Susitna Animal Urgent Care

Veterinary Reproductive Services

We offer advanced reproductive care to support responsible breeders in achieving healthy, successful litters

With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Clinton has provided expert reproductive care tailored to Alaska’s unique challenges. Our services include breeding soundness evaluations (OFA & PennHIP), artificial insemination (traditional, transcervical, surgical), and reproductive consultations. To optimize breeding success, we offer same-day progesterone results for precise timing.

Are you a breeder seeking services?

Our advanced reproductive techniques offer solutions when natural breeding isn’t feasible. Our team is here with cutting-edge care.

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dog with puppies

Breeding Evaluations & Health

Ensuring breeding dogs’ health is key to producing strong litters. Our evaluations include comprehensive exams, genetic screening, and orthopedic testing tailored to each breed. We help breeders determine the best screenings and certifications for optimal breeding outcomes.

bengal cat

Health & Genetic Testing

Each breed has unique health concerns that should be considered before breeding. We offer guidance on necessary genetic disease testing and assist in coordinating specialist consultations when needed. Common evaluations may include:

  • OFA certifications (hips, elbows, shoulders, knees, and more)
  • PennHIP evaluations for hip dysplasia risk assessment
  • Echocardiograms for heart health screening
doctor with cat on exam table

OFA Radiographs

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) radiographs assess joint health and detect abnormalities that could lead to painful orthopedic conditions in offspring. These X-rays evaluate joints such as elbows, shoulders, and hips.

OFA radiographs are reviewed by a panel of board-certified radiologists and generally require mild sedation for accuracy. Dogs must be at least 2 years old for OFA certification.

PennHIP Radiographs

PennHIP testing objectively measures hip joint laxity to predict hip dysplasia and the risk of osteoarthritis. Unlike OFA, this test provides precise, breed-specific comparisons within a national database to guide responsible breeding decisions.

  • Can be performed as early as 16 weeks of age
  • Requires heavy sedation or general anesthesia
  • Helps minimize the risk of hip dysplasia in future litters

Advanced Reproductive Procedures

We offer a range of advanced reproductive techniques to help breeders achieve successful pregnancies, even in challenging cases.

happy golden retriever and vet in background

Artificial Insemination (AI)

Artificial insemination is a valuable tool for breeding across long distances or overcoming natural breeding challenges. We offer three types of AI, each suited to different needs:

Vaginal (Traditional) Insemination

A quick, well-tolerated procedure using a pipette to deposit semen in the vagina. Best for fresh or fresh-chilled semen in healthy dogs with no prior breeding issues.

Transcervical Insemination (TCI)

A specialized endoscope-guided technique that passes a catheter through the cervix to deliver semen directly into the uterus. Ideal for frozen semen or dogs with past breeding difficulties.

Surgical Insemination

Performed under general anesthesia, this method involves a small abdominal incision to access the uterus and place semen near the ovaries. Recommended for frozen semen or dogs requiring a physical evaluation of the uterus and ovaries.

test tubes

Semen Collection & Evaluation

Semen collection allows for quality assessment and shipping to breeders nationwide. We evaluate the following:

  • Sperm count & motility
  • Percentage of live sperm
  • Abnormalities & infection indicators
  • Overall semen health & viability

While we currently do not offer semen freezing, we hope to provide this service again in the future. For stud dogs experiencing low sperm counts or missed breedings, additional testing—such as semen culture and ultrasound—may be recommended.

Plan for a Healthier Future

Responsible breeding starts with expert evaluations, genetic screening, orthopedic testing, and advanced reproductive procedures to ensure strong, healthy litters. We’re here to help you maximize breeding success while prioritizing the health of both stud dogs and breeding females.

Call us today to learn more and set up a consultation at 907-600-0838 or fill out the form and someone will be in touch.

Reproductive FAQs

The time to schedule a breeding evaluation is as soon as possible. It is important to talk through your breeding plan before your dog comes into heat. It can sometimes take months to identify an appropriate stud or to complete all the health testing, so starting early can avoid last minute scrambling and potentially missing a breeding. Once a plan is in place, it is much easier to just swing into motion once your dog is in heat.

Semen collection and shipping involves manual collection from a male dog, evaluation of the semen quality, adding semen extender to improve the life expectancy of the semen, and special packaging to keep the semen chilled for overnight shipping. For dogs that have never been collected before, it is helpful to have an in heat dog also known as a “teaser” present to help the male understand what is going on. Overnight shipping has strict deadlines so it is important to plan ahead to make sure it can be delivered in time.

Artificial insemination is performed one or more times after a dog has ovulated depending on multiple factors such as the type and quality of semen, and the type of insemination. To prepare for artificial insemination we need to determine when the dog ovulates in order to time the breeding. This is generally done with progesterone testing. The progesterone level is measured in the blood and will indicate ovulation as it rises. Once ovulation has been identified, the insemination can be planned.

Breeding certification testing that we offer includes: OFA certifications for hips, elbows, shoulders, spine, patella, Legg-Calve-Perthes, dentition, basic cardiac, thyroid, sebaceous adenitis, serum bile acids, kidney database, and hypolastic trachea. Dr. Clinton is also a certified PennHIP veterinarian. We can assist you with obtaining other breed testing you may need such as advanced cardiac evaluation, DNA testing, and CERF evaluation.

Susitna Animal Urgent Care 907-600-0838 Contact Online