Methods Of Artificial Insemination
VAGINAL ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION
The bitch stands on an inclined, non-slip ramp, head down, to facilitate the gravitational flow of semen to the opening of the cervix. The semen is inseminated from a syringe through a plastic rod. This method is best used in situations where both the male and female are deemed reproductively healthy and a natural breeding is not desirable or attainable.

A major advantage of this method is that it allows evaluation of the male's semen, not easily done after a natural breeding. This technique does not require any sedation, only manual restraint.


INTRA-UTERUS SEMEN DEPOSITION
The advantage of depositing semen in the uterus was first realized when canine frozen was first utilized. Conception rates increased six times when the canine frozen semen was deposited in the uterus rather than vaginally. Two methods of intra-uterus semen deposition are currently being performed at Animal Clinic Northview, Inc.

TRANSCERVICAL INSEMINATION
uses a rigid endoscope to visualize the cervical opening of the bitch. A flexible plastic catheter is guided through the cervix into the uterus, where the semen is deposited. The technique does not require sedation and causes no damage to the vaginal tract, cervix, or uterus. The technique makes intra-uterus less likely.

The drawback is that the uterine lining, the weak spot in the bitch's reproduction cycle, cannot be evaluated. This technique is best used on younger bitches (less than three years of age) with no suspected uterine damage when using compromised quality fresh-cooled or frozen semen.

SURGICAL INTRO-DEPOSITION OF SEMENgives a bitch the greatest chance of conception. The procedure allows for the examination of the uterus for cysts, occlusions and adhesions. Many times, corrections of any problems are possible at the time of the surgery, greatly increasing a bitch's chance of conception.

The procedure does require anesthesia. Propofol(R), a short-acting injectable anesthetic, is given. The bitch is then intubated and placed on Sevothane(R), a gas anesthetic.

A 2-3 inch abdominal incision is performed, then the uterus is isolated and evaluated and the semen injected into the uterus through a hypodermic needle. No incision is made in the uterus. The muscle and skin are sutured. The total technique takes approximately 15-30 minutes. The bitch is sent home immediately after the surgery.

Surgical insemination is best performed when using frozen semen and is especially desirable when breeding a reproductively older bitch (four years or older).

The basis of artificial insemination is to enhance the bitch's chance of conceiving and present you with the puppies you desire. Dr. Robert V. Hutchison and his highly trained staff will be more than happy to consult with you concerning the best method of artificial insemination for your individual bitch.

Contact Reproduction via e-mail: repro@northviewvet.com