Referrals-Reproductive Services

Signs of prostatic enlargement are:

1. Straining to urinate or defecate
2. Frequent urination
3. Blood in urine or blood dripping from the penis
4. Pain in the abdomen
5. Increased drinking

Causes of prostatic enlargement:

1. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): this can occur normally in intact males with age.
   However, treatment may need to be done if enlargement is causing other issues.
   Treatment includes the following:
   1. Neuter – surgical or chemical
   2. Medical treatment
2. Prostatic infection: Can often occur with BPH due to increased inflammation which leads
   to bacterial infection at times. Sometimes is resolved with treatment
   of BPH, but may also require antibiotics, depending on culture.
3. Prostatic Cancer – can develop in both neutered and intact males and certain breeds are
   more predisposed

1. Dam is very young
2. Dam is very old
3. Obesity
4. History of pre-term delivery
5. History of stillbirths/ abortion
6. Brachycephalic breeds

Risk factors that develop during pregnancy are defined:

1. Singleton
2. Large litter
3. Maternal illness
4. Fetal anomalies detected on ultrasound
5. Gestational Diabetes
6. Fetal death preterm

Common Signs to Watch For:

• Tiredness or decreased activity
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Vaginal discharge (may or may not be present)
• Occurs 1–2 months after a heat cycle
• Increased urination

These clinical signs can be seen with a variety of health issues, but pyometra is a top concern in unspayed females over 5–6 years of age. If your pet fits this description and is showing any of these symptoms, please contact us right away.

Treatment Options
Surgery:
The most effective and recommended treatment for pyometra is surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries (spay surgery). This is the best option for females that are not intended for breeding again, as it completely removes the source of infection and prevents the condition from recurring. As pyometra makes pets very ill, the surgery carries some risk, but it is the best and fastest option for treatment of pyometra.

Medical Management:
Medical treatment is used only in females that are intended for future breeding and are not too sick to be managed medically. This approach is considered on a case-by-case basis, as the pet’s level of illness determines whether it can be performed safely. There are two types of medical treatments, which are generally performed under hospitalization to ensure close monitoring and the best possible outcome, but in select cases, may be done on an outpatient basis.

At Vetcetera, we provide both surgical and medical treatment options during our regular business hours and coordinate with local emergency hospitals for continued care if needed.

1. Confirm whether mating actually occurred.
   During a successful breeding, dogs will “tie” — meaning they remain physically connected for at least 10 minutes. If this did not occur, a complete breeding is less likely.
2. Schedule a veterinary assessment the day the suspected mating occurred.
   Your veterinarian can determine whether the female was fertile at the time of mating using vaginal cytology and progesterone testing. This information helps guide the next steps.
3. If immediate evaluation isn’t possible, a pregnancy check can be performed approximately 4 weeks after the suspected mating.
4. Consider a spay as soon as possible.

Medical Options for Pregnancy Termination
Historically, some medications were used to prevent pregnancy after mismating, but many caused significant side effects and are no longer recommended.

Aglepristone (Alizin®) is a modern, effective, and safe alternative available in many countries. In Canada, however, its use is restricted and requires special authorization from the Government of Canada.

At Vetcetera, we hold the necessary licensure to prescribe and administer Alizin®. The medication is most effective when used before Day 45 of gestation and is administered twice, 24 hours apart, following confirmation of pregnancy by ultrasound. A follow-up scan ensures the pregnancy has been successfully terminated. In 5–10% of cases, a third injection may be required.

Because the likelihood of pregnancy from a single, unplanned mating can be as low as 25%, we generally recommend confirming pregnancy before initiating treatment with Alizin®.

If your dog has been involved in an accidental mating, please contact Vetcetera’s reproductive team as soon as possible. Early evaluation allows for the greatest range of safe and effective options.

The implant is placed under the skin, typically in the neck region. If future removal is desired, it can alternatively be placed near the umbilicus under light sedation.

Before proceeding, we recommend scheduling a consultation to review whether Suprelorin is appropriate for the patient, discuss possible side effects, and outline expected outcomes.

Common Clinical Uses:

• Medical neutering (nonsurgical testosterone suppression)
• Behavioral assessment – to help determine if lowering testosterone may support training or behavioral modification
• Management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostatic enlargement)

1. Good timing of ovulation
2. Good quality semen
3. Healthy uterine environment in the female
4. Lack of exposure to infectious disease prior to and during pregnancy

Female Fertility and Reproductive Assessment
If a female dog has a history of sub-fertility or is an older breeding candidate, we recommend a reproductive assessment to determine the best approach for success.

At Vetcetera, Dr. Wynne provides reproductive consultations for all breeding clients whose breedings are managed through our clinic. This consultation includes:

1. A complete breeding and health history review
2. Vaginal cytology – to determine the stage of the cycle and check for infection
3. Progesterone testing – if cytology indicates the female is in heat and breeding is planned this cycle

If there is a history of sub- fertility (such as no pregnancy, small litters, or pregnancy loss), additional diagnostics may be recommended, including:

• Vaginal culture: Helps detect infection in the reproductive tract prior to breeding
• Uterine lavage and culture: Performed under sedation, this test involves flushing the uterus with saline and examining the sample for signs of inflammation or bacteria. It is typically done during proestrus, before breeding.

A pregnancy ultrasound is also an important part of ongoing care. Occasionally, this scan can identify issues that may require additional follow-up during pregnancy.

Fertility and Reproductive Health
Breeding issues can arise in males at any stage of life. To maintain breeding health, we recommend that all stud dogs undergo the following tests annually:

1. Semen collection and evaluation
2. Brucella testing
3. Prostate and testicular assessment

Regular testing is important because semen values can change quickly, even in young dogs. Any male that is used for breeding should have the above done yearly.

Dr. Wynne has extensive training in semen assessment and offers a range of services to help improve breeding outcomes:

• Multiple options for semen extenders
• Comprehensive semen evaluation, including concentration, morphology, and CASA analysis
• Semen freezing using best-practice techniques for reliable results
• Treatment options for prostatic enlargement in breeding males to help maintain long-term fertility

If you have a male or female dog experiencing breeding challenges—or if you simply want to ensure the best possible results—please contact our reproduction department to schedule a consultation

Why Young Pets Are So Vulnerable

• Birth to 2 weeks: At this stage, puppies and kittens have very limited immune protection and almost no nutritional reserves, so even minor illness can become serious very fast.
• 2 to 4 weeks: They receive temporary immunity from their mother, but they’re still highly susceptible to infections and parasites.
• 4 to 6 weeks: As maternal immunity fades, they become more prone to infectious diseases such as parvovirus and panleukopenia. This is also when some congenital (birth) conditions may start to show.
• 6 to 8 weeks: Puppies and kittens are ready for their first vaccines but still vulnerable to illness while their immune systems mature.

At Vetcetera, our team has specialized training in neonatal, puppy, and kitten care. We’re here to help manage illness and provide supportive care for these delicate patients.

When Should I Call the Vet?
Contact us immediately if your puppy or kitten shows any of the following signs:

• Weight loss
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Decreased appetite (especially under 4 weeks of age)
• Changes in behaviour such as seizures, limping, reduced playfulness, or signs of pain

If your pet requires ongoing intensive care, we may recommend transfer to a 24-hour facility. Our team will discuss all treatment options with you and ensure your pet receives the best possible care for their needs.
We also provide wellness care for litters and growing pets—helping them stay healthy from day one and beyond!