PET CARE

In the process of dog breeding, to ensure the health of both the bitch and the puppies, as well as the success rate and quality of the offspring, a series of tests and evaluations are necessary.

Jul 09, 2024

In the process of dog breeding, to ensure the health of both the bitch and the puppies, as well as the success rate and quality of the offspring, a series of tests and evaluations are necessary.

These tests mainly cover the following aspects:

I. Health Examinations

  1. Heart Examination:
    The heart is a vital organ for canine life activities, and its health is particularly crucial for bitches during the breeding process.
    The heart examination typically includes auscultation, electrocardiography (ECG), and echocardiography to detect heart murmurs, abnormal heart rhythms, heart structure and function, as well as the presence of congenital heart diseases.
    For some large breeds prone to hereditary heart diseases, such as German Shepherds and Dobermans, genetic testing is also recommended before breeding.
  2. Eye Examination:
    Eyes are one of the essential sensory organs in dogs, and an examination helps detect potential ocular diseases, preventing vision issues from being passed on to the offspring.
    The eye examination typically involves visual inspection of the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, and fundus examination to observe the retina, lens, and other parts for any developmental abnormalities, infections, or genetic diseases.
    Certain breeds, like Corgis, are prone to congenital eye diseases like lens luxation, which require special attention during breeding.
  3. Reproductive System Examination:
    Primarily focused on bitches, this examination checks the uterus, ovaries, and mammary glands.
    Ultrasonography can observe the structure and function of the uterus and ovaries, ruling out conditions like pyometra and ovarian cysts.
    Mammary gland examination assesses their health and the presence of any diseases.
    For male dogs, pre-breeding semen analysis is also crucial to evaluate their fertility.
  4. Blood Routine and Biochemical Examinations:
    Blood routine examination provides information on blood cells, helping diagnose anemia or abnormal white blood cell counts.
    Biochemical examination assesses the function and metabolic status of internal organs, detecting organ damage or bleeding.
  5. Blood Coagulation Examination:
    Checks if the body's coagulation function is normal to prevent postpartum hemorrhage or similar complications.

II. Hereditary Disease Screening

Genetic Testing and Hereditary Disease Screening: An essential step before breeding, these tests analyze the dog's genome and genetic history to prevent and avoid passing on hereditary diseases to offspring.
Common hereditary diseases include congenital eye diseases, osteochondrodysplasias, and hereditary anemias.
Genetic testing can identify carriers of these diseases, facilitating better mating decisions.

III. Progesterone Testing

Progesterone testing is crucial for determining the bitch's ovulation cycle and optimal breeding time.
By monitoring changes in progesterone levels, it accurately predicts when the eggs are released and mature, enhancing conception rates and breeding success.

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