The Good Dog Pod

Dr. Peggy Root explains how a breeding soundness examination and semen evaluation are important in determining fertility in male dogs. This webinar also delves into less commonly used tests that aid fertility understanding, such as testicular ultrasound, hypoosmotic swelling testing, and assessment for acrosomal integrity and DNA damage.

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Carla Barstow, DVM, MS, DACT explains how to use puppy APGAR scoring to recognize distress in neonates. Designed to capture puppy vitality, the puppy APGAR scoring system rates neonatal performance in five areas that are key to survival.

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Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, DVM, CCRT, CVAT teaches us about important nutrients for puppies, offer practical advice to support their immune system and provide useful guidance to help set them up for lifelong health and success.

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Adam Boyko, PhD continues his conversation on the coefficient of inbreeding (COI). This webinar focuses on genetic diversity, and addresses the balance between breeding healthy, genetically sound dogs while conforming to the breed standard. New genomic methods have advanced the way conservation geneticists think about population genetic health and provide insights into strategies for preserving and improving genetic health in dogs.

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Advances in genomics have made accurate COI measurements easier than ever, but understanding how to interpret these values and why they often differ substantially from pedigree-based COI estimates can be tricky. Adam Boyko, PhD does a deep dive into genetics to help you learn all about COI – what it measures, how it’s calculated, and why it’s important.

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Fran Smith, DVM, PhD, DACT discusses how to select breeding stock to help you improve your breeding outcomes.

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Julie Cecere, DVM, MS, DACT discusses the current research related to types of artificial insemination and semen processing for better breeding outcomes. Can differences in the route of insemination, types of semen, and owner versus veterinary handling impact pregnancy rates, litter sizes and overall outcomes?

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Discover the limits and benefits of a dog’s genetic evaluation versus its phenotypic diagnostics. Both can be used effectively to have a powerful impact on your bloodline.

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Gain practical knowledge about the essentials of safely managing the whelping process and supporting puppies through their earliest, most critical weeks. Learn about preparation, hands-on techniques, early health monitoring and best practices for setting puppies up for a strong, healthy start.

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Andrea Hesser, DVM, DACT explore facts and fiction regarding some of the most common myths in canine reproduction.

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Capture the science behind the next generation of specialized Pro Plan nutrition. Pro Plan AdvantEDGE Digestive Support Plus Salmon & Oat Meal and Pro Plan Advantage Senior Support Plus Chicken & Rice are powerful, triple-action formulas backed by years of research to deliver life-changing support for digestive health or healthy aging. These breakthrough formulations target the nutritional needs of adult dogs and include formulas for small-breed and large-breed adult dogs.

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What is the earliest age at which you should breed a female? How should you house brood females and stud dogs? What routine testing or veterinary care should be provided over a female or stud dog’s breeding life? Peggy Root Kustritz, DVM, PhD, DACT reviews common practices and recommendations from reproduction veterinarians to help you make informed decisions in your breeding program.

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Transcervical insemination has evolved to become an efficient breeding tool since its beginning in the 1970s. Joshua Trumble, DVM discusses a study conducted by theriogenologists at Ohio State University which looked at using semen and sedation types to predict pregnancy rate and litter size.

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Learn from the president of the OFA, Fran Smith, DVM PhD DACT, about the history of the Canine Health Information Center and how breed health tests can be used in your breeding program to produce healthy dogs. Find out who the specialty groups are who validate the tests and how they can help you learn to use these tests to benefit your dogs.

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Andrea Hesser, DVM DACT gives a step-by-step walkthrough of a frozen semen appointment to help you understand what to expect. In addition, learn what can be done to save sperm postmortem or in crisis situations.

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Dr. Smith, Dr. Barstow, and Dr. Cecere joined us for a Roundtable Q&A where they answered your questions about breeding. Learn about everything from progesterone to artificial insemination in this session.

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Discover the differences between neonates and adult dogs and why the first few weeks of life are critical. Learn about optimal husbandry, emergent conditions, support of the neonate and when to involve your veterinarian.

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Assessing a dog’s health and genetic background prior to breeding are key to minimizing the risk of passing on inherited diseases to offspring. Dr. Carla Barstow explains what’s involved in making informed breeding decisions.

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Fran Smith, DVM PhD DACT discusses how to avoid common problems with breeding. The number one cause of reproductive failure is improper timing. Learn about normal cycling behavior, cycle intervals and progesterone testing to help you determine the ideal time to breed your female. Learn about breeding options from natural service to side-by-side AI to chilled and frozen semen.

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RuthAnn Lobos DVM, CCRT, CVAT addresses the common claims made around supplements, explaining the quality, safety, and efficacy of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements.

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Victor Stora DVM, DACT, reviews the the art and science of keeping your stud dog fertile. Dr. Stora covers libido fluctuations, semen collection tips, nutritional support, infection prevention and aging strategies.

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Andrea Hesser, DVM DACT joins us from Purina to discuss what to do in the case of an unplanned breeding, including the medical options for terminating an 'oops' pregnancy.

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Understanding normal oral anatomy will help you detect common abnormalities to look for when evaluating the oral health of puppies. Christopher Smithson DVM, DAVCD, & Emily Duca, DVM join us to discuss malocclusions, missing teeth and periodontal teeth along with some recommendations for new puppy owners on when to seek veterinary care and treatment.

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Fran Smith, DVM PhD DACT, joins us from Purina to discuss current DNA technology, including single versus panel tests. Learn how to understand risk assessment from a single gene disease test and how to know if a test result is meaningful.

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Martha G Cline, DVM DACVIM (Nutrition), joins us from Purina to discuss how to read pet food labels effectively, and how you can make informed dietary choices for your dogs.

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Dr. Andrea Hesser, DVM, DACT, joins us from Purina to teach us about the most common ailments in canine breeding programs that affect conception and carriage of pregnancy, including diagnosis and treatment options.

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Breeders hold the blueprint of their dogs’ future in their hands. Understanding the hereditary links and the role of selective breeding is vital to reducing cancer prevalence. Being proactive, rather than reactive, is important. Every decision a breeder makes shapes the next generation of dogs. Hear from Victor Stora DVM, DACT to learn what you can do to improve your breeding outcomes.

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RuthAnn Lobos DVM, CCRT, CVAT joins us from Purina to host an in depth discussion about proper life stage nutrition.

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We're joined this week by Dr. Micah Halpern, the founder and principal scientist at GenSol Diagnostics, to discuss how genetic health testing works and how it can lead to better breeding decisions. Learn about the basics of genetic health testing, the pros and cons for different testing options, and how to make breeding decisions based on genetic test results.

Dr. Julie Cecere, DVM MS DACT, joins us from Purina to discuss common prescription drugs and whether they are suitable for breeding dogs and neonates.

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Fran Smith, DVM PhD DACT joins us from Purina to explain how a dog’s anatomy can cause patellar luxation, or a “slipped stifle.” Learn about the prevalence of this painful genetic condition and how it is diagnosed and treated.

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Martha G Cline, DVM DACVIM (Nutrition) joins us from Purina to discuss the impact of probiotics on a dog's health at all life stages.

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Dr. Carla Barstow explains the clinical signs and best practices for dealing with common emergency conditions in females including pyometra, dystocia and post-partum complications. Dr. Barstow also addresses common emergencies in males.

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Dr. Laurie J. Larson, DVM, a veterinary immunology expert, explains how canine core viral vaccines work and what nomograph analysis can do to help improve our puppies’ chances of reaching full immunity.

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Dr. Fran Smith, DVM, President of the OFA, teaches our community how canine health testing can benefit your breeding program. She also shares insights into the history of OFA, its mission, and process for selecting health tests.

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Drs. Kate Aicher and Lea Poellmann discuss the emerging parasite (heterobilharzia americana) that causes canine liver flukes, also known as canine schistosomiasis. This presentation covers the life cycle of the parasite, how dogs become infected, as well as symptoms of, testing for, and treatment of infection.

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Dr. Andrea Hesser, a veterinarian specialized in theriogenology, provides a comprehensive overview of what you need in your whelping toolkit. The presentation covers essential and emerging approaches to pregnancy management, whelping equipment and support, and early puppy care. This review is not only for people with free-whelping breeds, but also for those who are planning elective C-sections.

Watch the video version of the presentation here. We'll be back in January for more educational podcast episodes!

Dr. Cheryl Lopate continues our discussion about providing optimal care of a brood female throughout pregnancy and lactation. We review whelping box considerations to help you set up a dam, so she can provide excellent care for her neonates.

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Dr. Cheryl Lopate discusses the best age to breed a female, why health clearances are important, and how genetic testing can help evaluate potential mates.

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Dr. Carla Barstow joins us for part two of her discussion about the tips & tricks you need to know for the best possible breeding outcomes. We close this year's symposium with an invaluable discussion on the myths and facts surrounding breeding.

Watch the video recording of this presentation here. You can also catch part 1 here.