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Breeder Support Services

Prices are current as of May 1, 2025.  Prices are subject to review and Horse Sense Vet reserves the right to adjust prices without notice.  Medication and consumable prices are changing more rapidly than ever and we have to adjust as that changes.  We do our best to make our services affordable, but some costs are beyond our control and we hope you understand.

A deep love for animals and a genuine understanding of the unique needs of dog breeders drive our commitment to providing exceptional veterinary care. We recognize the dedication it takes to raise healthy, well-socialized puppies, and we’re here to support breeders with expert guidance, preventive care, and breeding services. Our goal is to build lasting partnerships that ensure every litter starts life with the best possible foundation.

Horse Sense Vet

Breeder Wellness Plan

We have a breeder VIP plan available that allows a breeder to make payments over the course of a year to cover the below listed breeding costs.

  • Progesterone Test (up to 3 test)
  • Brucellosis Test
  • Ultrasound Pregnancy Check & Count
  • Puppy First Examination (up to 6 puppies)
  • Puppy Vaccines Booster (up to 6 doses)
  • Puppy Microchipping (up to 6 puppies)
Breeder VIP Plan

Litter exams

Litter exams are typically performed at the time of first vaccination prior to the puppies going to their new home. They are given a thorough exam and a form is sent home with the breeder for each puppy, noting any abnormalities. These are not exams for evaluating for show/breeding prospects, but covers health concerns. We can however assist with stacked photos during the exam if time allows.

$30.00/Puppy

Ear Cropping

**Ear cropping appointments require a non-refundable 100.00 deposit before scheduling.  This appointment is NON-REFUNABLE for any reason**  If you miss the appointment you will have to pay an additional deposit to reschedule.

  • Ear cropping is a time sensitive procedure and we recommend it being done between 8-12 weeks of age depending on the type of crop that is desired.  We require a consultation ahead of making the appointment to make sure you have a full understanding of all that is entailed to make sure the crop is successful. We require a photo of the crop that is desired since verbal explanations can be unclear.  All crops are sent home with antibiotics, oral pain medication and topical pain medication. The first two ear postings are included and we encourage people to record them if they plan posting themselves after that.  We can continue posting at $30.00 per post and typically it needs to be done weekly. E-collars are required but an additional charge.
  • The surgery is only the beginning of this process that can take up to 2 years of posting to attain beautiful results depending on the type and length of ear crop.  We recommend owners do a lot of research to understand the commitment involved.
  • We are committed to help you with a crop to get it to stand appropriately.  We take this surgery very seriously and want a beautiful outcome.  We are also available for ear crop revisions from other practices if needed.

OFA Testing

OFA Health Testing

Health testing is a critical component of breeding allowing us to evaluate the health of the breeding dogs with the goal of producing the best puppies possible. Below are the testing that we are able to offer on an appointment basis.  Please use the guides at http://ofa.org to check what tests are recommended for your breed.

*OFA Submission fees are in addition to the costs listed above.

We do host OFA health testing clinics where we may able to bring in specialists that can allow evaluation of Eyes and more advanced Cardiac certification. Please contact us for more information on when our next clinic will be or check the OFA website for nearby clinics

CHV Testing

Testing for Canine Herpes virus prior to breeding can be recommended for bitches that have lost litters unexpectedly or are at a high risk for being exposed to the virus.  This test is performed by WSU and can take up to 6 weeks to be returned, please plan accordingly to make sure you have results before breeding.

$100.00 + shipping cost

Brucella Testing

Testing for Brucella is recommended in any breeding dog before breeding, both male and female.  This transmissible disease is on the rise in the US and can be transmitted by other means than breeding.  It can be difficult to cure this disease and it can be a cause of infertility in dogs.  This disease also has the chance of being passed to humans, making testing even more important.

$130.00

Progesterone Testing

In House Progesterone Testing

Timing for breeding is critical if you are using shipped or frozen semen, for breeding dogs that require c-sections to whelp puppies.  Our machine is in-house and gives reputable numbers comparable to the IDEXX gold standard in about an hour.

**Progesterone testing needs to be performed before 4 PM to allow time to process the sample before closing

$75.00

Semen Collection

Semen Collection/Evaluation

Semen collection is available for both cooled semen to be shipped as well as for use In-house for AI/SI/or TCI.  Bringing a teaser in season is always recommended, especially for novice males.  We will not attempt to collect highly anxious animals.

$60.00

Neonatal Dewclaw/Tail Docking

To meet breed standards we do perform dewclaw removal and tail docking between 3-5 days of age. Breeders are required to approve the lengths of the tails if they are deviating from the breed standard.

(3-5 days) ($15.00/puppy)

Please contact our clinic if you need additional information.  Fees listed above are not necessarily inclusive and other services may be required, we recommend contacting the clinic for a full quote on desired procedures.

An Urgent Same Day fee may be assessed for c-sections that require rearranging our appointment schedule to make room during regular business hours.

After hours or Emergency fees may be assessed if the procedure requires staff to come in on the weekend or stay after hours.

Fresh Cooled Semen Shipping

We can collect semen for shipping, we recommend bringing a teaser bitch for inexperienced dogs to make sure it is a successful experience for them.  We recommend semen extender testing if you plan on shipping frequently to find the optimal extender for your male.  Typically we use the ISCB Puppy Pak but we can test semen with other extenders if requested.

Artificial Insemination

AI is the least technical form of assisted breeding.  It involves using a pipette to deposit semen in the cranial vagina.  It can be used for fresh or cooled semen, but is not recommended for Frozen semen.  Semen collection and/or evaluation is an additional cost.

$100.00

Surgical

Surgical implant requires parenteral anesthesia and a small incision on the abdomen to allow insemination into the uterine horns using a small catheter penetrating each horn.  This is also useful for small collections and poor quality semen and frozen semen as it can allow breeding at a time when the cervix may have closed. This can be used with fresh, cooled or frozen semen. Progesterone timing is required for this procedure and we require either the use of our in house Mini Vidas Testing or testing through IDEXX lab testing.  Semen collection and/or evaluation is an additional cost.

We are able to use any of the methods to assist you in breeding your dog, but which one may be the right choice can vary with every dog, every pregnancy and every semen sample.  Breeding is definitely not a one size fits all situation and we are here to help navigate those options.

$600.00

Trans-cervical insemination

TCI Uses a semi-rigid endoscope to allow visualization of the cervix, pass a catheter directly into the uterine body and deposit the semen closer to the actual eggs.  This can be useful when the semen is poor quality or there is a small amount. This can be used with fresh, cooled or frozen semen. Progesterone timing is required for this procedure and we require either the use of our in house Mini Vidas Testing or testing through IDEXX lab testing.  Semen collection and/or evaluation is an additional cost.

$285.000

Ultrasound

Ultrasounds for pregnancy verification can be performed between 25-30 days post ovulation/breeding.  A fairly accurate count of puppies can be performed during that window, however it is possible for a dam to resort or lose puppies after the ultrasound scan is done so we recommend a fetal count radiograph for the most accurate count closer to the whelping date

$60.00

C-section with Progesterone Timing

  • Ideal care for a dam that is needing a c-section would start with establishing care with us prior to breeding so that we can follow her through her pregnancy to her c-section providing assistance where needed. Cost for the C-section can vary based on how involved we have been through the breeding and pregnancy. Non-client emergency C-sections are the most expensive option. We have years of experience with English Bulldogs and French bulldogs as well as other breeds and are easily able to accommodate the anesthetic requirements needed by brachycephalic breeds.
  • Scheduled C-sections in dogs are surgical procedures typically performed when there are concerns about complications during natural birth. This may be necessary in cases of breed necessity, large litters, improper positioning of puppies, or maternal health issues that make a vaginal delivery risky. The procedure is done under general anesthesia, and the puppies are delivered via incision in the abdomen. It allows us to ensure the safety of both the mother and her puppies, especially when other delivery methods are not viable. Post-surgery, the mother is monitored for recovery, and the puppies are typically given immediate care for their health.
  • We monitor the timing of the c-section using progesterone testing as well as maternal readiness and behavior. Our goal is to deliver high risk litters happy and healthily with minimal risk for the dam.
  • Please bring a box or container with bedding to take the puppies home in, we do have warmers and tube feeding kit as and milk replacer available for purchase if needed.
  • Dams go home with their puppies shortly after recovery from anesthesia and may need help in Care of the dam before breeding and during pregnancy Healthy puppies start with healthy parents.

We recommend that the dam be updated on vaccines before her heat starts to provide high quality colostrum to protect the puppies after birth. We do not recommend vaccinating once her heat has begun.

We recommend deworming the dam with Interceptor Plus prior to breeding and having a fecal run to make sure she is parasite free.

We recommend she be fed good quality food and monitored for her appetite. Some dams can have trouble in pregnancy where they don’t want to eat and this is concerning for the dam and her puppies. Losing weight can mean smaller weaker puppies and a lack of milk production from the dam. We recommend having a milk replacer available if needed. We can provide one or give you a recipe for a good homemade milk replacer. Cow’s milk is not appropriate.

In the last week of pregnancy we recommend monitored her rectal temperature twice daily to look for a drop in temp below 99.0F. A temperature drop below 99.0 typically means labor is imminent in the next 12-24 hours

Stage I labor (pre-labor) can last for up to 12 hours and may include nesting, refusing food, vomiting. You may see mucous discharge from her vulva, but she hasn’t started active labor yet. If however you see any bloody or green discharge without a puppy being produced we recommend you contact us or an emergency vet as soon as possible.

Stage II (Active) labor involves vigorous contractions to birth the puppies and our guideline is allowing a 20-30 minutes of  active pushing before being concerned. If 30 minutes has elapsed without producing a puppy we recommend contacting us for further guidance in case the dam may need a c-section. It is not unusual for a dam to rest between puppies, however a rest longer that 4 hours may indicate a problem.

Dental Exam

Dentition is often part of a breed standard and most require the dog to have all 42 teeth present.  We will verify that the teeth are all present and accounted for, or if any are missing we will note which ones.

$10.00

Patella Exam

Testing for luxating patellas in dogs is important for detecting a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, causing pain and potential long-term joint damage. This is particularly valuable for small breeds, which are more prone to luxating patellas. Testing provides information on whether that dog should be considered for breeding.

$15.00

Basic Cardiac Exam

Basic Cardiac test is a screening exam for dogs to evaluate heart health, specifically to detect congenital or inherited heart conditions. During the test, a veterinarian listens to the dog’s heart for any abnormal sounds, such as murmurs or irregular rhythms, which could indicate heart disease. Abnormal results may indicate a need for further testing such as Echocardiogram

$35.00

MSU OFA Thyroid Testing

Full thyroid panel testing for breeding dogs offers several benefits, including identifying thyroid imbalances that may affect fertility, health, and overall well-being. By assessing the thyroid’s function, breeders can detect hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism early, ensuring that dogs are in optimal health before breeding. This helps prevent passing on hereditary thyroid issues, improving the chances of healthy puppies and reducing the risk of complications in both the dam and sire.

$170.00

Hip and Elbow Radiographs

Evaluating breeding dogs for hip dysplasia is essential to reduce the risk of passing this hereditary condition to offspring. Hip dysplasia can lead to pain, mobility issues, and costly medical interventions, including surgery. By screening dogs through methods like radiographs and orthopedic evaluations, breeders can make informed decisions, selecting only those with healthy hips for breeding. This proactive approach helps improve the overall health and longevity of future generations, promoting better quality of life for the dogs and their owners.

$250.00* +/-sedation

Spinal Radiographs

Performing spinal radiographs on breeding dogs, especially French Bulldogs, is crucial for identifying congenital and developmental spinal abnormalities such as hemivertebrae, vertebral malformations, and intervertebral disc disease. These conditions can lead to pain, mobility issues, and neurological deficits. Since French Bulldogs are prone to spinal disorders, screening potential breeding dogs helps reduce the risk of passing on severe abnormalities, promoting healthier litters and improving overall breed welfare.

Tracheal Radiographs

Performing tracheal radiographs on breeding dogs is important for identifying structural abnormalities such as tracheal hypoplasia, which is common in brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs. A narrow or underdeveloped trachea can lead to breathing difficulties, exercise intolerance, and an increased risk of respiratory distress. Screening breeding dogs helps prevent passing these issues to offspring, promoting healthier airways and overall well-being in future generations.