Dog Reproduction Services

Fresh semen is the best option when it comes to artificial insemination but this is not always possible.

Alternative options are fresh chilled or frozen semen.

Fresh semen can be mixed with a suitable protective diluent and chilled to a low temperature making it possible to keep the sperm viable for several days, enabling it to be sent to other vet clinics throughout New Zealand. Using a teaser female that is in heat will enhance the success of the collection, but can be done without. Collection is done via massage of the prepuce and a collecting cone. It is done in a specific way to ensure minimal prostatic fluid is mixed with the semen so fertility is not reduced. Extension fluids are often added to nourish the semen. The semen is checked for motility (should be over 70%) and appear normal.

Once collected, evaluated and frozen, semen can be preserved for an unlimited period of time in liquid nitrogen at –196 degrees C. This technique makes it possible to preserve the genetic heritage of high-value stud dogs. Breeders are able to add genetic diversity to their dogs’ pedigrees by importing semen from most parts of the world. It is preferable to freeze a dog’s semen before it is 8 years of age.

Dogs are different to most mammals in that ovulation occurs when oestrogen levels are declining and progesterone levels are increasing instead of when oestrogen is increasing. Serial blood progesterone measurements determine when ovulation is occurring. The optimal period for fertilization in bitches is between two and four days after ovulation when the ova are mature.

Breeding can be an expensive process and it is important to get the timing right to ensure the best chance of success. To determine when the female is ready, quantitative progesterone blood tests need to be done. This test can give a high accuracy as to her ovulation. This is especially important when using chilled or frozen semen or if the bitch or dog have to travel for breeding. It is advised to do the first blood progesterone test on day 8 after the first sign of bleeding. To successfully monitor the heat cycle she will require between 2 and 5 progesterone tests.

This is a very common technique and is probably the least technical AI type. This is also referred to as transvaginal insemination.  A pipette full of freshly collected semen is inserted into the vagina of the bitch, just in front of the cervix. This procedure is usually used when the male and female dogs are unable to breed naturally due to physical inability or temperament incompatibility. The semen is not pushed past the cervix so it helps if the hindquarters are kept elevated for around 10minutes after the semen is deposited. This helps encourage the semen to pool and head in the right direction. The usual procedure is to inseminate twice within a 48 hour period.

This is a non-invasive and non-surgical insemination procedure. It is pain free, risk free, surgery free and fast with no recovery time. Semen is deposited in the uterus using an endoscope. It can be used with fresh, chilled or frozen semen.  Sedation may be used but this is not normally needed as most bitches will stand for the process without getting distressed. Some specialised equipment is needed and the procedure is done by trained professionals to ensure the greatest likelihood of success. The owner is able to stand with their bitch and watch the procedure from start to finish.

Surgical insemination is more often done with frozen semen. This method is done under anaesthetic. A small incision is made into the abdomen. The uterus is then found and semen is injected directly into the uterus or the base of the horns. With accurate monitoring of the bitch’s heat cycle this technique gives a fertility success rate approaching 70%. As this is a surgical procedure there will be recovery time where the bitch needs to be kept in a clean and calm environment for up to 7 to 10 days after.

An ultrasound scan done 28 days after ovulation makes it possible to confirm a pregnancy and estimate the size of the litter as well as check viability of puppies before birth. Xray images after the 50^th day can inform owners of the number of puppies the bitch is carrying thereby reducing the breeders concerns during whelping and making it possible to know the bitch has whelped all the expected puppies.

A hysterotomy or caesarean section is a surgical procedure to remove unborn puppies from the uterus, as opposed to them passing down the vaginal canal. The uterus is cut open to allow for fast, delivery of the pups. The pups are cleaned manually by staff while the mother is under a general anaesthesia. This usually takes about 45 minutes. This is a good option in an emergency although recovery can be longer than with a normal delivery.