Reproductive Services

Progesterone Blood Testing

Our in-house IDEXX machine allows us to run these blood tests within 15 minutes. This enables us to accurately track your female dog's progesterone levels, identifying her LH surge (luteinizing hormone) and providing the best chance of conception.

Typically, when tracking and timing a breeding, we conduct around five blood tests. However, every female is unique, and her cycle may vary each time.

Semen Collection and Analysis

With the Minitube Androscope CASA system, we take the guesswork out of semen analysis. This advanced system provides accurate readings of concentration and motility, allowing us to advise on correct dosages—particularly critical when working with frozen semen.

Semen Storage

Proper semen storage is essential to maintain quality and viability, whether for short-term use or long-term preservation. At our clinic, we offer safe and controlled storage options tailored to the needs of fresh, chilled, or frozen semen.

Frozen semen is stored in specialized liquid nitrogen tanks, ensuring it remains viable for years. This method is ideal for preserving genetics, particularly for valuable or rare sires. Chilled semen, on the other hand, is stored at carefully controlled temperatures for short-term use, typically within 24-48 hours, to maintain optimal motility and fertility.

Our team adheres to strict handling and storage protocols, ensuring that semen is properly labeled, tracked, and stored in optimal conditions. Whether you're planning an upcoming breeding or preserving valuable genetics for future use, you can trust us to provide expert care every step of the way.

Artificial Insemination (Vaginal AI)

This is only appropriate for good quality, fresh or chilled semen.

The procedure involves an AI catheter being placed and semen passed into the vagina, ideally close to the cervix. This procedure is done blind.

AI is generally recommended to be done twice, 48hrs apart.

Transcervical Insemination (TCI)

This is the best way to inseminate your female with fresh or frozen semen. There’s no need for a general anaesthetic or surgical procedure.

The procedure involves a scope that is placed to the level of the cervix, a catheter is then passed through and into the uterus. This enables the semen to be placed in the same area as it would in surgical insemination.

Recent retrospective studies suggest with correct timing, the pregnancy rates and litter sizes were superior to the surgical insemination procedure which has been used previously.

For more information about Reproduction, please contact our Vet In The Hills team.