CATEGORY:
Veterinary Voice
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…
658 – Resources for Veterinary Medicine Practices and Staff
Resources for Veterinary Medicine Practices and Staff Dr. Marty Greer joins host Laura Reeves with advice for veterinary medicine practices, vets, techs, staff and clients alike. “The veterinary field is full of really, genuinely great people in a way that we don’t see in a lot of other career choices. It’s an amazing field to…
645 – Puppies and Kids: Expert Insight on Best Practices
Puppies and Kids: Expert Insight on Best Practices Dr. Marty Greer, DVM and host Laura Reeves talk about bringing home your new puppy, introducing it to your children, how puppies and children interact appropriately, and how to make that be a really positive experience. “The first place I would start,” Greer said, “is if you…
554 – Dr. Marty Greer’s Passion Project & Anniversary Episode
Dr. Marty Greer’s Passion Project & Anniversary Episode Dr. Marty Greer, DVM and host Laura Reeves celebrate their fifth anniversary of sharing important veterinary topics on Pure Dog Talk. Greer’s passion project is Breast Cancer Awareness in dogs. “People sometimes forget that dogs get breast cancer too,” Greer said. “It’s not an uncommon kind of…
548 – Canine Herpes Virus from the Veterinary Perspective
Canine Herpes Virus from the Veterinary Perspective Dr. Bruce Christensen, DVM from Kokopelli Assisted Reproductive Services, joins host Laura Reeves to talk about treating pregnant dogs and their puppies for Canine Herpes Virus. Last week we heard from Alaskan Malamute breeder Wendy Korr on her experience with this potentially devastating disease in her litter. Today…
545 – Intussusception and Other GI Accidents
Intussusception and Other GI Accidents Dr. Marty Greer, DVM is back with host Laura Reeves to discuss Intussusception and other GI related accidents that may affect our dogs. “Intussusception is when the intestinal tract invaginates, or folds up on itself, so accordions on itself,” Greer said. “So, a piece of the intestine slips into another…
540 — Dr. Marty Greer’s Deep Dive on Umbilical Hernias
Umbilical Hernias – What are they and what does this mean? Dr. Marty Greer, DVM shares a deep dive into the question of hernias, different types, and whether dogs with hernias should be included in breeding programs. By Dr. Marty Greer, DVM An umbilical hernia is a weakness or opening in the muscle wall of…
532 — Breeder, Buyer, Vet: Let’s TALK!
Breeder, Buyer, Vet: Let’s TALK! Dr. Marty Greer, DVM, best-selling author, dog breeder and practicing veterinarian, is back with host Laura Reeves to talk about the delicate and critical communication protocols, best practices and successful strategies for Breeders, Puppy Buyers and the Buyers’ Veterinarian. “This is a challenge,” Greer said. “How do you have that…
527 – Pre-Breeding Veterinary Exams and Why They Matter
Pre-Breeding Veterinary Exams and Why They Matter Dr. Marty Greer, DVM joins host Laura Reeves to discuss pre-breeding veterinary exams for female dogs and why they matter. Among the important clinical observations may be vaginal strictures. “I think stricture kind of lumps together a couple of different disorders that probably shouldn’t really be categorized together,”…
523 – Special Reproductive Considerations for Rare Breeds
Special Reproductive Considerations for Rare Breeds Dr. Marty Greer, DVM joins host Laura Reeves to discuss some of the special reproductive considerations for rare breeds. Rare dog breeds offer specific challenges for their breeders including health concerns, limited gene pools, DNA testing mazes and infertility issues. April is Rare Breeds month here at Pure Dog…
