In this months "Breeder's Education" column we would like to introduce you to an excellent book we recently became aware of "Canine Reproduction and Whelping" A Dog Breeder's Guide, by Myra Savant-Harris, RN.

Myra is a a labor/delivery and neonatal ICU RN and a breeder of Caviler King Charles Spaniels for over 30 years. She is also the author of "Puppy Intensive Care", and presents seminars nationwide. We are hoping to schedule her seminar for our members in the near future.

We feel this book is a "must have" if you are new to breeding, but also a very valuable reference for experienced breeders. Written in 2005 it is up to date on the latest information available.

Table of Contents :
To Breed or not to Breed
Different Strokes for Different Species
Sperm
Artificial Insemination
Vaginal Swabs and Cultures
Progesterone
Oxytocin, Calcium and Glucose
Whelping
Cesarean Sections
Removal of Dew Claws

Myra’s writing style is easy and comfortable, and she writes with a sense of humor. Myra dispels many old myths, explaining instead “how things really are”. For example, many believe that smaller whelps are conceived on a different day than it’s larger littermates. The truth is that ALL eggs are released at the same time, and ALL whelps are conceived at the same time…and born 63 days post ovulation, regardless of when the breeding takes place. In some cases the eggs are in place waiting for the sperm to arrive, or sperm may already be in place when the eggs are dropped and ready for fertilization. The difference in the size of the whelps is caused by their placement and attachment in the uterine horn, which provides nutrition.

Myra explains how to get bitches in whelp, how to keep them in whelp, how to deliver puppies safely and keep them alive; how to assess a sick puppy, how to tube feed and hydrate by subcutaneous methods, and how to administer oxygen. Details on collecting semen and insemination, diet for the bitch in whelp, timing for chilled and frozen sperm and the role of calcium and pitocin in whelping are all explained in an easy to understand manner.

“Canine Reproduction and Whelping” is available online from the author’s website www.myrasavantharris.com or from Dogwise

This issue also brings you the last installment of Noa Safra’s series on genetic diseases. We again wish to extend our gratitude to Noa for this effort, and her dedication to our beloved breed.