New Companion Animal Theriogenology Program Thriving

Over the past few years, the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital has added several faculty and resident clinicians to establish a dedicated Small Animal Theriogenology Service, boasting substantial experience in small animal reproductive medicine and surgery. Historically, the teaching hospital was unable to consistently offer the range of services it can now, such as ovulation timing, pregnancy monitoring, planned C-sections, and semen freezing. Breeders of merit are now able to have their pets evaluated for routine breeding management of male and female companion animals, infertility and other breeding problems, and emergencies.

This expansion of reproductive services was made possible, in part, by the implementation of a residency training program in companion animal theriogenology, thanks to the efforts of faculty mentors, Dr. Bruce Christensen, Dr. Autumn Davidson, and Dr. Ghislaine (Gigi) Dujovne to secure funding from the American Kennel Club and the Theriogenology Foundation. In August 2014, the VMTH welcomed the first UC Davis resident in companion animal theriogenology, Dr. Andrea Hesser into this intensive two-year residency program, which is one of only three companion animal-focused theriogenology training programs in the nation.

The addition of Dr. Hesser—who works under the tutelage of Drs. Christensen, Davidson and Dujovne—has allowed for substantial expansion of the Service, allowing our DVM students to gain more first-hand experience with reproductive issues in companion animals, while providing the highest level of breeding management services to our clients.

Some of this growth in patient numbers reflects the positive response to the inaugural Canine Breeder Excellence Seminar hosted by UC Davis in March 2014. More than 250 local canine breeders attended in person, with an additional 250 joining in via webinar. Building on that solid foundation, we are excited to present the 2nd Annual Canine Breeder Excellence Seminar at UC Davis on Sunday, March 29. More information on the seminar can be found at: www.theriofoundation.org/events.

Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=72913

Posted by chesliepickett on Mar 10 2015. Filed under Featured, Health & Training. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.