Searching for a Theriogenologist to assist with breeding your dog or cat in the Sarasota or Bradenton region? As a state-of-the-art vet clinic dedicated to pet wellness, we offer a wide range of specialized services along with the latest technology. In addition to routine primary, urgent, and emergency care, our facility is uniquely focused on advanced reproductive veterinary services for both dogs and cats.
What is a Theriogenologist?
A Theriogenologist is a veterinarian who has undergone extensive, specialized training in animal reproduction. An animal reproduction specialist is uniquely skilled in all aspects of breeding, including fertility evaluations, breeding management, complex pregnancies, and infertility issues. At Highland Pet Hospital, Dr. Carla Barstow is a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenology. She brings years of advanced training and practical experience, including over two decades of personal experience breeding and showing Samoyeds. Dr. Barstow is a board-certified vet repro specialist serving Southwest Florida. She provides a unique level of expertise for pet owners and breeders in the Sarasota-Bradenton region.
The Repro Vet Process
Deciding to breed your pet requires careful planning and expert guidance for a safe and healthy birth for the mother and her offspring. The process, which includes a consultation and exam, is performed under the direct supervision of Dr. Barstow and typically includes:
- Breeding Consultation: Our thorough discussion covers all aspects, from goals and health history to breed specifics, ensuring you are well informed and reassured about the breeding process.
- Age Confirmation: Since older females are considered high-risk pregnancies, confirming the pet's age is essential for breeding (generally 1.5 to 7 years for females), checking registration, and assessing overall health to minimize complications.
- Breed Risks: Different breeds have different needs, so identifying breed-specific risks, such as the potential need for a Cesarean section, is an important part of our patient evaluation.
- Timing Optimization: Discussing and utilizing tools like progesterone testing to pinpoint the optimal time for breeding.
- Method Discussion: We will review options like natural breeding or various artificial insemination techniques to determine the best course for a successful birth.
- Pre-Breeding Exam: Finally, performing a complete physical examination, potentially including a breeding soundness exam, which assesses the female patient's reproductive health and ensures she is physically fit for breeding.
Dog and Cat Breeding in Southwest Florida
At our hospital, we proudly support breeders of a diverse range of breeds, but there are some feline and canine stars that steal the spotlight! In the Sarasota/Bradenton area, we frequently have the pleasure of providing reproductive veterinary services for the most sought-after breeds, such as:
Commitment To Ethical Standards
Highland Pet Hospital is committed to responsible breeding practices, prioritizing the patient's health and well-being and the breed's betterment. This commitment involves:
- Advising adherence to breed standards (e.g., AKC).
- Recommending against breeding animals with significant inheritable health problems (like severe allergies or diseases).
- We use genetic testing to screen for known breed-specific diseases (e.g., Von Willebrand's disease in Dobermans) to prevent passing them to offspring.
- Supporting breeders in producing healthy, genetically sound puppies and kittens.
High-Risk Pregnancies
Specialized care is critical when pregnancies become high-risk. Dr. Barstow's expertise as a Theriogenologist is vital in managing potentially high-risk pregnancies such as:
- History of previous pregnancy loss
- Maternal infections
- Known breed-specific complications during pregnancy or birth
- Singleton (single offspring) litters, which can sometimes lead to birthing difficulties
- Conditions like Gestational Diabetes
- Hormonal imbalances (e.g., Hypoluteoidism)
First Time Breeders
While giving birth is a natural experience for the mother, having the support of a Theriogenologist, especially for first-time breeders, will prove invaluable in the event a complication arises that could jeopardize the health of the mother and babies during birth. Highland Pet Hospital welcomes novice breeders and provides the necessary support and guidance.
We help you understand the process, commitment, and potential challenges, offering resources and expertise to promote a safe and successful breeding experience for pet parents and patients.
Where to Find a Theriogenologist for Repro Vet Care in Sarasota-Bradenton
Based at Highland Pet Hospital, Carla Barstow, DVM, MS, DACT is a diplomate for the American College of Theriogenology. She is a board-certified reproductive veterinarian who serves Southwest Florida. Contact us to schedule a consultation or a breeding soundness exam today. We deliver personalized pet care for life!