Infertility in Bitches and Dogs
wA common reason for a bitch not to become pregnant is poor breeding management. If breeding takes place when she is not fertile, she will not become pregnant. Length of cycles vary from bitch to bitch, so it is important to breed a bitch according to her cycle, not a specific schedule.
wIf an experienced male is being used, it is ideal to allow him to breed her every other day as long as she is willing to stand. This may begin on day 3 of her cycle or day 21.
wThe study of the vaginal cells microscopically and measuring the amount of progesterone in her blood (a hormone produced by the ovaries which is responsible for the continuation of pregnancy) may be done to help time the breedings. This is even more important if artificial insemination is being performed.
wSome bitches will not allow certain dogs to mate with them. This may be due to the male being a housemate or not having met previous to the breeding time. I am sure that you have all had an experience where some bitches just do not like certain males.
wSome submissive males will not mate with a more dominant female. If either the male or the female refuse to breed, it may be worth trying another male to see if she has a preference. Bitches may be bred by more than one dog resulting in one litter of puppies with more than one sire.
wOverweight or underweight bitches tend to have more problems conceiving and delivering. Other health problems, especially hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism can also affect fertility.
wMales may also have infertility problems including a decreased sperm count, poor sperm structure, or poor sperm motility. These may be genetic problems or due to injury or illness.
wCollecting a semen sample from the male and having it analyzed should be an early step in determining the problem. Infections such as brucellosis are also capable of causing sterility.
wProblems such as poor timing of breeding are usually easy to fix. Other problems are more difficult. Reproductive specialists are available at the UK veterinary teaching hospitals for assistance, if needed.
wGive careful thought to attempting to obtain a successful pregnancy in dogs with infertility problems. The infertility problems that the male or the female have may be passed genetically to the offspring and the trait carried on to future generations.
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