Canine Care

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

25-30 days post breeding we can evaluate for pregnancy and count the number of puppies we are expecting.  At this stage the number can still change if the bitch resorbs the pups or has trouble carrying a litter due to hormone imbalances. This is always an exciting day for all of us and we love to see the expectant moms and their families for ultrasounds.

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.

Semen evaluation is offered using an iSperm to get results in seconds. It can be used to check semen quality before breeding, assess how well a dog’s semen can ship and picking the right extender, or evaluating after receiving cooled or frozen semen before breeding

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Testing for luxating patellas in dogs is important for detecting a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, potentially causing pain and 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) testing is a diagnostic tool used to assess hearing in dogs, particularly in breeds prone to congenital deafness. This test measures the brain’s response to sound stimuli, determining whether a dog has normal hearing, partial hearing loss, or complete deafness in one or both ears. BAER testing is especially important for breeding programs to help reduce the incidence of hereditary deafness and ensure puppies have the best chance of leading healthy, responsive lives. This test can be performed as early as 7 weeks old.

A CBC measures red and white blood cells and platelets, helping detect anemia, infections, inflammation, and clotting issues in dogs and cats. It’s a key tool for diagnosing illness and monitoring overall health.

A Prep Profile evaluates organ function by measuring key values like kidney and liver enzymes, blood sugar, and electrolytes in dogs and cats. It helps detect early signs of disease, monitor chronic conditions, and assess overall health before procedures or treatments.

As the name suggests this is a more complete full chemistry profile that we utilize for sick, patients in house to get the most information possible in a timely manner to be able to treat sick pets immediately.

We primarily use this to monitor pets for hypo and hyperthyroidism once they’ve been diagnosed and are on medication.  Typically we use a larger full panel for the initial diagnosis such as the OFA thyroid panel through MSU.

Basic Urinalysis performed in house that can help diagnose basic urinary concerns such as glucosuria, infections, etc.

Checks for intestinal parasites in dogs and cats, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and protozoa like Giardia. These parasites can cause digestive issues, weight loss, and even serious health problems if left untreated. Regular fecal exams help detect infections early, ensuring timely treatment and preventing the spread of parasites to other pets and humans.

• Neutering can be an important part of responsible pet ownership, an intact male can be hard to maintain, have some increased health risks and behavioral problems as well as contributing to unwanted litters.  That said we do recommend waiting until the dog is close to maturity to allow the benefit of hormones for proper growth.
• Our neuter price includes an exam, anesthesia, surgical procedure, intraop pain medication and medication to go home.  Other services such as microchipping, vaccination, blood work and more can be performed at the same time for additional cost. Additional procedures must be schedule at the time of the appointment request to allow adequate time for the procedure
• Pricing
  • 1-35 lbs ($185.00)
  • 35-60 lbs ($215.00)
  • 60-90 lbs ($245.00)
  • 90-120 lbs ($285.00)
  • 120-150 lbs ($325.00)
  • 150-180 lbs ($365.00)

Scrotal ablation ($100.00) can be added in to remove the scrotum in mature males.  There is an increased risk of scrotal hematoma in adult males with pendulous testicles.

• Spaying can be an important part of responsible pet ownership, an intact female can be hard to maintain, have some increased health risks and behavioral problems as well as producing unwanted litters.  That said we do recommend waiting until the dog is close to maturity to allow the benefit of hormones for proper growth.  
• Our spay price includes an exam, anesthesia, surgical procedure, intraop pain medication and medication to go home.  Other services such as microchipping, vaccination, blood work and more can be performed at the same time for additional cost. Additional procedures must be scheduled at the time of the appointment request to allow adequate time for the procedure
• Pricing
  • 1-35 lbs ($240.00)
  • 35-60 lbs ($280.00)
  • 60-90 lbs ($320.00)
  • 90-120 lbs ($390.00)
  • 120-150 lbs ($440.00)
  • 150-180 lbs ($490.00)
  • 180-210 lbs ($540.00)
  • 210-240 lbs ($590.00)

Additional fees such as in-heat, pregnant fees, obesity fees may be assessed at time of surgery

**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, unless you choose to bring your own.

• 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.

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.