Infertility Testing

Infertility Testing in Lincoln, AR

Welcome to Smithers Animal Hospital-Lincoln, where our experienced team helps animal breeders with reproductive services. We are able to test for infertility in males and females for breeding purposes, so you can find answers and plan your next litter with confidence.

Understanding Canine Infertility

When a breeding doesn’t result in a litter, it’s natural to want answers. Fertility problems in dogs can come from the female, the male or simply the timing of the breeding. Poorly timed breeding is one of the most common reasons a female doesn’t conceive, because her fertile window is short and outward signs of heat don’t show exactly when she ovulates.

Hormone problems, infections, inherited conditions and other health issues can also play a part. Fertility in both males and females can decline with age, and older females may have smaller litters or more trouble conceiving.

Finding the cause gives you a clearer path forward, whether that means adjusting your breeding plan, treating an underlying problem or making informed decisions about your breeding program.

What to Expect During a Fertility Evaluation

A fertility evaluation looks at both dogs and the breeding itself. Here’s how our team approaches it:

Health History and Exam

We start with a thorough physical exam and a conversation about your dog’s breeding history, including past heat cycles, previous breedings and any litters. Details like dates and how each breeding was done help our veterinarian narrow down possible causes.

Testing for the Male

For stud dogs, our staff is able to collect semen so it can be evaluated. A semen evaluation looks at the sperm and helps show whether the male is likely contributing to the problem.

Testing for the Female

For females, our veterinarian may use tools such as vaginal cytology and progesterone testing to understand her cycle, along with other diagnostics as needed. Some samples may be run through our diagnostic laboratory services.

Results and a Plan

We’ll explain each recommendation and what the results tell us, then help you decide on next steps, from adjusting breeding timing to treating an underlying problem.

Why Choose Smithers Animal Hospital-Lincoln for Infertility Testing

Our hospital puts the same level of care and attention to detail in our canine reproductive services as you do with your kennel. Infertility testing is helpful for females that have been bred without conceiving, females with irregular or unusual heat cycles, stud dogs with poor breeding results, and older dogs whose owners want to check fertility before planning another litter.

• Testing for both sexes: We are able to test for infertility in males and females for breeding purposes.
• On-site semen collection: Our staff can collect semen so it can be evaluated.
• Support beyond testing: Infertility testing is one part of the care we offer, from timing and insemination to pregnancy and delivery.
• Peace of mind: An evaluation before an important breeding can save time and travel.
• Local care: We serve the canine reproductive and breeding needs of Lincoln, Prairie Grove, Farmington, Summers, and beyond.

Learn more on our reproductive services and small animal reproductive services pages.