ICSB MC International Canine Semen Bank Mobile CA
ESTROUS TIMING FOR ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION
The procedure we use for timing the bitch for artificial insemination relies on serum progesterone. If the bitch shows the average length of estrus and is proven, we normally wait until the 7th or 8th day of estrus (day one being the first appearance of red vaginal discharge) to start the progesterone testing. If the bitch's progesterone is still at baseline (less than 1.8 ng), we skip a day to do the next blood draw. Once the bitch rises to 2.0 ng, daily serum progesterone is run until the level rises to 5.0 ng. The most accurate test for progesterone is the numerical level report. We do not recommend the in-house color tests, because the interpretation of results may not be very accurate. When the bitch's progesterone rises to 5.0 nanograms, we plan the breeding(s) as follows:.
If vaginal inseminations are used, usually two AI's are performed. The first AI we do two days' following the point when the progesterone is at 5.0 ng, then the second AI four days' following the point where the level is at 5.0 ng.
If surgical insemination is used, the AI is done late on the 2nd day, or on the third
day, following the rise to 5.0 ng.
(If the progesterone is above 5.0 ng when the first test is performed, the breeding
should be done when the bitch is at 15 nanograms, plus or minus 3-4 ng. If you miss the
window at 5.0 nanograms, then you would hope to catch her at between 9 and 12
nanograms the day prior to breeding. The progesterone level should be within the
prime breeding time.)
SURGICAL INSEMINATION
The following protocol is used by ICSB associated veterinarians. The veterinarians
with whom we work usually start with a preanesthetic, followed by gas anesthesia during
the surgical phase of this procedure. Once the bitch is anesthetized, the general
procedure used is as follows:
After sterilizing the abdominal area, a midline incision is made just below the umbilicus;
the uterus is located and brought to the surface. The insemination is performed using a 2
inch, 22 gauge indewelling catheter. Usually, 2.0 ml of thawed semen is injected, using one
of the two following procedures:
Just anterior to the bifurcation of the uterine horns, the catheter is inserted into each
horn, discharging one half of the semen. Once the catheter is in place, the trocar is removed.
Move the cannula back and forth to be sure the cannula is in the lumen of the horn. If it
won't slide easily,then it may be not be in the lumen. Another approach is to insert the
catheter into the body of the uterus close to the bifurcation and inject all the semen at this
one site. The posterior portion of the uterine body should be gently constricted so the
semen will be forced anteriorly toward the oviducts. Once the semen is discharged into
either the uterus or uterine horns, the catheter is removed. Any bleeding can usually be
stopped by gentle pressure at the catheter insertion site. Antibiotic solution can be sprayed
on the uterus and around the incision, if desired. The uterus is then placed back in the
abdominal cavity, then normal closure performed.
Occasionally, due to the high estrogen serum levels in the bitch at the time of
surgery, this will result in slow blood clotting/healing, so it is recommended that the bitch
owner be apprised of the possibility of a serous discharge at the incision site may require
further veterinary care.
If you have further questions, please contact us:
ICSB-MCA
Bridgett Higginbotham, RVT, Owner
Sherian Evans, Owner
Office: (530) 273-9123
Cell Phone: (530) 913-4957
Cell Phone: (530) 913-2257