CATEGORY:
Health & Genetics
734 — Semen Viability & “Semen Math”: Maximize Success with Fresh, Chilled & Frozen
Semen Viability & “Semen Math”: Maximize Success with Fresh, Chilled & Frozen Dr. Marty Greer returns to break down semen viability, the six parameters of semen analysis, practical “semen math,” and strategies for maximizing success with fresh-chilled and frozen semen. Marty joins Laura to demystify semen viability and the practical realities of breeding with fresh, chilled and frozen semen. Whether you’re a first-time breeder or seasoned pro, this conversation delivers veterinary-backed guidance on how to assess semen quality, plan collections and protect valuable genetic material. Key topics covered: Semen Math: Dr. Greer walks through the core formula: ejaculate volume × sperm concentration × percent motile × percent morphologically normal (× post-thaw survival for frozen samples) to determine total usable sperm and number of breeding units. Use this to decide when to freeze, how many straws/pellets equal a true breeding unit, and when to be conservative with limited inventory. Six parameters of semen analysis: ejaculate volume, gross appearance, sperm count, morphology, motility (directional swimming vs. circular or backward movement), and longevity. Why each matters and what incomplete reports (e.g., “plenty here”) really mean. Fresh vs. frozen considerations: why you shouldn’t “clean out” a male the night before collection; why freezing early (when the dog is young and virile) is critical; how older dogs and fragile semen tolerate freeze-thaw poorly; and breed- and individual-level variability in freeze tolerance. Practical troubleshooting for failed frozen breedings: confirm historic fertility, review original collection age/count/post-thaw stats, check packaging (straws vs. pellets) and breeding-unit definition, and discuss TCI vs. surgical options with your repro clinic. iSperm and accessibility: overview of affordable, tablet-based semen analyzers as a community tool for clinics and breeders to get reliable counts. Small, actionable…
725 — Gut Health, Brain Health and the Science of Better Dogs
Gut Health, Brain Health and the Science of Better Dogs What if your dog’s digestion affects more than just stool quality—what if it influences immunity, stress responses and even behavior? Host Laura Reeves is joined by Dr. Ruth Ann Lobos, Senior Veterinarian with Purina Pro Plan, for a fascinating deep dive into the latest research…
707 — Breast Cancer Awareness for You AND Your Dog
Breast Cancer Awareness for You AND Your Dog Host Laura Reeves is joined by Dr. Marty Greer for an important reminder about the risks of breast cancer in our dogs and how to prevent and treat it. October is Breast cancer awareness month: How does hearing the words “she’s got breast cancer” affect you? Bring…
702 – Diagnosing the Limping Puppy: Pano, HOD, OCD and more…
Diagnosing the Limping Puppy: Pano, HOD, OCD and more… Host Laura Reeves is joined by Dr. Marty Greer for a deep dive on all the causes of a limping puppy. They cover when to have the puppy seen by a vet and what differentials are in play for the diagnosis. Panosteitis. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy. Osteochondritis Dissecans….
701 – PennHIP for the Win on Reducing Incidence of Hip Dysplasia
PennHIP for the Win on Reducing Incidence of Hip Dysplasia Host Laura Reeves is joined by Dr. Karen Potter to discuss the value of PennHIP evaluations to reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia in a breeding program. “While yes, I do PennHIP my dogs,” Potter said, “I typically will go back and still get an…
698 – Three Words That Strike Fear in Vets and Owners
Three Words That Strike Fear in Vets and Owners Host Laura Reeves is joined by Dr. Marty Greer talking about the three words that strike fear in both veterinarians and owners. “These three things are what can take a normal, easy, lovely day at the veterinary clinic and turn it upside down and cause clients…
694 – What’s Your “Line in the Sand” for Breeding
What’s Your “Line in the Sand” for Breeding Host Laura Reeves is joined by Dr. Marty Greer for an important conversation about “what is YOUR line in the sand” when breeding dogs. This is a conversation around breeding ethics and having a “mission statement” for your breeding program. “I had a listener ask about a…
689 – Infertility Problem Solving Protocol
Infertility Problem Solving Protocol Host Laura Reeves is joined by Dr. Marty Greer for a conversation about the problem solving protocol for infertility using a case study submitted in the private Pure Dog Talk Patrons group. Greer’s first recommendation for fertility issues is to have a complete semen analysis on the stud dog. “There are…
685 – Mastitis is not Metritis is not Pyometra
Mastitis is not Metritis is not Pyometra Dr. Marty Greer joins host Laura Reeves to walk through the differentials in diagnosing possible infections in the breeding bitch, including mastitis, metritis and pyometra. “There’s a lot of reasons that postpartum bitches can run a fever. So I think it’s a really good topic because when you…
676 – Brucellosis or CHV? Deadly Diseases for Puppies
Brucellosis or CHV? Deadly Diseases for Puppies Dr. Marty Greer joins host Laura Reeves for a Veterinary Voice topic that can be devastating for breeders and deadly for puppies. Brucellosis and CHV (Canine Herpes Virus) can both decimate a litter. “If you lose even a single puppy in a litter, have testing done on that…
