FurWell at Barkingham provides reproductive health services for dogs and cats in Greenville. Whether you are a breeder planning a litter, managing an intact pet's health, or seeking guidance on a reproductive health condition, our team provides the clinical support your pet needs.
Reproductive health involves the evaluation, management, and treatment of conditions affecting the male and female reproductive systems in dogs and cats. For intact female pets, this includes monitoring estrus cycles, managing pregnancy, identifying reproductive tract disease such as pyometra, and assessing reproductive fitness. For intact males, it includes evaluation of reproductive anatomy and management of conditions affecting the testes or prostate. For pet owners not involved in breeding, our team provides counseling on the health benefits of spay and neuter and assists in timing those decisions appropriately for each individual pet.
We perform a complete physical examination of the reproductive tract, reviewing your pet's cycle history, general health status, and any prior reproductive events or complications.
For breeders, we offer progesterone testing to accurately identify ovulation timing and optimize breeding success. This simple blood test provides precise information that cannot be reliably obtained through physical signs alone.
We diagnose and treat reproductive health conditions including pyometra, false pregnancy, irregular cycles, and prostate disease. When surgical intervention is indicated — such as emergency spay for pyometra — we are equipped to act promptly and effectively.
Intact pets carry specific health risks that require monitoring and proactive management throughout their lives.
Pyometra — a life-threatening uterine infection — and prostate disease can develop in intact pets without obvious symptoms until they become severe. Regular reproductive health monitoring supports early detection when intervention is most effective.
Accurate progesterone testing and thorough reproductive evaluation improve breeding outcomes, reduce unsuccessful breedings, and support the health of both dam and offspring throughout pregnancy and whelping.
Whether you are considering spay or neuter, planning a responsible breeding, or managing a reproductive health concern, veterinary guidance ensures decisions are made with a full understanding of the available options and associated risks.
Pyometra is a life-threatening bacterial infection of the uterus that occurs in intact female dogs and cats, typically developing within weeks of a heat cycle. Signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, and vaginal discharge. The condition can progress rapidly and requires prompt treatment — usually emergency surgical removal of the uterus. Intact females should be monitored closely in the weeks following each heat cycle.
Progesterone testing measures hormone levels in a blood sample to pinpoint ovulation timing in female dogs. Because the fertile window is narrow and varies significantly between individuals, progesterone testing dramatically improves breeding accuracy and reduces missed breedings compared to relying on visible heat signs alone. It is the most reliable method for determining when to breed.
Visible signs of heat — vulvar swelling and bloody discharge — indicate the beginning of a cycle but are not reliable indicators of ovulation. Progesterone testing, performed through a blood sample, provides the most accurate indication of ovulation timing. Our team can perform serial testing to identify the optimal breeding window for your individual dog.
Intact female pets face elevated risks of pyometra, mammary tumors, and complications from false pregnancy — all of which increase with age. Intact males are at increased risk for prostate disease and testicular tumors. Spaying and neutering eliminate most of these risks and are generally recommended for pets not involved in a responsible breeding program.
Call us at (864) 458-8500 or visit 1240 E Butler Rd, Greenville, SC 29607. We are open Monday through Thursday, 8am to 4pm. Please let us know the purpose of your visit when you call so we can schedule the appropriate time for your consultation.
For breeding support, reproductive health management, or questions about your intact pet's health, contact our team. Call (864) 458-8500 or visit 1240 E Butler Rd, Greenville, SC 29607. Open Monday through Thursday, 8am to 4pm.
