Q: Can you describe your experience and background in the field of reproduction, and how it has evolved over time?

A: I've always worked in reproduction, starting with large animal reproduction, specifically IVF in cattle. Later, I transitioned to the RVC and worked with Gary England in small animal reproduction. Currently, my focus is primarily on canine reproduction. One significant change I've observed as a reproductive vet is the emergence of so-called fertility clinics, which have created a peculiar competitive market with laypeople offering canine reproduction services. This has made my life quite difficult. Recently, the Royal Vet College issued new regulations regarding who can perform artificial insemination, adding to the complexity of this evolving field of veterinary medicine, which I believe is facing a crisis.

Q: Reflecting on your career thus far, what achievements or milestones are you most proud of and why?

A: I think I'm most proud when we produce healthy puppies from healthy animals. There are breeders I've been working with for 25 years who are actively involved in health schemes. They ensure that the animals have good character traits and are suitable either as working dogs or as pets, depending on the intended market. One significant milestone for me is the founding of Veterinary Canine Reproduction, a company aimed at connecting reproductive veterinarians across the UK. This platform enables breeders to access qualified and trained surgeons who provide assistance with progesterone testing, pregnancy management, caesarean sections and neonatology, which I believe is the one area that is somewhat neglected.

Q: Your upcoming lecture at BVA Live 2024, titled 'Closing Down Fertility Clinics: Are UK Vets Filling the Gap?' delves into whether UK veterinary clinics are addressing the gap left by the closure of fertility clinics. Why do you consider this topic crucial for the veterinary community and breeders?

A: Well, I think that as a country of dog lovers, with about 13 million dogs, we produce maybe almost a million puppies a year. We, as veterinary surgeons, should be involved in caring for the whole process from start to finish: health testing, fertility check on males, progesterone testing females, ultrasound and advise on pregnancy and parturition  There are two aspects to consider in this equation: Firstly, why are there so many fertility clinics in the country (estimates say  between 400-600) and  secondly, what can we do to make sure that breeders get sound professional advice. Fertility clinics are run by laypersons mostly advertised through Facebook offering services, such as progesterone testing, ultrasound, and artificial insemination. Many also provide stud dogs. Not having dealt with ‘fertility clinics’ over the last 10-15 years has created other problems such as the high number of XL Bullies in this country, which were a huge money maker for these set up. The worst case I have seen so far is a clinic with no veterinary surgeon employed performing caesarean sections. But even normal breeders have used fertility clinics for reproductive services. Many of them feel they are being brushed with the same brush as puppy farmers, although they are quite the opposite. The idea that all dogs should be adopted from rescue centres and no breeding should take place is surprisingly common. There may also be a price structure in some practices geared toward insured animals and not a breeder’s household with more animals of varying ages, which are not insured. Last but not least, I would dare to mention that dog breeding, unlike the equine or bovine version, seems to have a low social status and kudos.

As someone who has worked in this field for many years, I can only say that it is a pleasure to help in creating new live and it is enjoyable to be part of the dog breeding community in the UK.

Q: Could you provide a brief overview of your lecture's content and share what key insights or knowledge you expect attendees to gain from this important discussion?

A: Vets can work hand in hand with breeders and really make a difference to the quality and outcomes of their kennels, both from a welfare as well as a commercial point of view. Breeders are knowledgeable, mixed with a big pinch of anecdotal evidence, but well-grounded and will listen to someone who understands their set up. While they may not always have insurance, they tend to be active clients. If you maintain a positive relationship with a breeder who frequently sells puppies in the area, they are likely to return for services such as vaccinations, with your clinic's logo and address on the vaccination card. This way, you can steadily build a client base from start to finish. Additionally, I want to delve into the numerous techniques and procedures related to reproduction that are both interesting and rewarding. I want to show vets that providing a quality canine reproduction service from their clinics is not overly challenging.

Q: Finally, what piece of advice would you like to give individuals that are at the start of their veterinary career?

A: Often, graduates might feel less prepared for work in reproduction. One of the issues is that small animal reproduction isn't extensively covered in veterinary schools. It's surprising because many of the most stressful situations for new graduates involve reproductive cases, like determining if a dog needs a caesarean section or not. The outcomes in reproduction are often clear – either the animal is pregnant or not, the puppies are alive or not. It's not like treating an infectious disease where you can try different treatments if one fails. Reproductive cases can be quite stressful. Therefore, I would recommend recent graduates to familiarise themselves with reproductive issues because even if you don't work in a specialised reproduction clinic, you'll likely encounter such cases in your everyday practice. The good thing is that it can be very rewarding when it all works out….nothing like a litter of puppies or kittens going home in a warm basket!

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