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ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION IN A DOG A Surgical Approach To Breeding Artificial insemination in the dog: Modern dog and cat breeding practices often include the practice of Artificial Insemination. Presented on this page is an example of surgical insemination directly into the uterus of a dog.  Another technique that can be used that does not involve surgery is the trans cervical insemination. This new procedure allows semen to be deposited directly into the cervix without anesthesia.  Special training is needed with the trans cervical technique in order to be certain that the semen is deposited within the uterus; this is done using an endoscope. Some of the obvious reasons for utilizing AI (Artificial Insemination) are the following:

You and your veterinarian will want to discuss the pros and cons of AI well before the predicted time the female will come into heat.  Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance!  Do lots of homework so that you know what is "out there", where you can get it, how much it costs to acquire the frozen sperm, and how your veterinarian will inseminate.

One method of insemination is to infuse the semen and associated nutrient fluids directly into the deep vaginal area of the bitch.   The bitch then will have her rear quarters raised for a few minutes in an attempt to have gravity assist with the dispersal of the semen as deep into the vaginal area and as close to the cervical opening as possible.  Then the bitch needs to remain confined for 6 to 8 hours after the insemination. The individual sperm cells need to pass through the cervix from the vagina and into the body of the uterus.  From there, they disperse further up the two "Horns" of the uterus.  The uterine horns are long hollow tubes, lined by the richly vascular endometrium, and extend from the body of the uterus upward almost to each kidney.  At the end of these two tubes the ovaries are situated such that when they produce eggs, the eggs travel through a tiny opening into the far end of each uterine horn.  (Just another wonder of nature!)   If the eggs encounter sperm cells in their travels DOWN the uterine horns, there is a chance that the egg will be fertilized by some lucky sperm cell going UP the uterine canal and then another whole series of miracles take place that just might end up as a puppy!

Whether your veterinarian chooses to do the vaginal insemination or chooses to surgically implant the sperm directly into the body of the uterus is a matter for discussion well prior to the time a decision MUST be made.   The following photos will take you through the surgical procedure.  From start to finish, the surgical Artificial Insemination procedure takes only a few minutes.   Light general anesthesia is required.  Absolute sterile procedure is an important factor.  The insemination fluid must be kept warm and implanted within the uterus as soon as possible after collection from a male who is present, or soon after shipped, frozen semen is thawed.

Surgical Artificial Insemination In A Dog Click on an image to see a full size photo
Incision is made in the midline abdomen.	The uterus is located.	The body of the uterus is isolated and the horns are inspected.
A tiny stab incision is made in the body of the uterus.	The semen sample is drawn into a sterile syringe.	The end of the catheter is inserted inside the uterus.
The semen sample is gently infused toward each uterine horn.	The incision in the uterus is sutured closed.  Usually only one suture is required.	The abdominal wall is closed.
The skin is closed with subcutaneous sutures. Sometimes there is almost no bleeding at all.	PetFoodDirect.com has a great selection of high quality diets and neonatal care items.	Now the real fun starts!  Sure, tell THAT to Mama.