Whether you are planning a litter, monitoring a pregnancy or making decisions about neutering, reproductive health is a significant aspect of your pet's lifetime care. At OC Pets we support breeders with in-house progesterone testing for precise ovulation timing, carry out full reproductive health assessments before breeding, provide ultrasound confirmation of pregnancy and perform surgical procedures including caesarean sections and neutering. We also see dogs with reproductive disorders including pyometra, cryptorchidism and reproductive tumours.
Pre-Breeding Health Assessment
A pre-breeding examination establishes that both the male and female are in good health before breeding. This includes a full physical examination, confirmation that vaccines and parasite prevention are current, and assessment of any breed-specific health concerns.
Brucella canis testing (a bacterial infection transmissible during mating and from dam to pups) is strongly recommended as a standard pre-breeding precaution for all dogs. A positive result has significant implications for the breeding pair and any humans in close contact.
In-House Progesterone Testing
Accurate ovulation timing is the most critical factor in breeding success. Our in-house progesterone analyser produces quantitative results within the same appointment, eliminating the 24-hour wait of external laboratory testing. A series of values over several days identifies the optimal breeding window with precision.
This is far more reliable than vaginal cytology staging alone, allows breeders to minimise the number of matings needed and is essential for planned surgical or transcervical artificial insemination. We offer same-day multiple appointments to capture the progesterone rise accurately across the luteal surge.
Pregnancy Confirmation and Monitoring
Pregnancy can be confirmed by ultrasound from approximately 25 days post-ovulation. Early ultrasound identifies the number of foetal sacs, assesses foetal heartbeats and confirms viable pregnancy. This is also the earliest point to detect resorptions.
Later ultrasound and abdominal X-ray from day 45 onwards allow foetal counting for whelping preparedness. Knowing how many puppies to expect allows you to recognise when whelping is complete, which is critical for identifying retained foetuses before they become life-threatening.
Neutering and Reproductive Disorders
Neutering is performed electively and as part of management for certain reproductive conditions. We perform ovariohysterectomy (spay) and orchidectomy (castration) routinely, as well as emergency spay for pyometra (life-threatening uterine infection). Cryptorchid neuters (retained testicles) are also performed.
Mammary tumour removal, testicular tumour excision and other reproductive tumour surgery are within our surgical capability. We discuss individual cases and make evidence-based recommendations about timing and approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to spay or neuter my dog?
This is genuinely complex and the evidence has evolved significantly. The traditional approach of spaying or neutering at six months is now known to carry increased risks for certain large and giant breeds. We discuss individual timing recommendations based on your dog's breed, sex, size and intended lifestyle at consultation.
How accurate is in-house progesterone testing?
Very accurate. Our quantitative analyser provides absolute progesterone values rather than semi-quantitative ranges. This is the same standard used by reproductive specialists. Results are available within the appointment, which is the most practical advantage for breeders needing to act quickly.
What is a pyometra and how serious is it?
Pyometra is a life-threatening infection of the uterus that typically occurs in middle-aged to older intact female dogs within 8 weeks of a heat cycle. Signs include lethargy, increased water intake, vaginal discharge (open pyometra) and progressive deterioration. Emergency spay is the treatment of choice and should be performed within hours of diagnosis.
How many times should I breed a female dog in her lifetime?
Responsible breeding limits the number of litters per bitch and ensures adequate recovery between pregnancies. UAE regulations and breed club guidelines provide frameworks. We advise following ethical breeding practices that prioritise the health of the dam and will not support breeding practices that compromise welfare.
Does neutering change my dog's personality?
Neutering reduces testosterone-driven behaviours in male dogs including roaming, mounting and some forms of inter-dog aggression, but does not fundamentally alter personality. Neutered female dogs are not typically affected in terms of temperament. Any significant personality change after neutering warrants a veterinary assessment.
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