Artificial Insemination (AI): The Process Explained

What is AI?
Artificial insemination involves collecting semen from a stud dog and directly placing it into the female’s reproductive tract. This method allows for controlled and successful breeding without the need for natural mating, especially when the stud is unavailable locally.

When to Perform AI?
The key to successful AI is timing. Progesterone testing determines when a female is ovulating, and AI should be performed when the progesterone levels are in the optimal range of 15-28 ng/ml (nanograms per milliliter). This level indicates that ovulation has occurred, and the eggs are at their softest, ensuring the best chance of successful fertilization. We recommend scheduling AI 1-2 days after reaching this range.

Why Use AI?
AI is an effective solution when:

• Stud Availability: The stud dog is in a different location, and semen can be shipped.
• Health & Size Concerns: Natural breeding isn’t possible due to health or size differences.
• Precision: AI allows for precise timing, maximizing the chance of conception by ensuring breeding happens at the most fertile moment.

How the AI Process Works

1. Semen Collection: Fresh or chilled semen is collected from the stud and handled carefully to preserve its quality for insemination.
2. Preparation: Progesterone levels are monitored to pinpoint ovulation, ensuring the insemination occurs at the ideal time for the female to conceive.
3. Insemination: The semen is placed directly into the female’s reproductive tract. Our method is non-invasive, focusing on vaginal AI. We do not perform Transcervical Insemination (TCI) or surgical AI, as these methods may not offer significant advantages and can introduce bacteria into the cervix, according to recent veterinary insights.
4. Monitoring: After insemination, we monitor the female closely to confirm pregnancy, offering ultrasound checks and continued support throughout the pregnancy journey.

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Take advantage of this incredible deal to ensure the safe delivery of your litters with expert care at an unbeatable price.

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C-Sections with Dr. Roach

For breeders who require a c-section, Raw & Paw Co. partners with Dr. Roach at Holistic Pet Care Center to ensure a safe and professional delivery for your dog.

Why Choose a C-Section?
C-sections are often necessary for breeds that have difficulty whelping naturally or when there are complications during pregnancy. Our c-section services prioritize the health and safety of both the mother and her puppies, ensuring they are delivered with expert care.

Scheduled vs. Emergency C-Sections

• Scheduled C-Sections: $1500
  Pre-arranged c-sections are ideal for breeds known to have difficulty with natural births. These can be timed based on progesterone testing and ultrasound results to ensure optimal delivery.
• Emergency C-Sections: $2000
  For unexpected complications or when labor isn’t progressing as expected, emergency c-sections are available to provide immediate assistance and safe delivery.

How to Schedule
C-sections are performed at the Holistic Pet Care Center with Dr. Roach. Scheduled c-sections can be arranged in advance, and emergency services are available when needed.

Progesterone Testing (PGs): What You Need to Know

Who Needs It?
Any breeder looking to optimize their dog's breeding window for the best possible outcomes. Whether you're a first-timer or seasoned pro, progesterone testing helps pinpoint the ideal time for breeding.

When to Test?
It's best to start progesterone testing on day 5-7 from the first sign of heat to establish a baseline. From there, we recommend testing every 48 hours to monitor the progesterone rise. Timing is everything, and early tests give us the insight to know when the eggs are soft enough for optimal fertilization.

Where to Get Tested?
We offer progesterone testing right here at Raw & Paw Co. Midwest City, using the reliable AIA360 machine. Results are quick, and our fertility team will guide you through the entire process. Tests are available during specific hours, or by appointment.

Why Test?
Timing is key to a successful breeding. Progesterone testing helps determine the precise window for breeding when your dog’s eggs are at their softest for the best chance of conception. Guesswork is no longer necessary—let science do the heavy lifting.

How It Works
Progesterone is a hormone that rises as your dog’s heat cycle progresses. Testing tracks these levels to ensure that the timing for insemination is perfect. We aim for numbers in the range of 5-8 ng/ml for softer eggs, indicating it's time for breeding. Higher levels show that ovulation is complete, and it's the best time to breed.

Puppy Whelping: Tips & Tricks

Bringing home newborn puppies after a c-section can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Here are some essential tips and tricks to ensure your puppies and their mother have a smooth and safe transition:

1. Get Puppies Nursing ASAP
   Puppies need to nurse on their mother as quickly as possible after birth to receive vital colostrum, which is packed with antibodies. Once you get home from the c-section, get them nursing right away.
2. Create a Safe, Secure Area for Mom
   Keep the mother in a secure, comfortable area where she can care for her puppies without distractions. Always stay with her during feedings to prevent accidents, as some mothers may accidentally sit on their puppies.
3. Monitor Feedings Every 2 Hours
   Puppies need to eat every 2 hours for the first 3 weeks of life. Always supervise feeding sessions to ensure each puppy is getting enough milk.
4. Weigh Before and After Feedings
   Weigh each puppy before and after feeding to track how much milk they’re getting. This helps ensure they are consuming enough. Use an app like Breedera to track these weights easily and monitor their growth.
5. Supplemental Feeding If Necessary
   If any of the puppies are not gaining enough weight or seem to be struggling, you may need to bottle feed. We find it easiest to use a syringe with a nipple at the end, feeding them slowly to prevent overfeeding or choking.
6. Monitor Weight Gain
   Puppies should gain approximately 5-10% of their body weight each day. For example, a 10-ounce puppy should gain about 0.5 to 1 ounce daily. Weighing them daily will help you track this steady growth and ensure they are getting enough milk.

Reverse Progesterone (PG) Testing

At Raw & Paw Co., we offer reverse progesterone testing to help breeders determine the optimal timing for a scheduled c-section or to ensure that whelping is progressing as expected. This test measures the decline in progesterone levels, which indicates when labor is imminent.

Why Reverse PG Testing?
Reverse progesterone testing helps ensure that puppies are delivered at the safest time. Progesterone levels naturally decrease as the pregnancy progresses, and a drop below 2 ng/ml typically signals that labor will occur within 24-48 hours. This test helps time a c-section or assess if the female is ready for natural delivery.

When Should You Test?
Reverse PG testing is recommended as your dog approaches the due date, especially if you're planning a c-section or want to closely monitor the labor process.

Where is it Done?
All reverse progesterone testing is conveniently performed at Raw & Paw Co. Results are quick, allowing breeders to make informed decisions about delivery.

Taking Care of Momma: Post-Delivery Tips

After the delivery, it's essential to take good care of the mother dog, as nursing puppies can deplete her energy and nutrient levels. Here are some tips to ensure she stays healthy while caring for her litter:

1. Feed Her Generously
   Let her eat more than usual—whatever she wants to eat. Nursing puppies take a lot out of her, so it's important she gets enough food to replenish her strength. High-quality, nutrient-rich foods are best.
   
2. Keep Her Hydrated
   Make sure she’s drinking enough water. Dehydration can be common during nursing, so always keep a fresh supply available.
   
3. Supplement with Calcium & Vitamin D
   Adding calcium and vitamin D supplements to her food is important to support her body during this demanding time. Nursing can drain her calcium levels, leading to issues like panting or restlessness.
   
4. Watch for Signs of Low Calcium
   If she is panting excessively or seems overly anxious, she may need more calcium. Be proactive by ensuring she gets enough through her diet and supplements.
   
5. Schedule a Post-Delivery Checkup
   Schedule an appointment with Dr. Roach about a week after delivery to have her levels checked. This helps ensure her calcium, vitamin D, and overall health are in balance as she continues to nurse the puppies.

Ultrasound Scans for Breeding

Ultrasound scans are an important part of confirming pregnancy and monitoring the development of puppies. At Raw & Paw Co., we offer ultrasound services with Dr. Roach, performed at the Holistic Pet Care Center office.

What’s Included?
Ultrasound scans allow you to:

• Confirm pregnancy
• Monitor fetal development
• Estimate litter size
• Check for potential complications

How to Schedule
Ultrasound appointments can be scheduled directly through Raw & Paw Co., making it easy for you to manage all your breeding needs in one place.

Price
$60

Pre-Breeding Vet Exam & Nutritional Testing

Before breeding, a required pre-breeding exam ensures your dog’s health is in peak condition. At Raw & Paw Co., we offer this service with Dr. Roach, giving breeders confidence in their dog's readiness.

Pre-Breeding Exam

• Cost: $50
• Appointments: Required during available times on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7 PM.
• For other times: Please call us or go on our website to schedule.
• Location: Raw & Paw Co.

This essential exam covers general health, preparing your dog for a successful breeding.

Additional Testing (Optional)
All additional testing is offered at an extra cost and includes:

• Nutritional Testing ($250): Vitamin D, Magnesium, B12, Folate, CRP, HA.
• Omega Testing ($70): Omega fatty acid levels.
• Chem 10 Panel ($100): Basic metabolic panel.
• Chem 17 Panel with Calcium ($135): Includes calcium levels for detailed metabolic function.
• CBC (Complete Blood Count) ($50): Checks for overall health and any underlying issues.

How to Schedule
Appointments are required for the pre-breeding exam. Call us for availability outside our regular times.

Whelpwise Monitoring with Dr. Roach

For breeders looking to monitor their dog's health during the final weeks of pregnancy and after delivery, Dr. Roach can connect you with Whelpwise. Whelpwise offers advanced monitoring systems to ensure the well-being of both the mother and puppies.

What Whelpwise Offers:

• Fetal Monitors: Keep track of the puppies’ heart rates and detect any issues before labor.
• Contraction Monitors: Monitor the mother’s contractions to ensure labor is progressing as expected.
• Extensive Information: Access valuable resources to guide you through the critical stages of pregnancy and whelping.

Visit Whelpwise to learn more or schedule an appointment with Dr. Roach for further details.