Artificial Insemination (AI)
Dr. Estle has expertise in several AI techniques and will help determine which is best for your dog.
Vaginal via Mavic catheter
- Fresh semen or chilled semen
- Specially designed catheter that mimics the natural mating tie
- This stimulates uterine contractions which facilitates sperm transfer to the oviducts
Transcervical insemination with a uteroscope
- Semen is deposited into the uterus through the cervix
- Uteroscopic – We use this technique as it is done in a standing position with no sedation. Less invasive, less stress, and minimal discomfort
- Norwegian pipette – requires sedation (not used here)
Surgical insemination
- Fresh, chilled or frozen semen
- The only technique that allows direct examination of the uterus and ovaries
- Bypasses any problems related to the vagina and cervix
- Requires general anesthesia and abdominal surgery
- Used for bitches that have prior issues and need further evaluation
More About
Transcervical Insemination
In veterinary medicine, TCI stands for Transcervical Insemination, a non-surgical artificial insemination method used primarily in canine reproduction to deposit semen directly into the uterus via the cervix. TCI is a precise and increasingly recommended method for canine artificial insemination, offering high success rates, flexibility, and safety compared to traditional approaches.
What TCI Is
TCI is a standing, non-surgical procedure in which a rigid endoscope is passed through the female dog’s vaginal canal to visualize the cervix. A catheter is then inserted through the cervix, and semen is slowly deposited into the uterus. It is designed to mimic the natural “tie” between a dog and its mate, without requiring general anesthesia.
How It Works
- Preparation: The female is positioned standing, often on an adjustable table. Minimal sedation may be used if needed.
- Visualization: A rigid endoscope is inserted to locate and confirm the cervix.
- Insemination: A catheter is passed through the cervix, and semen (fresh, chilled, or frozen) is deposited directly into the uterus.
- Multiple Breedings: TCI can be repeated during the same estrus cycle without additional surgery.
Benefits - Non-surgical: Avoids the risks of surgical AI, such as anesthetic events, wound healing issues, and post-surgical pain.
- Precision: Semen is placed closer to the site of fertilization, reducing retrograde loss and increasing sperm numbers reaching the uterus.
- Versatility: Works with fresh, chilled, or frozen semen, allowing breeding with stud dogs worldwide.
- Multiple inseminations: Increases the chance of conception in a single cycle.
- Lower risk: Minimal pain, minimal restraint, and low complication rates.
Comparison to Other Methods
- vs. Surgical AI: Both deposit semen into the uterus, but TCI has similar pregnancy rates and avoids surgical risks.
- vs. Vaginal AI: TCI places semen one step closer to fertilization, improving fertilization rates and potentially litter size.
When It’s Used
TCI is ideal for:
- Breeding valuable genetics from frozen semen.
- Using stud dogs with marginal semen quality, age, or subfertility.
- Avoiding natural mating due to health, safety, or logistical reasons.
Veterinarian’s Oath
Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.
I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.
I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.
