HEALTH QUESTION- HELP- Breeding a dog w/supposed kennel cough - Page 3

In YOUR opening post you said "what would you do?" If you don't want opinions DON'T ask!

 I guess I just don't get the whole mindset of breed the bitch so i can sell puppies.  

This is what I was talking about and you KNOW it, Faq. You went from "if I care about the bitch" to "the whole mindset of breed the bitch so I can sell puppies" and now you're saying don't ask for opinions if I don't want them? As if that's what I was asking your opinion on. I'm well-known as a callous person breeding to make millions. 

Jenni, I'm sure you will make the right decision.

KC is considered a nuisance disease because it is self-limiting, self-curing, and causes no residual health issues in healthy dogs.  The coughing is annoying and OTC cough syrup will help some. Antibiotics are not needed in uncomplicated cases nor will their use speed up the recovery. One of the biggest concerns today is how the overuse of antibiotics in humans is creating strains of super bacteria that are resistant to drugs; MERSA for example.  Dispensing antibiotics for dogs should probably be reserved for serious illnesses that will respond, not used for make owners feel as if they are doing something beneficial for their dogs.

I'm going to make a half-assed attempt at A/I, which won't be easy today, being the day before New Year's, but not having seen him myself lately and being assured that KC is truly all it is, I think I'll just feel better skipping it. I'm really frustrated, though. I really wanted this to be her last litter. I've about had it with breeding! Well, I've had it with people, actually...not the dogs. lol

Just called the vet that stud sees. They will collect him and can do it tonight or tomorrow. Decisions, decisions. I have never done A/I myself. Is there somewhere I can get a kit? Could the vet sell me a kit? I hate to bring a healthy Capri to a filthy vet for something simple I can do myself. People a lot dumber than I am have done A/I. LOL

Jenni, I can tell you how to do it. PM me here if you want to know. Some dogs are not easy to collect, some are very easy, some require the presence of a teaser bitch. The advantage of having the  vet do it is that he or she can evaluate the semen under a scope prior to inseminating the bitch. I'm not sure if there are AI kits available, I'd think so. However  you can assemble  your own  using OTC supplies from a drug store.

Your girl has a healthy immune system, I don't think I'd be too concerned about her picking up anything at the vet's.

 

In my experience with KC/URIs, they are normally minor if caught and treated early. Now, my own dogs have a great immunity and have never progressed past a sniffle or two and clear dishcarge (which I do not treat), I figure it's because I have "kennel germs" on me every day. A dog whose immune system is not as accustomed to said exposure or weakened for any reason should be treated. KC can and does turn into pneumonia.

I can't see how an AI would really be that much safer, you're still dealing with body fluids. However, if the dog is no longer symptomatic, temp is normal, no cough, no discharge, I would say it's very unlikely your bitch would catch it. The antibiotics, I don't know. I'd call a repro specialist, personally, and take their opinion over anyone else's.

quick edit: No one should scoff at kennel cough. I've seen some very bizarre, antibiotic-resistant strains of it that can create pretty sick doggies in the last few years. I know some members here board other people's dogs and I hope none of them brush off URI symptoms as nothing serious.

Thanks, Blitzen. I was going to have the vet collect the male and then either do AI right then and there or bring it home and do it myself. 

I had the same thought, Kelly. I asked the vet and they didn't think it was a concern; he never had a temp, never had anything but a cough, though he was apparently quieter than normal unless someone picked up a ball or stick or frisbee or whatever. Then, he was of course 100% lol. I am hoping that if it's something with a bacterial origin, the doxy will have taken care of it. UGH...this is agonizing. I'm so pissed. I really wanted to use him. 

Anyone else think AI is still dangerous? 

Unpreserved sperm tends to have a very short life span. If you take it home to use it, keep it warm and run very fast.

Do you think there is any danger of it being something else that could be transmissible via semen? I am sooo paranoid when it comes to thngs that could cause her harm in the name of breeding. Am I being ridiculous to worry about that? 

As far as I know there's no danger in using semen from a dog with a localized URI.