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The ovulation timing service for bitches at the department of clinical
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sciences of companion animals at Utrecht University: a retrospective study
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on the period 2003-2010 and a client satisfaction survey
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Research Project Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University
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By Drs. L.J.C. Leijen
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3155579
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April 2011
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Supervisor: Drs. J. de Gier
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Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals
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Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University
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Table of contents
Page
35
36
General introduction
4
38
Part one: Retrospective study on the period: 2003-2010
5
39
Abstract ....................................................................................................................... 5
40
Introduction ................................................................................................................ 5
41
Materials and Methods .............................................................................................. 7
42
1. Animals ......................................................................................................... 7
43
2. Ovulation timing ........................................................................................... 8
44
3. Statistical analysis ........................................................................................ 8
45
Results.......................................................................................................................... 8
46
1. Bitches and their litters................................................................................. 8
47
2. Annual variation in bitches presented for ovulation timing ......................... 9
48
3. Effect of the age of the bitch ......................................................................... 9
49
4. Effect of the parity of the bitch ..................................................................... 10
50
5. Effect of different breeds............................................................................... 11
51
6. Effect of the weight of the bitch .................................................................... 12
52
7. Effect of the fertilization method .................................................................. 13
53
7.1. Natural matings ................................................................................... 13
54
7.2. Artificial insemination ......................................................................... 14
55
Discussion .................................................................................................................... 14
56
1. Bitches and their litters................................................................................. 15
57
2. Annual variation in bitches presented for ovulation timing ......................... 16
58
3. Effect of the age of the bitch ......................................................................... 17
59
4. Effect of the parity of the bitch ..................................................................... 17
60
5. Effect of different breeds............................................................................... 18
61
6. Effect of the weight of the bitch .................................................................... 18
62
7. Effect of the fertilization method .................................................................. 18
63
7.1. Natural matings ................................................................................... 19
64
7.2. Artificial insemination ......................................................................... 20
65
Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 20
66
References ................................................................................................................... 21
67
Appendix ..................................................................................................................... 24
37
2
68
Supplement Table A ......................................................................................... 24
69
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Part two: Customers satisfaction survey
31
71
Abstract ....................................................................................................................... 31
72
Introduction ................................................................................................................ 31
73
Materials and Methods .............................................................................................. 33
74
1. Participants .................................................................................................. 33
75
2. Questionnaire ............................................................................................... 33
76
3. Statistical analysis ....................................................................................... 33
77
Results.......................................................................................................................... 33
78
1. Main purpose for keeping the dog ................................................................ 34
79
2. Propositions .................................................................................................. 34
80
3. Written information ...................................................................................... 35
81
4. Additional help ............................................................................................. 36
82
5. General evaluation ....................................................................................... 36
83
Discussion .................................................................................................................... 36
84
1. Main purpose for keeping the dog ................................................................ 37
85
2. Propositions .................................................................................................. 38
86
3. Written information ...................................................................................... 39
87
4. Additional help ............................................................................................. 40
88
5. General evaluation ...................................................................................... 40
89
Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 41
90
References ................................................................................................................... 42
91
Appendix ..................................................................................................................... 43
92
Supplement Table A ......................................................................................... 43
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3
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General introduction
103
The department of clinical sciences of companion animals at Utrecht University (UKG)
104
offers an ovulation timing service. This service helps people to find the optimal day for
105
mating in healthy bitches and in bitches with fertility problems and it helps also to manage
106
artificial inseminations. The aim of the ovulation timing service is to improve the pregnancy
107
outcomes.
108
The present study is divided into two parts. In the first part we examined the effect of age,
109
parity, breed, weight and fertilization method on pregnancy rates and litter size. Furthermore,
110
the effect of season on the distribution of presenting dogs for ovulation timing was studied. In
111
the second part the results of a customers satisfaction survey about the ovulation timing
112
service were showed.
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4
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Part one: Retrospective study on the period: 2003-2010
135
Abstract
136
The effects of age, parity, breed, weight and fertilization method on pregnancy rates and litter
137
size were studied in 681 bitches of 124 different breeds. Furthermore, the effect of season on
138
the distribution of presenting dogs for ovulation timing was examined. Data collected from
139
the department of clinical sciences of companion animals at Utrecht University during 2003-
140
2010 were analyzed. The number of dogs presented for ovulation timing was reduced
141
between 2003 and 2008 and after 2008 the number was stabilized. Pregnancy rates of dogs
142
presented without fertility problems (85.4%) were higher than pregnancy rates of dogs
143
presented with fertility problems (66.5%). In bitches of one (P = 0.037) and two years old (P
144
= 0.048), which gave birth to their first litter, pregnancy rates were higher than those of
145
bitches of seven years old. Labrador retrievers had a significant (P = 0.01) higher pregnancy
146
rate than Golden retrievers (respectively 90.2% and 74.6%). The mean number of total
147
Doberman pups per litter (8.43± 3.52) was higher than the mean number of German shepherd
148
pups (6.17 ± 3.07, P = 0.04). The median weight of the bitches presented for ovulation timing
149
was 29.4 kg, ranging from 2.0 to 71.1. Pregnancy rates were higher in bitches of 10.0-24.9 kg
150
(87.7%) compared to bitches over 45.0 kg (72.7%, P = 0.02). Weight was also found to effect
151
total litter size. Dogs up to 9.9 kg had smaller litters (4.15 ± 1.39, P = 0.005) than dogs
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between 10.0-24.9 kg (6.49 ± 2.73). Both those groups had smaller litters (respectively P ≤
153
0.001 and P ≤ 0.02) than dogs of 25.0-44.9 kg (7.47 ± 2.86) and dogs of more than 45.0 kg
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(8.40 ± 3.73). A difference (P ≤ 0.001) in pregnancy rate was found between natural matings
155
(85.1%), artificial inseminations with fresh semen (66.7%) and artificial inseminations with
156
frozen-thawed semen (27.8%) and a lower pregnancy rate was observed among bitches that
157
mated without a copulatory tie (71.4%, P = 0.038) compared to matings including a
158
copulatory tie (85.9%). Parity did not have an effect on both pregnancy rates and litter size
159
and season did not affect the number of dogs presented for ovulation timing.
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Introduction
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The dog is a non-seasonally monoestrous species, typically showing two spontaneous estrus
163
cycles per year (range: 1-4). The estrous cycle of the bitch can be divided into four stages:
164
proestrus, estrus, metestrus and anestrus [1,2]. Proestrus has a duration varying from 3 to 17
165
days [3]. During this period the vulva is swollen and there is serosanguineous discharge from
166
the vulva. Males are attracted to bitches who are not yet receptive to mating [2,4]. During
5
167
estrus the vulva softens but is still enlarged and the color of the vaginal discharge becomes
168
lighter. However, sometimes it can still be serosanguineous. Furthermore, during estrus the
169
bitch will be receptive to the dog for mating and deviates her tail to one side [4]. Estrus lasts
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for 3-21 days [3]. During diestrus, which has a duration of 45-60 days, the bitch is not
171
receptive anymore, the vulva decreases in size, discharge becomes clear, purulent or
172
hemorrhagic and subsequently stops. Later, mammary development may be noted as a result
173
of increased mammary growth hormone secretion induced by progesterone [2]. Finally,
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anestrus involves the absence of ovarian activity which is defined as the day that the plasma
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progesterone concentrations decrease below 6 nmol/L. During this phase bitches are not
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receptive and the vulva is small [1,2].
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Logically, dog breeders can only observe the outer clinical symptoms and the dog’s behavior.
179
Unfortunately, duration of proestrus and estrus is variable. For instance, the start of the dog
180
being receptive for mating varies between 5 days before to more than 6 days after the
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preovulatory LH surge, while optimal fertility can be anticipated if a bitch is bred 2-4 days
182
after ovulation which usually occurs 2-3 days after the LH surge [2,3,5,6]. Therefore, it is
183
difficult for breeders to relate behavior or physical symptoms to the optimal day for mating
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[3,7]. To better determine the optimal day for mating several diagnostic tools are available,
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e.g. cytology of vaginal smears, vaginoscopy, and measurement of the plasma progesterone
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concentration [8]. The department of clinical sciences of companion animals at Utrecht
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University (UKG) offers an ovulation timing service, which includes these examination
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methods. The progesterone concentration has been proven to be the most reliable tool
189
because an abrupt increase of the plasma concentration occurs simultaneously with the
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preovulatory LH surge. The plasma progesterone concentration is measured using an I-125
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RIA [9]. Progesterone measurement is more convenient than measurement of serum LH
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concentrations that needs to be done three times daily in order to yield reliable results [9].
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Besides helping to improve the pregnancy outcomes, many other reasons may prompt
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dog owners to make use of the service, such as increasing the efficiency when the male dog
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of choice is far away, and traveling with the bitch or import of semen have to be timed
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accurately. Additionally, ovulation timing can be useful if bitches are presented with fertility
197
problems, for instance split heat.
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Other studies [10,11,12,13,14,15] examined the effect of a variety of factors on pregnancy or
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whelping rates and litter size, for example the influence of age, parity, different breeds and
6
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insemination method. Okkens et al. found a smaller litter size in West Highland white terriers
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than in Labrador retrievers [10], which is in agreement with the outcome of Thomassen et al.
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and Scantlebury, Butterwick and Speakman. They found that smaller dogs breed smaller
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litters than larger breeds [12,14]. B. Bobic Gavrilovic et al. found that age and parity had a
205
significant effect on litter sizes [11]. It would be interesting to know what the effects of
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different factors are on pregnancy rates and litter sizes at UKG and to compare the results
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with other studies.
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The aim of this study is to examine the effect of season on the distribution of presenting dogs
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for ovulation timing, during the period 2003-2010. Furthermore, the effects of age, parity,
211
breed, weight and fertilization method on pregnancy rates and litter size were examined.
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Materials and Methods
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1. Animals
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All bitches, presented for ovulation timing at Utrecht University between January 2003 and
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August 2010, were included in this study. In total, 681 different bitches were presented for
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ovulation timing. Some of them were presented only once, others more frequently (up to 6
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times), making a total of 997 cases. Bitches varied in age between 1 and 9 years old with a
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mean ± SD age of 3.7 ± 1.6 years. 664 bitches belonged to one of 124 different breeds,
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recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (F.C.I.) (suppl. Table A). The
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remaining 17 dogs were crossbreeds or of breeds not recognized by the F.C.I.
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Top 10 breeds at UKG
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
German Shepherd Dog
Dobermann
Drentse Partridge Dog
German Boxer
Newfoundland
Weimaraner, Short-haired
French Bulldog
Bernese Mountain Dog
Total at UKG
223
Number of
different
dogs
presented
'03-'10
85
73
37
33
21
19
18
14
14
13
681
Top 10 breeds in Holland
Labrador Retriever
German Shepherd Dog
Golden Retriever
Bernese Mountain Dog
German Boxer
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Staffordhire Bullterriër
Bulldog
Border Collie
Bouvier des Flandres
Total in Holland
Dogs in the
Netherlands
'03-'06
18825
14070
9390
7404
5406
4883
4160
3894
3644
3401
199409
Table 1: Top 10 breeds presented at UKG and Top 10 breeds living in Holland
7
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The percentages of different breeds presented at UKG are not representative for the entire
225
dog population in the Netherlands during the same period (suppl. Table A.) namely not all
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breeds found in the Netherlands are presented at UKG and also the percentages of the breeds,
227
which are presented, differ from the percentages of the dogs found in the Netherlands.
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However, the top three is the same, but in a different order (table 1).
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2. Ovulation timing
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Ovulation timing was offered in the morning three times each week. A specialized form
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(“ovulation timing”) in the online software program called Vetware was used by the co-
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assistant, who was supervised by one of the veterinarians, to record the findings gathered by
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taking a medical history, physical examination and further medical tests. Blood samples are
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collected for determination of plasma progesterone concentrations using I-125
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radioimmunoassay (RIA). After mating, dog owners were encouraged to return with the bitch
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for a pregnancy diagnosis. Primarily abdominal palpation was used to determine pregnancy.
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If the outcome was uncertain, abdominal ultrasound, performed by a specialized veterinary
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radiologist, was advised. Furthermore, owners were asked to return a follow-up form by post
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containing information on the parturition and litter. Unfortunately, the forms were not always
241
fully completed or returned resulting in missing clinical and follow-up data.
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3. Statistical analysis
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All relevant information about the cases was retrieved with Vetware. The collected data were
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organized in Excel, after which the data were exported to SPSS 17.0. SPSS was used for
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statistical analysis. An F-test was used for comparing differences between years and months
247
in dogs presented for ovulation timing. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze and test the
248
significance of the different factors, which possibly influence pregnancy rates en litter size.
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Results are presented as percentages and mean ± SD, and were considered to be statistically
250
significant when P ≤ 0.05.
251
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Results
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1. Bitches and their litters
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The descriptive data for bitches, presented for ovulation timing, and their litters are given in
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table 2. Pregnancy rates of dogs presented without fertility problems (85.4%) were higher
256
than pregnancy rates of dogs presented with fertility problems (66.5%).
257
8
Data UKG
72.8 (687)
Dogs presented without a fertility problem (%) (n)
85.4 (503)
Pregnancy rates dogs presented without a problem (%) (n)
27.2 (257)
Percentage dogs presented with a fertility problem (%) (n)
66.5 (158)
Pregnancy rates dogs presented with a fertility problem (%)(n)
258
259
Total number of pups born (n)
2882
Number of pups per litter (range)
7.10 ± 2.98 (1-17)
Number of stillborn pups per litter (range)
0.73 ± 1.33 (0-10)
Male pups at the time of birth (%)
51.9
Table 2: Descriptive data from UKG for the ovulation timing service during 2003-2010. Data are given as
means ± standard deviation (range).
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2. Annual variation in bitches presented
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for ovulation timing.
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Between 2003 and 2008 the number of
264
dogs presented for ovulation timing was
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reduced from 187 to 97 (Fig. 1). This is a
Fig 1: Number of dogs offered for ovulation timing to predict
the optimal day for mating
Number of
dogs
200
187
161
266
decrease of 51.9%. Also, the number of
150
267
dogs presented in 2009 (n = 101) was
100
268
reduced compared to 2003. There were
269
no differences found in the distribution
270
between months.
153
122
116
97
101
2008
2009
Year
50
0
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
271
272
3. Effect of the age of the bitch
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Most of the bitches are 2 (29.2%, n = 163) or 3 (28.9%, n = 161) years old when first
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presented for ovulation timing (range from one to seven) at UKG.
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Pregnancy rates and number of pups per litter for all parities, grouped by age of the
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bitch, are given in Table 3. Pregnancy rates and number of pups per litter for bitches that
277
gave birth for the first time, grouped by age of the bitch, are given in Table 4. No significant
278
effects of the age of the bitch were found for all parities on pregnancy rates. Nevertheless,
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there was a difference between bitches that give birth for the first time, namely pregnancy
280
rates of bitches of one (P = 0.037) and two (P = 0.046) years old were higher than those of
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bitches of seven years old.
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Age was found not to have a significant effect on the total number of pups per litter
and pups per litter born alive.
9
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Table 3: Pregnancy rates and number of pups per litter for all parities, grouped by age of the bitch.
Age of the bitch
Pregnancy rate
at the time of
given birth, for
Percent
N
all litters (years)
Number of pups (per
Number of pups born alive
litter)
(per litter)
Number
N
(mean ± S.D.)
Number
N
(mean ± S.D.)
1
87.5
56
6.86 ± 2.91
35
6.08 ± 3.05
24
2
82.7
150
7.57 ± 3.07
86
6.96 ± 2.86
56
3
83.5
200
7.28 ± 3.05
121
6.93 ± 2.65
81
4
78.7
141
6.91 ± 2.73
70
6.55 ± 2.69
49
5
80.3
117
6.33 ± 2.96
57
5.87 ± 2.83
38
6
77.8
72
7.27 ± 3.05
26
6.48 ± 2.98
21
7
71.9
32
7.88 ± 2.75
8
-
-
8
75.0
4
-
-
-
-
286
287
288
289
Table 4: Pregnancy rates and number of pups per litter from bitches that gave birth for the first time,
grouped by age.
Age of the bitch
Pregnancy rate (%)
at the time of
giving birth to
Percent
N
first litter (years)
290
Number of pups (per
Number of pups born alive
litter)
(per litter)
Number
N
(mean ± S.D.)
Number
N
(mean ± S.D.)
1
87.3 a
55
6.91 ± 2.94
34
6.17 ± 3.08
23
2
83.7 a
135
7.65 ± 3.05
80
7.08 ± 2.76
51
3
78.9 ab
123
6.76 ± 2.89
66
6.28 ± 2.38
43
4
73.1 ab
52
7.27 ± 1.96
22
6.44 ± 2.09
18
5
75.0 ab
20
4.86 ± 2.80
7
5.50 ± 3.11
4
6
33.3 ab
3
-
-
-
-
7
0.0 b
2
-
-
-
-
Different superscript letters (a-b) denote significant differences (P ≤ 0.05).
291
292
4. Effect of the parity of the bitch
293
Pregnancy rates and number of pups per litter, grouped by parity of the bitch, are given in
294
Table 5. Parity was found not to have a significant effect on pregnancy rates, total pups per
295
litter and pups per litter born alive.
296
297
298
299
300
10
301
Table 5 Pregnancy rates and number of pups per litter, grouped by parity.
Parity of the
Pregnancy rate (%)
bitch
Percent
N
Number of pups (per
Number of pups born alive
litter)
(per litter)
Number (mean
N
Number (mean
± S.D.)
N
± S.D.)
1
80.1
392
7.10 ± 2.92
210
6.53 ± 2.64
140
2
82.4
222
7.34 ± 3.05
124
6.80 ± 2.96
95
3
81.0
100
6.39 ± 3.06
46
5.93 ± 3.13
27
4
82.5
40
7.83 ± 2.73
18
7.45 ± 2.34
11
5
75.0
8
5.50 ± 3.54
2
-
-
302
303
5. Effect of different breeds
304
When examining the different breed groups coming to UKG, 26.6% of the dogs are
305
retrievers, flushing dogs and waterdogs (group 8). Almost 25% is from group 2 and 17.8%
306
are sheepdogs and cattle dogs (suppl. Table A and Fig. 2 ). Statistical analyses are only
307
performed with the four breeds most often seen at UKG (Table 1).
Number of bitches
Fig 2: Number of bitches offered for fertility
management at UKG divided in breed groups
181
168
121
61
48
39
3
14
15
14
17
Group 11
308
309
Group10
Breed group
Group 9
Group 8
Group 7
Group 6
Group 5
Group 4
Group 3
Group 2
Group 1
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Group 1 Sheepdogs and cattledogs except Swiss cattle dogs
Group 2 Pinscher and Schnauzer, molossoid breeds, Swiss mountain and
cattle dogs
Group 3 Terriers
Group 4 Dachshunds
Group 5 Spitz and primitive types
Group 6 Scenthounds and related breeds
Group 7 Pointing dogs
Group 8 Retrievers, flushing dogs, water dogs
Group 9 Companion and toy dogs
Group 10 Sighthounds
Group 11 Crossbreed/Unknown
310
11
311
Pregnancy rates and number of pups per litter, grouped by the four breeds most presented at
312
UKG, are given in Table 6. Different breeds were found to have a significant effect on
313
pregnancy rates. Labrador Retrievers had a significant (P = 0.01) higher pregnancy rate than
314
Golden Retrievers (respectively 90.2% and 74.6%). No differences in pregnancy rates were
315
observed with and between the other breeds. There was also found a significant effect of
316
breeds on litter size (P = 0.04). The mean number of total Doberman pups per litter is 8.43
317
and for German shepherd pups the mean is 6.17. The different breeds were not found to
318
influence the number of pups born alive.
319
320
321
Table 6: Pregnancy rates and number of pups per litter, grouped by the four breeds most
presented at UKG.
Breeds
Pregnancy rate (%)
Percent
N
Number of pups (per
Number of pups born alive
litter)
(per litter)
Number
N
(mean ± S.D.)
322
Doberman
89.4 ab
German Shepherd
76.5 ab
Golden Retriever
74.6 a
Labrador Retriever
90.2 b
Number
N
(mean ± S.D.)
47
8.43 ± 3.52 a
23
6.33 ± 3.85
12
34
6.17 ±
3.07 b
18
5.17 ± 3.07
12
7.54 ±
2.74 ab
61
7.24 ± 2.94
41
7.72 ±
2.21 ab
76
7.11 ± 1.99
53
118
112
Different superscript letters (a-b) denote significant differences (P ≤ 0.05).
323
324
6. Effect of the weight of the bitch
325
Weight as well as breed of all bitches presented for ovulation timing was widely diverse. The
326
median weight was 29.4 kg (range from 2.0 to 71.1). To examine whether weight affects
327
pregnancy rate and litter size, the dogs were divided into four weight classes.
328
Pregnancy rate and litter size, grouped by four weight classes, are given in Table 7.
329
Weight was found to have a significant effect on pregnancy rates. The pregnancy rate was
330
highest for dogs in weight class two (87.7%). This percentage was higher (P = 0.02) than the
331
percentage for dogs in weight class four (72.7%).
332
Weight was also found to effect total litter size and number of pups born alive. The
333
total litter size increased significantly in dogs with higher body weight. Dogs between 10.0-
334
24.9 kg (mean = 6.49) had larger litters than dogs up to 9.9 kg (mean = 4.15) (P = 0.005). The
335
number of pups per litter in both group one (P ≤ 0.001) and two (P ≤ 0.02) was significantly
336
smaller than in dogs of 25.0-44.9 kg (mean = 7.47) and in dogs of more than 45.0 kg (mean =
337
8.40).
12
338
Also the number of pups born alive was lower in small dogs. Weight classes 1 (mean
339
= 3.91, P ≤ 0.005) and 2 (mean = 5.92, P = 0.015) had significantly fewer pups born alive
340
than dogs between 25.0 and 44.9 kg (mean = 7.06).
341
342
Table 7 Pregnancy rates and number of pups per litter, grouped by weight.
Weight class
Pregnancy rate (%)
Percent
N
Number of pups (per
Number of pups born alive
litter)
(per litter)
Number
N
(mean ± S.D.)
343
1: ≤ 9.9
83.3 ab
2: 10.0 - 24.9
87.7 a
3: 25.0 - 44.9
80.0 ab
4: ≥ 45.0
72.7 b
42
187
451
77
4.15 ±
1.39 a
6.49 ±
2.73 b
7.47 ±
2.86 c
8.40 ±
3.73 c
Number
N
(mean ± S.D.)
20
101
242
35
3.91 ± 1.81 a
11
5.92 ±
2.62 ac
74
7.06 ±
2.72 b
161
7.22 ±
3.07 bc
23
Different superscript letters (a-c) denote significant differences (P ≤ 0.05).
344
345
7. Effect of the fertilization method
346
According to the data, natural matings are most common (81.4%, n = 714). 15.3% (n = 134)
347
of the bitches were artificially inseminated (AI) and the remaining 3.3% (n = 29) did not mate
348
at all. Pregnancy rate and litter size, grouped by fertilization method, are given in Table 8. A
349
difference (P ≤ 0.001) in pregnancy rates was found between the three different fertilization
350
methods of which natural mating were the most successful (85.1%), then AI with fresh semen
351
(66.7%) and AI with frozen-thawed semen was the least successful (27.8%). There is no
352
evidence that fertilization method affected the number of pups.
353
354
Table 8: Pregnancy rates and number of pups per litter grouped by fertilization method.
Fertilization
Pregnancy rate (%)
method
Percent
N
Number of pups (per
Number of pups born alive
litter)
(per litter)
Number
N
(mean ± S.D.)
Number
N
(mean ± S.D.)
Natural mating
85.1 a
649
7.18 ± 2.92
351
6.59 ± 2.81
241
AI fresh semen
66.7
b
93
6.85 ± 3.36
39
6.50 ± 2.74
24
AI frozen-
27.8 c
18
6.33 ± 3.79
3
-
-
thawed semen
355
Different superscript letters (a-c) denote significant differences (P ≤ 0.05).
356
357
7.1. Natural matings
358
Pregnancy rate and litter size, grouped by occurrence of the copulatory tie, are given in Table
359
9. 92% of the natural matings included a copulatory tie. A lower percentage of pregnancy
13
360
was observed among bitch that mated without a copulatory tie (P = 0.038). The pregnancy
361
rate for matings including a copulatory tie was 85.9%, compared with 71.4% for matings
362
without a copulatory tie.
363
364
Table 9: Pregnancy rates and number of pups per litter grouped by copulatory tie.
Copulatory tie
Pregnancy rate (%)
Percent
N
Number of pups (per
Number of pups born alive
litter)
(per litter)
Number
N
(mean ± S.D.)
Yes
No
365
85.9 a
71.4
b
Number
N
(mean ± S.D.)
446
7.13 ± 2.96
239
6.47 ± 2.83
177
28
7.57 ± 2.88
14
7.33 ± 2.18
9
Different superscript letters (a-b) denote significant differences (P ≤ 0.05).
366
367
7.2. Place of artificial insemination
368
Pregnancy rate and litter size for both places of artificial insemination, are shown in Table 10.
369
In this study, the place of insemination was not found to affect both pregnancy rates and litter
370
size significantly.
371
372
373
Table 10 Pregnancy rates and number of pups per litter in bitches inseminated with fresh or frozen
semen, grouped by place of artificial insemination.
Place of AI
Pregnancy rate (%)
Percent
N
Number of pups (per
Number of pups born alive
litter)
(per litter)
Number
N
(mean ± S.D.)
Number
N
(mean ± S.D.)
Cranial vagina
63.3
30
7.08 ± 3.58
12
6.67 ± 2.81
6
Intra-uterine
77.1
35
6.93 ± 3.83
15
6.60 ± 3.24
10
374
375
Discussion
376
The results of the present study show that the number of dogs presented for ovulation timing
377
between 2003 and 2008 decreased significantly and were stable again in 2009. A presentation
378
at UKG showed that the number of dogs was decreased throughout the department of
379
companion dogs. Furthermore, we found that pregnancy rate of dogs without fertility
380
problems was 85.4%. In bitches with fertility problems 66.5% was pregnant after ovulation
381
timing. In bitches that were pregnant for the first time, a lower pregnancy rate was found in
382
bitches of 7 years old compared to bitches of 1 and 2 years old. Thomassen et al. [12]
383
discourage dog owners to breed the bitch when bitches were > 6 years old and had not
14
384
whelped before. Furthermore, breed was found to affect pregnancy rate and litter size. This is
385
in line with the results of Okkens et al [10]. They found that Labrador retrievers and
386
Dobermans have larger litters than West Highland white terriers. Litter size and pregnancy
387
rate are also influenced by weight. Dogs with higher body mass had larger litters which was
388
expected because metabolism costs are relatively smaller in larger breeds [14]. Finally, we
389
found that fertilization method influenced pregnancy rate. Pregnancy rates of natural matings,
390
AI with fresh semen and AI with frozen-thawed semen were 85.1%, 66.7% and 27.8%,
391
respectively. Furthermore, occurrence of a copulatory tie during the natural mating is
392
important because higher pregnancy rates were observed among bitches that mated with a
393
copulatory tie (85.9%) compared to matings without a copulatory tie (71.4%).
394
395
1. Bitches and their litters
396
In the present study was chosen for pregnancy rate while most studies use whelping rate.
397
Because the UKG was not directly involved in the birth process, the amount of information
398
about whelpings was dependent on breeders, who had to complete a follow-up form with
399
information about parturition and litter. Unfortunately only 40.7% of the breeders had
400
returned the follow-up form of which about 65% was fully completed. Pregnancy was
401
established in the clinic by palpation and ultrasonography (if necessary) and then saved to the
402
computer. Consequently, there were many more data available on the number of pregnancies
403
(77.8%) than the number of whelpings. Therefore, pregnancy rates were chosen in this study.
404
Regrettably, not every pregnancy is followed by whelping because resorption or abortion can
405
occur by infectious and non-infectious diseases. Consequently, whelping rate is a bit lower
406
than pregnancy rate which must be taken into account when comparing with other studies.
407
Unfortunately there are no evident rates available about resorption and abortion rates in dogs.
408
At UKG, pregnancy rate of dogs without fertility problems was 85.4%. The expected
409
normal range for whelping rate is between 80-95% according to some studies [11,16]. Both
410
these studies examined the whelping rates retrospectively from Kennel Clubs. It is unclear
411
how many of those breeders made use of an ovulation timing service and how many breeders
412
bred their bitches without any help. When the percentage of abortion of dogs presented at
413
UKG is below 5.4%, the whelping rate falls within the normal range. Unfortunately, this
414
percentage is unknown at UKG.
415
Dogs with fertility problems are dogs that for some reason do not become pregnant.
416
For instance, these include dogs with hypothyroidism or CEH but also dogs that are normally
417
fertile, but where behavior and physical symptoms are not related to the optimal day for
15
418
mating. The definition of infertility used in the present study was that bitches had not become
419
pregnant in the past at least once, regardless of the cause. With medical treatment,
420
measurement of progesterone and managing the entire process concerning the fertility
421
problem, the veterinarians of UKG try to make matings successful. After ovulation timing
422
66.5% of the ‘problem dogs’ were pregnant. So 33.5% of those dogs did not become pregnant
423
even after ovulation timing at UKG. One cause could be infertility of the bitch for example
424
due to problems of the genital tract. Other causes could be the male dog being sterile or the
425
breeder.
426
Percentage of male pups of 51.9% is in agreement with average ratios of B. Bobic
427
Gavrilovic [11] (50.5% for Swedish Kennel Club and 49.6% for Private kennel). According
428
to one study the percentage of male pups is expected to be slightly higher than the percentage
429
of female pups. Namely, in dogs that are genetically carriers of cryptorchidism, an increased
430
percentage of male pups were born (57.6% were male pups if the parents were both carriers
431
of cryptorchidism and 50.0% were male pups if not, P < 0.001) [17]. Studies reported a
432
prevalence of 1-11% [17] and 6.8% [18] of cryptorchidism among dogs. Consequently, a lot
433
of dogs are genetically carriers so the number of males in litters might be greater on
434
population level.
435
436
2. Annual variation in bitches presented for ovulation timing
437
During the period 2003-2008 the number of dogs presented for ovulation timing decreased
438
significantly. In 2009 the number of dogs seemed stable again. The decrease could be related
439
to a number of veterinarians in the field who started to offer ovulation timing service. In the
440
present study it is not investigated if this number had increased. 2008 was the beginning of an
441
economic crisis in the Netherlands. However, the number of dogs presented in 2008 was not
442
significantly decreased compared to the number in 2007. In 2009 the number of dogs even
443
stabilized compared to 2008. Thus, the economic crisis had no significant impact on the
444
number of dogs that was presented for ovulation timing. Furthermore, a presentation at UKG
445
demonstrated that the number of dogs, presented at all disciplines of UKG, showed the same
446
trend as the number of dogs presented for ovulation timing. So, these numbers are stabilized
447
too over the last years. This could be caused by the management taking action against the
448
decreasing number of patients.
449
In the present study there were no significant differences between months. Bouchard
450
et al. [19], studying 67 Colony bitches of 5 different breeds over 4 years during 210 estrous
451
cycles, also found that the occurrences of estrous are the same for each month of the year. By
16
452
contrast, B. Bovic Gavrilovic et al. found that most matings took place during the winter but
453
fewest during summer [11]. In their study they only examined the Drever breed which turned
454
out to be a seasonal breeder.
455
However, it seems that more bitches are bred in August, September, January,
456
February and March. This may be due to management reasons. The matings in August and
457
September may be due to a higher demand for pups for St. Nicholas or Christmas. And the
458
matings during winter give pups in spring and summer. A higher demand in those seasons
459
may be due to dog owners who want to raise and housetrain their dog during the holidays.
460
461
3. Effect of the age of the bitch
462
When analyzing all parities, no association was found between pregnancy rate and age of the
463
bitch in the present study. Other studies [16,20] showed a decrease in conception rate with
464
increasing age. Thomassen et al. [12] reported decreased whelping rates in bitches older than
465
6 years (68.2% compared to younger dogs that have a rate of 77%). The fertilization method
466
in their study was artificial insemination with frozen semen.
467
In the present study there was also no effect found on the number of pups born per
468
litter among all parities, grouped by age. A previous study [11] reported conflicting results.
469
They found the mean number of registered pups per litter was significantly lower in bitches >
470
4 years old. The different results compared to B. Bobic Gavrilovic et al. [11] may be due to a
471
considerably lower number of cases in the our study. Also, some other studies reported a
472
decrease in conception rate and litter size with increasing age [16,20].
473
In bitches that were pregnant for the first time, a higher pregnancy rate was found in
474
bitches of 1 and 2 years compared to bitches of 7 years old. However, there were only two
475
dogs of 7 years old. So, the outcome is not very reliable because of the small sample size.
476
Though, these findings are in line with the findings of B. Bobic Gavrilovic et al. [11].
477
Thomassen et al. [12] discourage dog owners to breed the bitch when bitches were > 6 years
478
old and had not whelped before.
479
480
4. Effect of the parity of the bitch
481
In the present study no association was found between parity and litter size. However,
482
Mutembei et al. [20] suggests that parity effects litter size, but not before the fifth parity. In
483
the present study the sample size of the fifth parity was too small. Also, B. Bobic Gavrilovic
484
et al. [11] found that parity effects litter size. In their study the number of pups increased
485
slightly until the third parity and then decreased.
17
486
5. Effect of different breeds
487
In the present study we chose to statistically analyze the four numerically larger breeds to
488
obtain an adequate number of dogs per breed: Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers,
489
Dobermans and German shepherds.
490
Okkens et al. [10] examined the number of pups per litter for six different breeds, the
491
four breeds mentioned in this study plus Bernese mountain dogs and West Highland white
492
terriers. They found West Highland white terriers had significantly smaller litters than
493
Labrador retrievers (P < 0.001) and Dobermans (P < 0.005). They found no difference
494
between Dobermans and German Shepherds like in this study. A possible explanation is that
495
we had excess to considerably more cases than Okkens et al.
496
497
6. Effect of the weight of the bitch
498
Litter size is positively correlated with weight in the present study. In another study [12],
499
although all dogs were artificially inseminated, it was also found that larger breeds have
500
larger litter sizes than smaller breeds (small 3.9 ± 0.3, n = 50, P ≤ 0.01; medium 5.7 ± 0.3, n =
501
94; large 5.9 ± 0.2, n = 295; giant 6.1 ± 0.5, n = 62). According to Scantlebury, Butterwick
502
and Speakman [14] these results were expected because smaller mothers and their puppies
503
expend more mass-specific energy on their metabolism than larger breeds. Consequently,
504
smaller dogs have fewer resources for milk production for their puppies than larger breeds,
505
although they eat relatively more food, and their offspring are unable to convert as much
506
energy into growth as pups of larger breeds. So, the pups of smaller mothers have to take
507
relatively much more milk to grow. Summarized, because metabolism costs are relatively
508
smaller in larger breeds, larger litters are possible [14].
509
510
7. Effect of the fertilization method
511
A comparison between results of different fertilization methods obtained with natural matings
512
and AI revealed that pregnancy rates were significantly different. The highest percentage was
513
for natural matings (85.1%), then AI with fresh semen (66.7%) and the lowest percentage for
514
frozen-thawed semen (27.8%). In 29 cases the breeder chose not to breed de bitch anymore.
515
The causes were often medical problems in the bitch or personal reasons of the owner.
516
Pregnancy rates of 85%-95% are shown after well controlled natural mating [21,22] which is
517
in agreement with the results of the present study. Linde-Forsberg and Forsberg [23] found
518
that inseminations with frozen semen resulted in a statistically lower pregnancy rate (51.1% n
519
= 468) than inseminations with fresh semen (62.3%, n = 59), which is in agreement with the
18
520
present study too. However, we found considerably lower pregnancy rates after insemination
521
with frozen semen than Linde-Forsberg and Forsberg [23]. Also Nizanski [15] found that the
522
pregnancy rate was reduced when frozen-thawed semen (60.7%) was used compared to fresh
523
semen (86.7%), both inseminated into the cranial vagina. Decreased pregnancy rates in
524
artificial inseminations are the result of reduced semen quality (especially in frozen-thawed
525
semen) [13,24] and the absence of pressure of the third fraction of the ejaculate through
526
which semen is influenced by the vaginal microenvironment [13]. Another explanation could
527
be that there are not as many and as powerful contractions of the uterus as after a natural
528
mating. In consequence, the semen is transported less rapidly to the distal region of the
529
uterine tubal junction [24]. Nevertheless, when inseminating semen of good quality with an
530
appropriate insemination technique during the fertilization phase, whelping rates can increase
531
to 80-87.5% for frozen-thawed semen [21,25]. Pretzer et al. found pregnancy rates of 89.4%
532
after 161 inseminations with frozen-thawed semen [22]. They used a single, timed TCI
533
procedure on only Greyhound bitches. Therefore, technique or breed may have had an impact
534
on the outcome of their study.
535
Furthermore, Linde-Forsberg and Forsberg [23] found litter size was 30.5% smaller in
536
bitches with frozen-thawed semen. Also other studies reported litters to be 25-30% smaller in
537
bitches that were inseminated with frozen-thawed semen compared to fresh semen [21,26].
538
This effect also seems to appear in this study but the number of cases is too small for a
539
significant difference. Thus, in general, the results of natural matings are still better than AI,
540
although with good management pregnancy rates may increase.
541
542
7.1. Natural matings
543
In the present study was often unknown how many times a bitch was bred, because usually it
544
was not reported by the owners. Therefore, the influence of the number of matings was not
545
analyzed. One study [11] observed a significant smaller (0.52 pups, P < 0.05) mean litter size
546
at birth when bitches were mated only once compared to multiple mating. The number of
547
days between the first and the last mating did not affect the number of pups.
548
In matings a copulatory tie is important because a significant lower percentage of
549
pregnancies was observed among bitches that mated without a copulatory tie (71.4%, n = 28)
550
compared to matings including one (85.9%, n = 446).
551
552
553
19
554
7.2. Artificial insemination
555
Breeders can have different reasons for choosing Artificial Insemination. Some breeders want
556
AI to prevent the spread of sexual diseases, others use semen from stud dogs who live at a
557
distance or save semen from valuable dogs to use it in later generations [21,23].
558
In the present study, the site of semen deposition was found not to have a significant
559
effect on pregnancy rates. However, others studies reported it influenced pregnancy/whelping
560
rates. In 2001 Thomassen et al. [25], studying 321 bitches of 70 different breeds inseminated
561
with frozen-thawed semen, found that whelping rates were significantly higher (P < 0.05)
562
after intrauterine insemination (71%) than after insemination into the cranial vagina (29%). In
563
2006 Thomassen et al. [12] artificially inseminated 526 bitches of 99 different breeds with
564
frozen-thawed semen. They observed a significantly higher pregnancy rate after insemination
565
into the uterus (75%) compared to intravaginal insemination (10%; P ≤ 0.05). Similarly,
566
Linde-Forsberg, Ström Holst and Govette [13], studying 327 AIs with frozen-thawed semen,
567
found that whelping rates were 84.4% for intrauterine insemination with the Norwegian
568
catheter and 58.9% for insemination into the cranial vagina (P < 0.001). The superior results
569
of intra-uterine insemination could be caused by sperm loss due to death of sperm in the
570
vagina and semen reflux after artificial insemination. Pregnancy rates could increase by
571
repeating the artificial insemination after 24-48 hours [21]. Unlike in the present study,
572
Linde-Forsberg, Ström Holst and Govette [13] observed the site of semen deposition
573
influenced litter size. They found litter size after intrauterine insemination with frozen semen
574
was 5.4 ± 3.0 and after intravaginal insemination 4.0 ± 2.7 (P< 0.001). The present study had
575
only a small sample size, making the outcome uncertain.
576
577
Conclusion
578
In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that age, fertilization method and the
579
occurrence of a copulatory tie affect pregnancy rates. Breed and weight of the bitch have an
580
effect on both pregnancy rates and litter size. If the veterinarians from the UKG would
581
register more information about the medical history from the bitches and if more breeders
582
would return a completed follow-up form about parturition and litter, there would be much
583
more information available concerning canine reproduction at UKG and many more factors
584
could be examined.
585
586
20
587
588
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589
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593
2. CONCANNON P.W. Reproductive cycles of the domestic bitch. Anim Reprod Sci
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3. WILDT D.E., CHAKRABORTY P.K. Relationship of reproductive behaviour, serum
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6. PHEMISTER R.D., HOLST P.A., SPANO J.S. and HOPWOOD M.L. Time of
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8. FÁY J., MEZÖ T., SOLTI L., WÖLFLING A., ABONYI-TÓTH Z. Comparison of
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9. KIM Y.H., TRAVIS A.J., MEYERS-WALLEN V.N. Parturition prediction and
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10. OKKENS A.C., TEUNISSEN J.M., OSCH van W., BROM van den W.E.,
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623
11. BOBIC GAVRILOVIC B., ANDERSSON K., LINDE FORSBERG C. Reproductive
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12. THOMASSEN R., SANSON G., KROGENAES A. et al. Artificial insemination with
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629
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631
13. LINDE-FORSBERG C., STRÖM HOLST B., GOVETTE G. Comparison of fertility
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14. SCANTLEBURY M., BUTTERWICK R., SPEAKMAN J.R. Energetics and litter
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637
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15. NIZANSKI W. Intravaginal insemination of bitches with fresh and frozen-thawed
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644
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645
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646
647
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649
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18. YATES D., HAYES G., HEFFERNAN M., BEYNON R. Incidence of
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GUAY P., PARADIS M. Seasonality and variability of the interestrous interval in the
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20. MUTEMBEI H.M., MUTIGA E.R., TSUMA V.T. An epidemiological survey
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23
Group 1
Sheepdogs
Sheepdogs and
cattledogs except Swiss
Cattle Dogs
Australian Kelpie
Australian Shepherd
Dog
Bearded Collie
Beauceron
Belgian Shepherd
Dog, Malinois
Belgian Shepherd
Dog, Tervueren
Berger Picard
Border Collie
Briard
Cão da Serra de
Aires
Collie Rough
Dutch Schapendoes
Dutch Shepherd Dog,
Rough-haired
German Shepherd
Dog
Gos d'Atura Català
Komondor
Kuvasz
Maremma and
Abruzzes Sheepdog
Old English
Sheepdog
Australia
Ratio:
NL'03-'06 /
cases
'03-'10
Percent of
dogs in
Holland
Dogs in
Holland
'03-'06
Percent of
different
dogs at
UKG
Number of
different
dogs '03-'10
Cases '03'10
Country of
origin
Breed
Type
Section
Appendix Supplement Table A
Group
number
685
1
1
0,1
186
0,1
0,64
2
12
1
2
7
1
0,3
1,0
0,1
468
983
238
0,2
0,5
0,1
0,80
0,48
0,81
Belgium
1
1
0,1
2675
1,3
9,14
Belgium
France
Great Britain
France
3
2
4
5
2
1
2
5
0,3
0,1
0,3
0,7
1362
42
3644
748
0,7
0,0
1,8
0,4
2,33
0,14
6,22
0,51
Portugal
Great Britain
The Netherlands
1
11
9
1
11
8
0,1
1,6
1,2
18
1651
1483
0,0
0,8
0,7
0,06
0,51
0,63
The Netherlands
2
2
0,3
180
0,1
0,31
53
2
1
4
37
2
1
2
5,4
0,3
0,1
0,3
14070
143
11
123
7,1
0,1
0,0
0,1
1,30
0,24
0,04
0,21
Italy
1
1
0,1
44
0,0
0,15
Great Britain
3
3
0,4
363
0,2
0,41
U.S.A.
Great Britain
France
Germany
Spain
Hungary
Hungary
Saarloos Wolfdog
Shetland Sheepdog
Tatra Shepherd Dog
Welsh Corgi
Cardigan
Australian Cattle
Dog
Cattle dogs
except
Swiss Cattle
Dogs
Pinscher and
Group 2
Schnauzer type
Pinschers and
Schnauzers, Mollossoid
breeds, Swiss
Mountain and Cattle
Dogs
The Netherlands
Great Britain
Poland
Pinscher
Smoushond
Mastiff type
0,16
0,46
Ratio:
NL'03-'06 /
cases '03-'10
0,2
0,1
Percent of
dogs in
Holland
372
134
Dogs in
Holland
'03-'06
1,2
0,1
Percent of
different dogs
at UKG
8
1
Number of
different dogs
'03-'10
Cases '03-'10
Country of
origin
8
1
10
6
2
7
6
2
1,0
0,9
0,3
331
1815
156
0,2
0,9
0,1
0,16
1,03
0,27
Great Britain
1
1
0,1
335
0,2
1,14
Australia
4
2
0,3
79
0,0
0,13
4
154
4
121
0,6
17,8
3401
35055
1,7
17,6
2,90
0,99
58
33
4,8
1086
0,5
0,11
2
2
4
5
4
3
2
2
2
3
3
3
0,3
0,3
0,3
0,4
0,4
0,4
184
269
2116
394
659
397
0,1
0,1
1,1
0,2
0,3
0,2
0,31
0,46
3,61
0,45
0,75
0,45
10
1
10
12
36
7
1
7
9
19
1,0
0,1
1,0
1,3
2,8
1983
9
3894
1761
5406
1,0
0,0
2,0
0,9
2,7
0,97
0,03
1,90
0,67
0,97
Bouvier des Flandres Belgium/France
Subtotal
Schnauzer
Molossoid
breeds
Poland
France
Breed
Type
Section
Group
number
Polish Lowland
Sheepdog
Pyrenean Sheepdog
Dobermann
Germany
German Pinscher
Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Schnauzer
Riesenschnauzer
Schnauzer
Dutch Smoushond
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
The Netherlands
Bordeaux Dog
Broholmer
Bulldog
Bullmastiff
German Boxer
France
Denmark
Great Britain
Great Britain
Germany
25
Mountain
type
Swiss Mountain
and Cattle Dogs
Group 3
Terriërs
Large and sized
TerriërsMedium
Small sized
Terriërs
Anatolian Shepherd
Dog
Cao da Serra da
Estrela
Hovawart
Landseer
Leonberger
Newfoundland
Saint Bernard Dog,
Long-haired
5,71
2,54
0,73
Ratio:
NL'03-'06 /
cases
'03-'10
0,8
0,7
0,9
Percent of
dogs in
Holland
1671
1488
1712
Dogs in
Holland
'03-'06
0,1
0,3
1,2
Percent of
different dogs
at UKG
1
2
8
Number of
different dogs
'03-'10
Cases '03-'10
1
3
11
Country of
origin
Italy
Germany
China
Breed
Type
Section
Group
number
Italian Corso Dog
Rottweiler
Shar Pei
Anatolia (Turkey)
3
3
0,4
85
0,0
0,10
Portugal
Germany
Germany/Switzerl
Germany
Canada
2
4
14
18
27
1
3
9
12
18
0,1
0,4
1,3
1,8
2,6
42
525
221
1127
2088
0,0
0,3
0,1
0,6
1,0
0,14
0,60
0,08
0,32
0,40
Switzerland
5
4
0,6
1098
0,6
0,94
Appenzell Cattle Dog Switzerland
Bernese Mountain
Dog
Switzerland
Entlebuch Cattle Dog Switzerland
Subtotal
1
1
0,1
433
0,2
1,48
16
3
255
13
2
168
1,9
0,3
24,7
7404
308
36360
3,7
0,2
18,2
1,95
0,53
0,74
14
1
8
1
1,2
0,1
1079
1594
0,5
0,8
0,46
5,44
1
1
0,1
164
0,1
0,56
Airedale Terriër
Border Terriër
Irish Glen of Imaal
Terriër
Irish Soft Coated
Wheaten Terriër
Parson Russel Terriër
Great Britain
Great Britain
Ireland
Great Britain
20
2
8
1
1,2
0,1
692
982
0,3
0,5
0,30
3,35
Cairn Terriër
Jack Russel Terriër
Great Britain
Australian
2
1
2
1
0,3
0,1
2638
2337
1,3
1,2
4,50
7,98
Ireland
26
Bull type
Terriërs
American
Staffordshire Terriër
Bull Terriër,
Standard
Bull Terriër,
miniature
Staffordhire
Bullterriër
Group 5
Nordic Sledge
Dogs
Spitz and primitive
types
Nordic
Watchdogs and
Sheepdogs
Asian Spitz and
related breeds
Primitive types
9
7
1,0
2688
1,3
1,31
Ratio:
NL'03-'06 /
cases
'03-'10
0,63
Percent of
dogs in
Holland
0,2
Dogs in
Holland
'03-'06
367
Percent of
different dogs
at UKG
0,3
Number of
different dogs
'03-'10
2
Cases '03-'10
2
U.S.A.
1
1
0,1
951
0,5
3,25
Great Britain
7
5
0,7
805
0,4
0,55
Great Britain
1
1
0,1
204
0,1
0,70
Great Britain
Subtotal
11
72
10
48
1,5
7,0
4160
18661
2,1
9,4
1,42
1,33
Germany
Subtotal
3
3
3
3
0,4
0,4
2767
2767
1,4
1,4
3,15
3,15
Alaskan Malamute
U.S.A.
1
1
0,1
269
0,1
0,92
Icelandic Sheepdog
Swedish Vallhund
Iceland
Sweden
2
1
2
1
0,3
0,1
287
62
0,1
0,0
0,49
0,21
Akita
Chow Chow
Shiba
Basenji
Mexican Hairless
Dog
Pharaoh Hound
Japan
China
Japan
Central Africa
1
1
5
1
1
1
4
1
0,1
0,1
0,6
0,1
235
530
545
128
0,1
0,3
0,3
0,1
0,80
1,81
0,47
0,44
3
1
16
2
1
14
0,3
0,1
2,1
21
43
2120
0,0
0,0
1,1
0,04
0,15
0,52
Dachshund,
Standard, Wirehaired
Group 4 Dachshunds
Country of
origin
Breed
Type
Section
Group
number
Norwich Terriër
Great Britain
West Highland White
Terriër
Great Britain
Mexico
Malta
Subtotal
27
Small sized
Related breeds
Group 7
Continental
Pointing dog
Continental
pointing dog
Pointing dogs
Spaniel type
Griffon type
Setter
Artesian-Norman
Basset
Basset Hound
Beagle
Fawn Brittany Basset
Petit Basset Griffon
Vendeen
Dalmatian
Rhodesian Ridgeback
German Short-haired
Pointing Dog
Hungarian Shorthaired Pointing Dog
Weimaraner, Shorthaired
Drentse Partridge
Dog
Epagneul Breton
Frisian Pointing
Dog/Stabyhoun
German Long-haired
Pointing Dog
Large Munsterlander
Small Munsterlander
Ceský Fousek
Irish Red Setter
France
Great Britain
Great Britain
France
0,02
Ratio:
NL'03-'06 /
cases
'03-'10
0,0
Percent of
dogs in
Holland
6
Dogs in
Holland
'03-'06
0,1
Percent of
different dogs
at UKG
1
Number of
different dogs
'03-'10
1
Cases '03-'10
France
Country of
origin
Type
Section
Scenthounds and
related breeds
Griffon bleu de
Gascogne
Breed
Medium
sized
Scenthounds
Group
number
Group 6
1
1
4
1
1
1
4
1
0,1
0,1
0,6
0,1
395
649
1994
560
0,2
0,3
1,0
0,3
1,35
2,22
1,70
1,91
1
4
2
15
1
4
2
15
0,1
0,6
0,3
2,2
339
634
2575
7152
0,2
0,3
1,3
3,6
1,16
0,54
4,40
1,63
Germany
4
2
0,3
877
0,4
1,50
Hungary
5
5
0,7
855
0,4
0,58
Germany
27
14
2,1
909
0,5
0,22
The Netherlands
France
31
1
21
1
3,1
0,1
2014
81
1,0
0,0
0,33
0,28
The Netherlands
4
4
0,6
1586
0,8
1,35
Germany
Germany
Germany
Czech Republic
Ireland
Subtotal
3
1
12
2
2
92
3
1
6
2
2
61
0,4
0,1
0,9
0,3
0,3
9,0
1384
255
909
98
952
9920
0,7
0,1
0,5
0,0
0,5
5,0
1,58
0,87
0,52
0,17
1,63
0,56
France
Croatia
Southern Africa
Subtotal
28
Flushing dogs
Water dogs
Group 9
Companion and Toy
dogs
Bichons and
Related breeds
Poodle
Tibetan breeds
Bichons
Coton de
Tuléar
Flat Coated Retriever
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Nova Scotia Duck
Tolling Retriever
English Cocker
Spaniel
English Springer
Spaniel
Field Spaniel
Dutch Kooikerhondje
Welsh Springer
Spaniel
Barbet
Wetterhoun
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Maltese
Coton de Tuléar
Large Poodle
Standard Poodle
Miniature Poodle
Toy Poodle
Shih Tzu
Tibetan Terriër
0,22
Ratio:
NL'03-'06 /
cases
'03-'10
0,0
Percent of
dogs in
Holland
63
Dogs in
Holland
'03-'06
0,1
Percent of
different dogs
at UKG
1
Number of
different dogs
'03-'10
1
Country of
origin
Breed
Type
Section
Retrievers, Flushing
dogs and Water dogs
U.S.A.
Cases '03-'10
Chesapeake Bay
Retriever
Retrievers
Group
number
Group 8
2
140
127
2
85
73
0,3
12,5
10,7
2845
9390
18825
1,4
4,7
9,4
4,86
0,38
0,88
5
4
0,6
1062
0,5
0,91
12
8
1,2
3338
1,7
1,42
Great Britain
Great Britain
The Netherlands
1
1
1
1
1
1
0,1
0,1
0,1
1009
59
1960
0,5
0,0
1,0
3,45
0,20
6,69
Great Britain
France
The Netherlands
Subtotal
4
1
1
296
3
1
1
181
0,4
0,1
0,1
26,6
729
16
432
39728
0,4
0,0
0,2
19,9
0,83
0,05
1,48
0,75
Italy
3
3
0,4
980
0,5
1,12
Madagascar
France
France
France
France
Tibet
Tibet
1
5
6
1
2
1
1
1
4
5
1
2
1
1
0,1
0,6
0,7
0,1
0,3
0,1
0,1
339
210
656
552
482
1307
834
0,2
0,1
0,3
0,3
0,2
0,7
0,4
1,16
0,18
0,45
1,89
0,82
4,46
2,85
Canada
Great Britain
29
Group 10
Sighthounds
Long-haired or
Fringed
Sighthounds
Rough-haired
Sighthounds
Short-haired
Sighthounds
Others
8,16
Ratio:
NL'03-'06 /
cases
'03-'10
1,2
Percent of
dogs in
Holland
2389
Dogs in
Holland
'03-'06
0,1
Percent of
different dogs
at UKG
1
Number of
different dogs
'03-'10
1
Country of
origin
Breed
Type
Section
Group
number
English Toy
Spaniels
Chin and
Pekingese
Small Molossian
type dogs
Mexico
Cases '03-'10
Chihuahueño Longhaired
Chihuahueño
Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel
Great Britain
4
3
0,4
4883
2,4
5,56
Pekingese
China
1
1
0,1
57
0,0
0,19
French Bulldog
Pug
France
Great Britain
Subtotal
18
2
48
14
2
39
2,1
0,3
5,7
2872
956
16517
1,4
0,5
8,3
0,70
1,63
1,45
Saluki
Middle East
14
9
1,3
154
0,1
0,06
Deerhound
Irish Wolfhound
Great Britain
Ireland
1
2
1
2
0,1
0,3
128
390
0,1
0,2
0,44
0,67
Greyhound
Whippet
Great Britain
Great Britain
Subtotal
The Netherlands
1
1
19
1
1
1
14
1
0,1
0,1
2,1
0,1
245
802
1719
72
0,1
0,4
0,9
0,0
0,84
2,74
0,42
0,25
Germany
4
22
4
12
0,6
1,8
0,0
2,5
?
Markiesje
White Shepherd Dog
(not F.C.I.)
Crossbreeds
Other breeds
Subtotal
Totaal
27
997
17
681
29338
29410
199409
0,0
14,7
14,7
0,00
0,00
5,91
1.46
686
687
30
688
Part two: Customers satisfaction survey
689
690
Abstract
691
The opinion of dog owners concerning the ovulation timing service at the department of
692
clinical sciences of companion animals at Utrecht University (UKG) was examined by an
693
online survey. All clients from the Netherlands (n = 386), who made use of the ovulation
694
timing service between 2003 and 2010, were invited to fill in the questionnaire. The overall
695
response rate was 22.7%, so 95 breeders completed the 22-question survey. The main reason
696
to keep the bitch was companionship for 57% of the respondents, 32.6% work, 5.8% show
697
and 4.7% sport. Propositions were rated on a scale of one to five. Veterinarians were
698
evaluated to be capable for examination (mean = 4.6) and the oral information given by them
699
was understandable (mean = 4.4). Co-assistants handled the dogs in a responsible way (mean
700
= 4.2) and in case of a failure the veterinarian intervened in time (mean = 4.2). Least
701
satisfied, but still sufficient, were people about the waiting time (mean = 3.8) and
702
reasonableness of the costs (mean = 3.6). Dog owners, who had been to UKG for ovulation
703
timing more than 5 times, were less satisfied about the costs than people who used this
704
service infrequently. 60% of the respondents indicated that they would like to receive
705
additional information about topics like important aspects of pregnancy and parturition in
706
bitches. 68.4% of the breeders would like additional veterinary help with topics as genetic
707
screening for hereditary diseases, problems surrounding birth and problems after birth.
708
In general, the ovulation timing service was rated with a median of 8.0 (range 1-10, n = 95)
709
on a scale of 1 to 10.
710
711
Introduction
712
When a company provides a particular service, it is important that clients are satisfied
713
because satisfaction is connected to customer loyalty, which in turn is related to profitability
714
[1,2]. One definition of customer loyalty is behavioral loyalty, which means customers return
715
to purchase services from the same supplier [3]. The department of clinical sciences of
716
companion animals at Utrecht University (UKG) is a veterinary referral clinic that offers a
717
range of services including ovulation timing. To maintain high customer satisfaction, it is
718
necessary to ask opinions from pet owners about various aspects of these services.
719
720
According to a few publications [4,5,6], communication skills are becoming more important
721
in the veterinary practice because good communication improves medical outcomes [4,6] and
722
clients expect their veterinarian to inform and educate them and listen to their concerns [4].
723
However, client relations are considered to be one of the hardest parts of the veterinary
724
profession [5]. The most common communicating breakdowns in the study of Coe, Adams
725
and Bonnett [4] were because of misinformation about the costs, procedures, diagnosis and
726
prognosis. Furthermore, the second most common consequence of breakdowns in
727
communication was veterinarians who do not always give all the options and did not give
728
owners the opportunity to choose. The third most common result was that veterinarians did
729
not listen to the pet owners concerns. Fortunately, communication skills can be taught as all
730
the other medical skills [6].
731
732
The aim of the ovulation timing service is to improve pregnancy outcomes. This is achieved
733
by helping people to find the optimal day for mating in healthy bitches and in bitches with
734
fertility problems, and also to manage artificial inseminations. More specifically, the optimal
735
day for mating is determined by longitudinal physical examinations and measurements of the
736
plasma progesterone concentration. Later, pregnancy is determined by palpation, followed by
737
abdominal ultrasonography if necessary. This process is carried out by veterinary students,
738
supervised by a veterinarian, who is specialized in companion animal reproduction.
739
740
Utrecht University is not the only veterinary clinic in the Netherlands that offers an ovulation
741
timing service which ensures there is competition. Furthermore, the number of patients
742
reduced between 2003 and 2008 (Part one: Retrospective study on the period 2003-2010).
743
Therefore, it is important to identify the views of clients so the service can be tailored to their
744
requirements. Finally, the intention is that dog owners will return to UKG, so the number of
745
dogs presented for ovulation timing will increase again.
746
747
The aim of this study is to examine the opinion of dog owners concerning the ovulation
748
timing service at UKG by means of an online questionnaire to maintain high customers
749
satisfaction.
750
751
752
753
32
754
Materials and Methods
755
1. Participants
756
All clients (total of 386) from the Netherlands, who made use of the ovulation timing service
757
between January 2003 and August 2010, were invited to fill in the questionnaire. Only the
758
Dutch clients were invited because the questionnaire was in Dutch, so the clients from abroad
759
(n = 17) did not receive an invitation.
760
761
2. Questionnaire
762
In October, there were sent 419 letters to dog owners. 34 of those letters were sent to
763
K.N.G.F., so they could distribute the invitations to the host families where their breeding
764
bitches live. To encourage people to participate in the survey, there was a prize, namely a
765
‘free ovulation timing’. To be eligible for the prize, participants had to fill in personal details.
766
The survey was open for about a month, from the end of October 2010 till the end of
767
November 2010. After closing the survey, the winner of the ‘free ovulation timing’ was
768
decided by a random number generator.
769
The questionnaire was put online using an online software program called
770
SurveyMonkey. All dog owners received a letter with a web link and a code that provided
771
them access to the online questionnaire once. There they could give their opinion in the 22-
772
question survey (supplement 1). The questionnaire contained 5 open-ended, 2 yes/no and 6
773
multiple choice questions. There were also 9 propositions were people had to indicate their
774
level of satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 5.
775
776
3. Statistical analysis
777
After the survey was closed the results were imported in Excel. The data were exported to
778
and analyzed with SPSS 17.0.
779
The results of the propositions of the different groups (owners who presented dogs for
780
ovulation timing at UKG ≤ 5 times, owners who presented dogs for ovulation timing at UKG
781
> 5 times) are compared with one-way ANOVA and are presented as percentages and mean.
782
The results were considered to be statistically significant when P ≤ 0.05.
783
784
Results
785
Eventually, the survey was completed 95 times, representing 21.8% (n = 436) of all breeders
786
who came to UKG for ovulation timing service between January 2003 and August 2010. 76
33
787
of the 95 participants (80%) left their personal information for winning the prize and the
788
remaining 19 wanted to be anonymous. The personal data showed that 75 participants were
789
from the Netherlands and only one was from Belgium, due to a recent move.
790
791
1. Main purpose for keeping the dog
792
The main reason for keeping dogs varied by owner (n = 86). Most owners kept their dog for
793
companionship (57%) and 32.6% indicated that the dog was intended primarily for work
794
(table 1a). Of the dogs which are kept for work (n = 28), most were kept as hunting dogs and
795
guide dogs (table 1b).
796
797
Frequency
Percent
Frequency
Percent
Companionship
49
57.0
Guide dog
17
60.7
Show
5
5.8
Herding
1
3.6
Sport
4
4.7
Hunting
9
32.1
Work
28
32.6
Police dog
1
3.6
Table 2a: Main purpose for keeping the dog
Table 1b: Subgroups of working dogs
798
799
2. Propositions
800
There were 9 propositions where people were asked to indicate to what extent they agreed by
801
a scale of 1 to 5 (table 2). From all propositions, people were most satisfied with the skills of
802
the veterinarians. They thought the vets were capable for examination (mean = 4.6) and the
803
oral information was understandable (mean = 4.4). The participants were also content with
804
the way co-assistants behave. They thought the co-assistants were handling their dogs in a
805
responsible way (mean = 4.2) and when something went wrong or failed, the veterinarian
806
intervened in time (mean = 4.2). Least satisfied, but still sufficient, people were about the
807
waiting time (mean = 3.8) and reasonableness of the costs (mean =3.6).
808
To compare the opinions of people who infrequently visit the UKG for ovulation timing and
809
people who come more frequently, a distinction was made between owners who have been to
810
UKG 5 times or less and owners who have been to UKG more than 5 times during the studied
811
period. It appeared that no differences exist between the results of the propositions, except the
812
costs (P ≤ 0.05). Dog owners, who had been to UKG for ovulation timing more than 5 times,
813
were less satisfied about the costs than people who used this service infrequently.
814
815
34
Often enough time for consultation without
Totally
Somewhat
Neutral
Somewhat
Totally
Mean
disagree
disagree
=3
agree = 4
agree
Mark
=1
=2
3 (3.3%)
14
14
12
49
(15.2%)
(15.2%)
(13.0%)
(53.3%)
10
18
19
43
(11.0%)
(19.8%)
(20.9%)
(47.3%)
appointment (n = 92)
Vet accessible fast enough in case of
1 (1.1%)
emergency (n = 91)
816
=5
4.0
4.0
Vet is capable for examination
3
1
8
5
77
4.6
(n = 94)
(3.2%)
(1.1%)
(8.5%)
(5.3%)
(81.9%)
Oral information given by the vet is
7
0
7
6
64
understandable (n = 84)
(8.3%)
(0.0%)
(8.3%)
(7.1%)
(76.2%)
Co-assistants examine in a responsible way
3
6
11
22
52
(n = 94)
(3.2%)
(6.4%)
(11.7%)
(23.4%)
(55.3%)
If a co-assistant acts incorrectly, the vet
4
7
11
10
56
intervenes fast enough (n = 88)
(4.5%)
(8.0%)
(12.5%)
(11.4)
(63.6)
Costs are reasonable (n = 84)
8
7
19
25
25
(9.5%)
(8.3%)
(22.6%)
(29.8%)
(29.8%)
Waiting time for open consultations is
6
6
19
32
28
acceptable (n = 91)
(6.6%)
(6.6%)
(20.9%)
(35.2%)
(30.8%)
The website is a good resource (n = 44)
3
4
14
11
12
(6.8%)
(9.1%)
(31.8%)
(25.0%)
(27.3%)
4.4
4.2
4.2
3.6
3.8
3.6
Table 3: To what extent do people agree with these 9 propositions?
817
818
3. Written information
819
40 percent of all participants (n = 95) indicated that they did not need any written information
820
(Table 3). However, 60 percent indicated additional information about one or more topics
821
would be advisable (table 3). Especially information about important aspects of pregnancy
822
and parturition in bitches would be welcomed by many dog owners.
823
Frequency
Percent
No written information needed
38
40
Important aspects of pregnancy in bitches
36
37.9
What is pregnancy diagnosis about?
16
16.8
Food is important during the period of gestation and lactation
22
23.2
Important aspects of parturition
35
36.8
How to take care of the bitch and puppies after birth?
20
21.1
Other topics
8
8.4
Table 4: About what topics would dog owners want to know more?
35
824
4. Additional help
825
Most dog owners (68.4%) would like additional veterinary help with one or more topics as
826
shown in table 4. Often participants mentioned genetic screening for hereditary diseases
827
(46.3%), management if problems arise surrounding birth (25.3%) and/or after birth (32.6%),
828
in addition to ovulation timing. 31.6% of the owners did not need any additional information
829
from veterinarians apart from ovulation timing.
830
831
832
Frequency
Percent
No help needed
30
31.6
Selecting material for breeding (for example selecting the right male dog)
8
8.4
Genetic screening for hereditary diseases
44
46.3
Close management if problems surrounding birth
24
25.3
Management if problems with bitch/puppies after birth
31
32.6
Other fields
5
5.3
Table 5: In what other areas, besides ovulation timing, would dog breeders like to obtain additional
information?
833
834
5. General evaluation
835
In general, the ovulation timing service was rated with a median of 8.0 (range 1-10, n = 95)
836
on a scale of 1 to 10. Participants supposed to be satisfied when they gave 6-10 and
837
unsatisfied when they gave 1-5. Only a few participants (n = 5, 5.4%) indicated to be
838
unsatisfied. Three of them had filed complaints. Furthermore, two clients filed a complaint
839
and nevertheless indicated to be satisfied in the general evaluation.
840
841
Discussion
842
The results of the present study show that most people kept their dog for companionship or
843
working dog. The high percentages of working dogs are mostly attributable to a high
844
percentage of guide dogs because of a partnership with K.N.G.F.
845
Nine propositions were rated with the highest rate for the competence of the
846
veterinarians of UKG. However, Coe, Adams and Bonnett [4] found that pet owners and
847
veterinarians both feel that it is difficult for pet owners to evaluate the competence of
848
veterinarians accurately. In this survey, the participants also indicated that the oral
849
information given by the veterinarian was understandable. The information given must be
850
adapted to each client according to another study [4]. Furthermore, 90% of the breeders felt
36
851
that co-assistants behaved responsible during examination and that the veterinarian
852
intervened in time. When looking at the number of open access consultations per week, most
853
breeders thought it was often enough. According to the participants the waiting time was
854
acceptable but unpredictable and sometimes too long. For the reasonableness of the costs a
855
3.6 is given by the participants. Some think the prices are too high for the offered service,
856
mainly because other practices charge lower prices. There were no significant differences in
857
opinion seen between people who used ovulation timing service ≤ 5 times and people who
858
used it more frequently during the studied period, except for the costs. These differences
859
could be due to the reason for breeding.
860
60% of the respondents indicated that they would like to receive additional
861
information about topics like important aspects of pregnancy and parturition in bitches. This
862
could be in the form of handouts, pamphlets or information packets [4]. 68.4% of the people
863
would like to see the UKG helping them in other fields than only ovulation timing. Especially
864
genetic screening for hereditary diseases was mentioned often (46.3%).
865
866
In general, the ovulation timing service was rated with a median of 8.0 (range 1-10, n
= 95) on a scale of 1 to 10.
867
868
1. Main purpose for keeping the dog
869
More than half of the people indicated that they kept their dog for companionship and a third
870
of the dogs functioned as a working dog. This high percentage of working dogs is mostly
871
attributable to a high percentage of guide dogs because of a partnership with K.N.G.F. (Royal
872
Dutch Guide-dog Foundation). This foundation selects suitable parent dogs to breed puppies
873
meant to enroll the guide dog training program if mentally and physically fit. Those parent
874
dogs stay with a host family, who are taking the dogs to ovulation timing. 19.8% of the
875
participants of this questionnaire were host families while the percentage of guide dogs
876
presented for ovulation timing was only 10.2% of the dogs (n = 560). It is not statistically
877
proven, but it seems that host families are overrepresented in the survey. This might be
878
explained by volunteers making the choice to keep a dog of the K.N.G.F. for this particular
879
purpose because they think it is important to help blind people. Therefore, these people are
880
often very involved in the process. That might be the cause of the relative overrepresentation
881
of those volunteers completing our questionnaire.
882
883
884
37
885
2. Propositions
886
There are no significant differences in opinion seen between people who used ovulation
887
timing service ≤ 5 times and people who used it more frequently during the studied period,
888
except for the costs. Breeders who made use of ovulation timing ≤ 5 times are more satisfied
889
with the costs than breeders who made use of it more than 5 times. It might be that some of
890
the participants, that made use of ovulation timing service ≤ 5 times, bred dogs just for fun.
891
Those people might think good guidance by UKG is more important and profit is less
892
important. Therefore, when the veterinarian costs are somewhat higher, that is not such a
893
problem. On the other hand, among breeders who bred dogs more than five times might be
894
owners who bred their bitches also for profit. For those people it is important that the
895
veterinarian costs are not too high.
896
After rating the various propositions, the participants of the survey had the
897
opportunity to explain their answers. Dog owners were very positive about the veterinarians.
898
Emotional interest and patience of the veterinarians with the dog and dog owner was noted by
899
breeders. In the survey the competence of veterinarians received a high rating (4.6).
900
However, Coe, Adams and Bonnett [4] found that pet owners and veterinarians both feel that
901
it is difficult for pet owners to evaluate the competence of veterinarians accurately. Namely,
902
the way of speaking and the ability of communication can strongly influence the opinion of
903
breeders. In the present survey, the participants also indicated that they understood the oral
904
information given by the veterinarian. Another study [4] reported that each client expected a
905
different level and amount of information and jargon was a possible barrier for transferring
906
information. Therefore, it is important to estimate what level of information is needed to
907
satisfy every breeder.
908
Furthermore, more people were positive about co-assistants than expected. About
909
10% disagree that the co-assistants were responsible during examination so 90% is neutral or
910
positive. People thought the students were emotionally very interested and concerned about
911
the dogs and most owners understood co-assistants were students who were in a learning
912
situation. When participants were negative, it is mainly because there were too much students
913
in the examination room and sometimes every student had to examine the dog. The owners
914
thought that was too stressful for their pet. Another problem was students practicing skills
915
like taking blood samples. Three owners stated that students can try once or twice and when
916
they fail a professional has to take over. This is also reflected in another proposition about the
917
vet intervening when a student acts incorrectly. One of the positive reactions is that the
918
veterinarian gave the student enough space to examine and there was a clear explanation
38
919
about the acts of the vet or student. Three of the participants indicated that examinations
920
without supervision were a negative experience. Sometimes co-assistants were incompetent
921
and then there was nobody to help. This might result in the bitches being more stressed than
922
necessary. According to those owners, co-assistants should have freedom to practice but there
923
must be supervision and the supervisor must intervene in time.
924
When looking at the number of open access consultations per week, most breeders
925
thought it was often enough. Seven of the participants stated the new opening hours (9.30-
926
10.00 am) are better because they have to travel a great distance and two preferred the old
927
opening hours because of the traffic in the morning. Furthermore, two participants mentioned
928
opening hours only on Monday, Wednesday and Friday are not enough because they have to
929
work themselves and they want to come whenever it suits them. According to participants the
930
waiting time was acceptable but there were also some negative experiences. Some people felt
931
waiting time was unpredictable (n = 2) and sometimes it was just too long (n =7). Three
932
people thought consultations by appointment would be a solution and five already made use
933
of appointments.
934
For the reasonableness of the costs a 3.6 is given by the participants. Some think the
935
prices are too high for the offered service, mainly because other practices charge lower
936
prices. Other dog owners feel that they were well supported and that the prices are very
937
reasonable. Other studies [4,7] reported that veterinarians had a feeling of unease about
938
discussing the costs with their clients after experiences when they felt undervalued or guilty.
939
This was not examined in the present study.
940
941
3. Written information
942
The participants who indicated that they need no further information were mainly breeders
943
who bred their bitch more than one time or volunteers of K.N.G.F. Those breeders had
944
experiences so they felt they need no additional information in these areas. Additionally, the
945
K.N.G.F.-volunteers did not feel that they need further information because the foundation
946
ensures that all host families have enough information available. Furthermore, during all
947
parturitions a well trained K.N.G.F. staff member is present to assist.
948
Dog owners who would like to receive some extra information mostly named
949
pregnancy and parturition as topics of interest. Probably this is caused by the inexperience of
950
some who do not know what to expect and who find it hard to discern normal from abnormal.
951
Some of the participants also mentioned other topics they would like to learn more about. It is
952
mentioned several times (n = 3) that people want to know when there is an emergency during
39
953
pregnancy or parturition and intervention is required. Also some information about handling
954
pups, when the bitch does not behave properly or dies, would be appreciated (n = 2).
955
Similarly, in a focus group study of 24 companion animal veterinarians and 32 pet
956
owners [4], they found that owners expected additional written information in the form of
957
handouts, pamphlets or information packets. In the report of Coe, Adams and Bonnett pet
958
owners indicated that they would like information about their pet’s disease, the cost of
959
medical care, possibility of insurance and its coverage, and contact information in case of
960
emergency [4]. On the other hand, other owners felt it was their responsibility to educate
961
themselves and not that of the veterinarian [4].
962
Coe, Adams and Bonnett [4] found that clients obtain incorrect information from
963
other sources than a veterinarian, for instance internet, other breeders or pet stores. Pet
964
owners had great confidence in those other information sources. One veterinarian stated that
965
once breeders had incorrect information, then they believe that rather than new information
966
given by the veterinarian. Perhaps this problem can be partially solved by providing the
967
correct information from the veterinary practice.
968
969
4. Additional help
970
68.4% of the people would like to see the UKG helping them in other fields than only
971
ovulation timing. Especially genetic screening for hereditary diseases was mentioned often
972
(46.3%), probably because most bitches were pure-bred in our study and many breeds suffer
973
from genetic diseases. Dog owners want to avoid transmission of hereditary diseases by the
974
parent dogs to the puppies. Consequently, they want the parent dogs to be genetically
975
screened.
976
In addition, (inexperienced) breeders often are uncertain when abnormal situations
977
occur during or after birth. They want more support in those situations to support their
978
actions.
979
980
5. General evaluation
981
After a general rating the participants had the possibility to explain their opinion in open
982
boxes, one for positive experiences and one for negative experiences with the ovulation
983
timing service. The dog owners were often positive about the same themes. For example the
984
veterinarians are experts (n = 9) and they treat patients and breeders kindly (n = 10) and with
985
patience (n = 11). The veterinarians also take their time to listen (n = 5) and they explain
40
986
everything in full detail (n = 7). Other reports [4,5] showed that pet owners feel listening and
987
involvement in the pets’ care are very important for a positive experience.
988
The negative box was filled particularly with complaints about excessive waiting
989
periods (n = 7). Three participants think this might be solved with consultation by
990
appointment. Furthermore, five dog owners indicated that they want more openness and
991
explanation about test results (blood tests). Some of the veterinarians already give this
992
information, others do not. There were also tips on supervising co-assistants. One of those
993
was not to discuss failures in presence of the owner because this is uncomfortable for all
994
parties. Two participants indicated that co-assistants have to prepare better so they would not
995
keep repeating the same questions. Finally, some dog owners demand for exploratory
996
facilities to guide them through the process of pregnancy and parturition in bitches.
997
998
Conclusion
999
In conclusion, the results of our study demonstrate that dog owners feel that the veterinarians
1000
at UKG are capable for examination and the oral information given by them was
1001
understandable. Furthermore, co-assistants are responsible in handling the dogs and
1002
veterinarians intervene in time when failures occur. Least satisfied, but still sufficient, people
1003
were about waiting times and the costs. Dog owners, who had been to UKG for ovulation
1004
timing more than 5 times, were less satisfied about the costs than people who used this
1005
service infrequently. This might be due to the reason for breeding the bitch. Furthermore,
1006
breeders indicated that they would like to receive additional information about topics like
1007
important aspects of pregnancy and parturition in bitches. Also additional veterinary help
1008
with topics as genetic screening for hereditary diseases, problems surrounding birth and
1009
problems after birth would be welcome. Finally, the general rating shows that breeders are
1010
satisfied in general.
1011
1012
1013
1014
1015
1016
1017
1018
1019
41
1020
1021
References
1. HALLOWELL R., The relationships of customer satisfaction, customer loyalty and
1022
profitability: an empirical study. International Journal of Service Industry
1023
management 1996;7:27-42.
1024
1025
2. HESKETT J.L., JONES T.O., LOVEMAN G.W., SASSER W.E., JR AND
1026
SCHLESINGER L.A. Putting the service profit chain to work. Harvard Business
1027
Review 1994;105-111
1028
1029
3. YI Y. A critical review of consumer satisfaction. Review of marketing 1990;68-123
1030
1031
4. COE J.B., ADAMS C.L., BONNETT B.N. A focus group study of veterinarians’ and
1032
pet owners’ perceptions of veterinarian-client communication in companion animal
1033
practice. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2008;233:1072-1080
1034
1035
5. SHAW J.R., ADAMS C.L., BONNETT B.N. What can veterinarians learn from
1036
studies of physician-patient communication about veterinarian-client-patient
1037
communication? J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004;224:676-684
1038
1039
6. TINGA C.E., ADAMS C.L., BONNETT B.N., RIBBLE C.S. Survey of veterinary
1040
technical and professional skills in students and recent graduates of a veterinary
1041
college. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001;219:924-931
1042
1043
7. COE J.B., ADAMS C.L., BONNETT B.N. A focus group study of veterinarians’ and
1044
pet owners’ perceptions of the monetary aspects of veterinary care. J Am Vet Med
1045
Assoc 2007;231:1510-1518
1046
1047
1048
1049
1050
1051
1052
42
1053
Appendix
1054
Supplement 1: Survey
1055
1056
Welcome,
1057
1058
The reproduction unit of the department of clinical sciences of companion animals at Utrecht
1059
University (UKG) strives to achieve the highest possible quality of service, for instance
1060
regarding the ovulation timing service of which you made use in recent years. We value your
1061
opinion to guarantee a high quality. Completing this survey will just take a few minutes of
1062
your time.
1063
1064
Among the participants a free ‘ovulation timing’ will be raffled at the value of €222.501
1065
To be eligible for the prize, please fill in your personal details at the end of the survey. All
1066
answers will remain completely anonymous.
1067
1068
Fill in your personal code. This code can be found in the invitation letter.
1069
…
1070
1071
1072
Question 1
1073
Number …
How many litters have you bred in the past with your dogs?
1074
1075
1076
Question 2
With how many different dogs did you make use of the ovulation timing service of UKG?
1077
o 1 dog
1078
o 2 dogs
1079
o 3 dogs
1080
o more than 3 dogs
1081
1082
1083
Question 3
How often did you make use of the ovulation timing service of UKG in total?
o 1 time
1084
1
If further examinations are necessary, it will be submitted by the veterinarian. For these examinations the
standard prices will be charged.
43
1085
o 2 times
1086
o 3 times
1087
o 4 times
1088
o 5 times
1089
o More than 5 times
1090
1091
Question 4
1092
What is the main purpose of the dogs you are keeping?
1093
o Companionship
1094
o Work
1095
o Show
1096
o Sport
1097
o Other, namely: …
1098
1099
Question 4b
1100
You have indicated in the previous question that you keep your dog(s) mainly for work. Can
1101
you specify the work?
1102
o Hunting
1103
o Police dog
1104
o Herding dog
1105
o Rescue dog
1106
o Tracker dog
1107
o Guide dog
1108
o Other, namely: …
1109
1110
Indicate in the following propositions to what extent you agree.
5. There are often enough open
Totally
Somewhat
disagree
disagree
○
○
○
○
Neutral
Somewhat
Totally
Not
agree
agree
applicable
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
consultations for ovulation timing at
UKG.
6. The vets are accessible fast
enough in case of emergency.
7. The vets are capable for
examination
44
8. Co-assistants examine in a
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
responsible way
9. If a co-assistant acts incorrectly,
the vet intervenes fast enough
10. Costs for ovulation timing are
reasonable
11. Waiting time for open
consultations is acceptable
1111
1112
Question 12
1113
Did your bitch have any fertility problems when presented for ovulation timing?
1114
o Yes, namely…
1115
o No
1116
1117
Question 12b (If answered yes to question 6)
1118
Do you think the veterinarian supported you well through these problems?
1119
o Yes
1120
o No because …
1121
1122
Indicate in the following proposition to what extent you agree.
13. Oral information given by the
Totally
Somewhat
disagree
disagree
○
○
Neutral
○
Somewhat
Totally
Not
agree
agree
applicable
○
○
○
vet is understandable
1123
1124
Question14.
1125
What topics would you like to receive further written information to make the ovulation
1126
timing service more complete? (Multiple answers possible)
1127
□ I have no need for written information.
1128
□ Important aspects of gestation in the bitch.
1129
□ How to diagnose pregnancy?
1130
□ What aspects are important to know about food for the bitch during pregnancy and
1131
lactation?
1132
□ Important aspects surrounding birth.
1133
□ How to take care of the bitch and pups after birth?
45
1134
□ Other, namely: ……
1135
1136
Question 15
1137
In what other areas, besides ovulation timing, do you want to be managed by the reproduction
1138
specialists?
1139
□ Selecting breeding material (right female/male pick))
1140
□ Genetic screening for hereditary diseases
1141
□ Direct supervision if birth problems
1142
□ Support if problems occur with the bitch/puppies after birth
1143
□ Other, namely: ……
1144
1145
Question 16
1146
Are you familiar with the website of the UKG?
1147
o Yes
1148
o No
1149
1150
Indicate in the following proposition to what extent you agree.
17. The website of UKG is a good
Totally
Somewhat
disagree
disagree
○
○
Neutral
○
Somewhat
Totally
Not
agree
agree
applicable
○
○
○
resource
1151
1152
Question 18
1153
What information is missing on the website of UKG?
1154
……
1155
1156
Question 19
1157
Have you ever filed a complaint regarding the ovulation timing service?
1158
o Yes
1159
o No
1160
o Not applicable, I was not aware of the possibility to file complaints.
1161
1162
Question 20
1163
Overall, how would you rate the entire ovulation timing service of UKG?
46
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
1164
1165
Question 21
1166
Do you have further positive aspects about the ovulation timing service of UKG?
1167
……
1168
1169
Question 22
1170
Do you have any comments/improvements for the ovulation timing service of UKG?
1171
……
1172
1173
To be eligible for the prize, please fill in your personal details. If you prefer to remain
1174
anonymous, this is possible. Please indicate your preference.
1175
o I would like to remain anonymous
1176
o I would like to fill in my personal details
1177
1178
Personal details
1179
First name
…… Last name
1180
Address
…… House number ……
1181
Postal code
……
1182
Location
……
1183
Telephone
……
1184
Email address
……
……
1185
1186
Thank you kindly for completing this survey!
1187
47