AI: frozen semen
We are able to perform Artificial Insemination (AI) using semen that has been collected and frozen previously. Frozen semen inseminations should be planned well in advance and not left to the last minute. Late planning is likely to result in failure.
It is essential that we know exactly when the bitch ovulates so that we can inseminate at the correct time. Frozen semen, once thawed, is only viable for 12 hours whereas normal fresh semen from a natural mating will survive inside the bitch for up to 7 days.
We ask the owners of the bitch to start taking daily blood tests from day 7 of the season.
We need to know an accurate progesterone level; Premate/Ovucheck tests are not accurate enough for a breeding using frozen semen. The blood can be taken by the clients' usual vet, 1ml of blood into a heparin tube. If the sample is posted to our surgery before 12noon using first class post, we should have a result the following afternoon.
Blood tests should be taken over the weekend and posted asap as the daily results allow us to be more accurate in deciding the time of ovulation. usually we will inseminate 3 days after ovulation. This means that we can usually give people a couple of days warning to come for AI.
When performing AI, we give the bitch a mild sedative and then, guided by an endoscope, we perform a Transcervical Insemination (TCI). If TCI is performed the semen is deposited into the uterus. Vaginal insemination is unlikely to result in a pregnancy.
If it is not possible to perform a TCI, then in special circumstances we will do a surgical insemination. This involves a general anaesthetic and a small abdominal incision. The semen is injected into the uterus and it also gives us a chance to examine the uterus. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes and the bitch can go home usually within 1 hour.
The Kennel Club will register puppies that are produced by AI provided that the sire is resident outside the UK, or is dead or has sired a litter naturally. If the litter is produced as a result of surgical AI, the registration of the puppies is up to the General Committee having taken into account the reason why a surgical AI was performed. We recommend that you have a look at the AI section on the Kennel Club website.
