ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION
Depending on the location and availability of the stud dog and bitch, semen may be collected for immediate use (fresh semen) or processed for use at a different location or later date (chilled or frozen semen). When using fresh semen both stud dog and bitch must be on site. Ovulation timing is necessary to identitfy the bitch's optimal breeding time. A combination of vaginal cytology, progesterone and LH tests will ensure that breeding is performed during the bitch's fertile period in order to maximize the chances of a successful breeding.
When using chilled semen, the semen quality is evaluated immediately after collection. If the quality is acceptable, a buffer or extender is added to protect the sperm during chilling and transport. Once the semen is chilled, the sperm will live 48-72 hours with most extenders (vs.4-7 days with fresh semen), therefore, more precise ovulation timing is required than when using fresh semen. We also offer longer acting extenders (Minitube Chill Pro 5 and 10) that may in some cases allow sperm to live up to 5 and 10 days respectively. For frozen semen breedings accurate ovulation timing is even more essential since the stress of freezing and thawing sperm cells decreases their lifespan to only 12-24 hours once thawed. In this case we strongly recommend adding LH testing to clearly identify the most fertile time to breed your bitch. We are fully committed to helping you achieve the best results in conception rates and litter sizes. This may sometimes require testing and procedures to be performed after hours or on weekends and we are fully staffed to accomodate these needs.
What is:
Vaginal A.I.? this is the most basic procedure of artificial insemination. It requires no anesthesia, is very cost effective, and still provides great results.
Transcervical A.I.? the doctor will use an endoscope to view the inside of the vagina and will visually guide a catheter into the cervix to place the semen as close to the ovaries as possible. This procedure is also done without anesthesia.
Surgical A.I.? This method has the highest success rate and is the most involved. The bitch will be put under anesthesia and surgery performed. The semen will be implanted in each horn, thus substantially increasing the chances of semen reaching the ovaries.
Progesterone test: Depending on the numbers of your bitch's first progesterone test, the doctor will decide how often the test needs to be done. If the bitch is close, a progesterone might be taken every day or every other day until the right numbers are reached. If she is not very close, and just started her heat cycle, these tests might be taken more sporatically.
LH testing: an LH test detects the luteinizing hormone in the bitch. Usually this test will be started when vaginal cytology indicates at least 50% cornification. The fertile period of a bitch falls between a certain amount of days after the LH surge.If you decide to do a surgical A.I., then blood samples for an LH test will need to be taken every day.
Vaginal Cytology (or swab): The doctor will take a physical swab of the vaginal lining of the bitch. Under a microscope she will be able to determine how "cornified" she is, or basically how the red blood cells look. This is a good indicator of how "far along" or ready she is to start the breeding process.
Ovulation timing fees:
Vaginal cytology............................................................................................$28
Progesterone test (results available in 1 hour)..........................................$78
LH test (recommended for frozen semen breedings only).......................$58
Artificial Insemination fees:
Artificial Insemination (vaginal)..................................................................$130
Artificial Insemination (transcervical).........................................................$185
Artificial Insemination (surgical).................................................................$450
SEMEN FREEZING
Collecting and freezing semen from a stud dog has many different advantages. Long distance breedings may be accomplished without the cost, danger or effort of shipping either the bitch or stud dog. Oftentimes the stud dog may not be available when an individual bitch needs to be bred (show schedule, illness,etc.) and frozen semen can provide bitch owner's with an opportunity to overcome these limitations. Finally, freezing a valuable stud dog's semen can preserve his reproductive breeding potential for years to come.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
When collecting semen samples, collection rates are usually more successful with an estrual teaser bitch present as the males are more highly stimulated and tend to produce more concentrated semen samples. After collection, the sample will be evaluated for quality (parameters assessed include motility, morphology, semen concentration, pH, etc.). A blood sample will also be obtained for a Brucellosis test (a disease than can be transmitted venereally that is also transmissible to humans).
Fees:
Initial consultation, Brucellosis testing, semen evaluation,
semen processing and freezing, storage for one year......................................................$425.00
Subsequent freezings............................................................................................................$325.00
NOTE: Although the number of breeding obtained per collection can vary widely, most small breeds will produce 1-2 breedings and large dogs will produce 2-4 breedings per collection.
SEMEN STORAGE
All collected and frozen semen will be permanently stored at CLONE-ATLANTA unless otherwise requested by the owner of the stud dog. Frozen semen is stored in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196 degrees C, which allows semen to be safely preserved for an indefinite period of time, in many cases for several years. Release of semen for subsequent use by another individual requires written authorization by the semen owner and can easily be accomplished by fax or email. We ship semen all over the world and can help coordinate a semen shipment for you at your request. It is important to plan breedings with frozen semen with enough time to prepare necessary paperwork, ensure availability of specialized shipping containers and perform ovulation timing in the bitch.
Storage fees:
Yearly storage fee for frozen semen (per dog)....................................................................$100.00
SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS
Due to the relative unpredictability of heat cycles, it may be difficult to reliably schedule breedings or semen collections ahead of time. However, planning ahead as much as possible is crucial to avoid unnecessary delays or missed breedings. Please feel free to call and discuss any ideas or questions you may have concerning an upcoming heat cycle or breeding with our front staff or with Dr. Adams. We will be happy to advise you on any preparations which might be necessary to optimize your chances of achieving a successful outcome.