates. Computer controlled rate freezing methods have been shown to result in better post-thaw motility and sperm numbers. Frozen shipping has also become simpler and less hazardous. “Dry” shippers are available that, once charged with liquid nitrogen (LiN), keep a sample frozen up to a week. These shippers also eliminate the need for a hazardous chemical license since all excess LiN is drained from the unit prior to mailing. Ultimately, the goal of this technology is more puppies per litter. Once an insemination is performed, a blood test can be done 30 days later to confirm pregnancy. One week prior to the due date, digital x-rays allow the owner and veterinarian to approximate the number of pups due, thus helping prevent complications. Delivering litters via Cesarean section, when needed, is also becoming safer. Using a combination of IV drugs and blockers, the bitch is safely sedated, while pups are not exposed to inhalational anesthesia. Meaning, the pups are awake when delivered and not subject to the negative effects of anesthesia, increasing the number of pups that survive the procedure, compared to other anesthetic protocols. As is apparent from the above examples, numerous advances in reproductive technology can prove invaluable to the breeder. By using improved timing techniques, quantitative semen analysis, and advances in pregnancy diagnoses and whelping procedures, reproductive clinicians and breeders can help increase litter size while also breeding animals that have been separated by distance and time.