Intrauterine INsemination
Chilled and especially frozen semen live a shorter period of time than fresh semen and it is more successful if this semen is deposited directly into the uterus instead of in the vaginal canal. Two methods are used to achieve the intrauterine deposition of semen, the transcervical insemination and the surgical insemination. These techniques each have their own usage guidelines and one does not replace the other as has been mistakenly represented to dog breeders.
Transcervical INsemination
- Transcervical Insemination: With the aid of a long, slender scope slowly introduced into the vaginal canal, the cervical opening is visualized and a sterile, flexible catheter is passed through the opening into the uterus, where the semen is directly deposited. One of the main advantages of this type of insemination is that there is no anesthetic needed as the bitch usually will stand quietly for the procedure.
Surgical Intrauterine Deposition
There are definitely times when it is advantageous to surgically inseminate a bitch. For example, if she has a history of losing successive pregnancies or is an older bitch having problems with conception, a great deal can be learned by visualizing her reproductive tract on the inside. We can check for cysts, tumors, blockages, adhesions, etc. and take biopsy and culture samples to help diagnose a fertility problem.
With surgical insemination, the bitch is under a general anesthetic and an incision is made on her midline below her umbilicus. The uterus is located and the semen is deposited directly into the uterus through a small catheter introduced with a fine needle. The abdomen is sutured closed and the bitch goes home shortly after she wakes up.
With surgical insemination, the bitch is under a general anesthetic and an incision is made on her midline below her umbilicus. The uterus is located and the semen is deposited directly into the uterus through a small catheter introduced with a fine needle. The abdomen is sutured closed and the bitch goes home shortly after she wakes up.