Inseminations – Vaginal and Surgical
Vaginal Insemination
The process of using a semi-rigid pipette to deposit semen at the cervix opening (called the cervical os).
Why should I choose vaginal insemination? If a natural breeding is not possible (due to distance, time constraints, or other reasons), vaginal insemination is the least intrusive method of obtaining a breeding.
When can my bitch have a vaginal insemination? Any bitch that can be bred naturally is a candidate for vaginal insemination. The procedure is typically timed based on her progesterone test results.
Is there anesthesia involved? No.
How long does the procedure take? The insemination itself takes about five minutes. If we are collecting the semen from the male (vs. using fresh chilled semen), that procedure usually takes about ten minutes (including the semen evaluation). Typically two inseminations are done over the course of three days.
Are there any risks involved? While it is theoretically possible for the pipette to cause damage to the vaginal wall, complications or problems are very rare.
How soon can I find out if she is pregnant? We can do an ultrasound 28 days after the first insemination.
What type of sperm do you recommend using? Vaginal inseminations can be done using fresh or fresh chilled semen.
Surgical Insemination
Why should I choose surgical insemination? If doing a breeding using frozen semen, surgical insemination gives the greatest potential for conception. It is also a good choice for a bitch who has a history of reproductive problems or breeding failures, as the doctor can closely examine the organs.
When can my bitch have a surgical insemination? Timing for the procedure is based on progesterone test results.
How long does the procedure take? The bitch is usually under anesthetic for approximately 30 minutes, and we prefer to monitor her for several hours post-surgery.
Is there anesthesia involved? The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, using isoflurane gas. The anesthetic protocol used is the same as is used for caesarean sections, in order to minimize anesthetic risks.
Are there any risks involved? As with any anesthetic procedure there are always risks, however minor. We take every precaution to minimize those risks.
How soon can I find out if she is pregnant? Ultrasound can be performed 28 days after the insemination.
What type of sperm do you recommend using? Fresh, fresh chilled or frozen semen can all be used in surgical inseminations.
