A thorough gynecological examination of a female dog may be indicated for different reasons: A young female dog should be examined for general and reproductive health before her first mating. Obstacles to mating, such as vaginal rings, must be ruled out. The optimal time for mating can be determined with the help of a mating time determination. Infectious and non-infectious causes can lead to cycle disorders, which should be treated in a timely manner. Diseases of the mammary glands are common in dogs and cats; a thorough examination enables us to provide good advice and select the right therapy.

Female dogs

Non-surgical contraception in female dogs can be achieved with GnRH implants. These chips are implanted subcutaneously and postpone the next heat for 6 to 12 months by downregulating ovarian function. A detailed consultation with the owner and examination of the female dog, including analysis of reproductive hormones ensure effectiveness of the implant and help to avoid unwanted side effects.

Progestin injections that were used in the past should be avoided, because they can cause severe side effects on the uterus and mammary glands.

Male dogs

The same GnRH implant as in females is recommended for male dogs. After implantation, the dog will be sterile for approximately eight months and fertility will be fully restored thereafter. The chip works in the same way as surgical castration, thus it can be used before surgery to assess ow the animal will change after castration. The effect can be prolonged with another implant.

Female cats

The same GnRH implant as in female dogs can be used for female cats as for female dogs, but in cats, the effect is variable and can last for an undesirably long time (up to 12 months) in breeding cats.

Progestin injections - the so-called cat pill - which was commonly used in the past, should be avoided. Female cats treated with progestins frequently experience severe side effects on the uterus and mammary glands.

A new method for breeding cats is the implantation of a melatonin chip. This chip is placed between the shoulder blades between two heat cycles and suppresses the next heat for 3-4 months. The implant can also be given after the cat has given birth. Repeated application is possible.

Male cats

The GnRH implant for male dogs can also be used for male cats, but here too the effect is variable and can last up to 24 months. Repeated application is possible. The implant suppresses undesirable male behavior such as urine marking in the home, jumping up and mounting, and in some cases also aggression and constant vocalization.

Prevention of pregnancy after unwanted matings

In female dogs and cats, development of a pregnancy after unwanted matings can be prevented with  a progesterone antagonists. These should be given twice on two subsequent days usually within the first 10 days after mating. This treatment is always recommended if an animal has been mated unintentionally. Waiting until a possible pregnancy can be detected by ultrasound is not recommended. If the animal is indeed pregnant, an abortion/fetal resorption can be induced, but this van be associated with some discomfort for the animal and is usually not easy for the owner either.

A pregnant animal requires diligent care and observation throughout its pregnancy. Immediately after a positive pregnancy diagnosis, the owner can expect recommendations on feeding and care as well as information on potential problems and advice on what to do in an emergency. Pregnant animals with problems should be presented to a veterinarian as soon as possible as delays may rapidly endanger survival of the litter. Routine examination includes vaginoscopy, diagnostic ultrasound, and hormone analysis. If a problems arise during birth, the Center for Animal Reproduction is available around the clock with an experienced team, state of the art equipment and a modern surgical theatre.

The following surgeries are performed at the Center for Animal Reproduction:

• Cesarean section
• Local gynecological procedures, including vaginal polyps, vaginal tumors, injuries, foreign bodies, removal of vaginal rings, and dorsal fold correction
• Surgical removal of mammary gland tumors
• Castration of male and female animals
• Surgery for cryptorchidism
• Local andrological procedures on the male reproductive tract, including injuries and foreign bodies
• Prostate surgery (partial resection, removal of abscesses, cysts)
• Umbilical hernia
• Bladder stones

Illnesses affecting the youngest animals must always be taken seriously. Sometimes, information provided over the phone is sufficient, but in many cases, a clinical examination of the puppies will be necessary. In most cases, it is necessary to bring the entire litter to the Center for Animal Reproduction for treatment. After a Cesarean section, the newborns can receive optimal care.

Whether breeding or companion dogs, animals should remain fit into old age. Preventive examinations, as well as targeted examinations and treatments for sick animals of all kinds, are carried out at the clinic. Semen collection and examination in breeding dogs is a special service that is useful for both young dogs before their first mating and older dogs with health or fertility problems. We are also happy to advise on castration and contraception.