Page 973 - Small Animal Internal Medicine, 6th Edition

CHAPTER 54 The Practice of Theriogenology 945

BOX 54.5
VetBooks.ir Semen Collection Equipment

Teaser bitch (estrual)
Artificial vagina (AV)
Test tube rack
Plastic collection tubes
Pipettes
Nonskid rug or floor mat
Slide warmer turned on and loaded with slides
Slide covers, glass pipettes
Fresh semen extender solution, warmed to body
temperature
FIG 54.20 Lubrication jelly, not spermicidal
Feline vaginal cytology, estrus showing nucleated superficial Light microscope 10×, 40×, 100×
cells.

tests is pooled (vaginal cytologies, vaginoscopy, and proges- assistant not wearing their white laboratory coats. Medical
terone or LH tests). procedures (vaccination, temperature evaluation, rectal
examinations, venipuncture) should be performed after the
collection or by another veterinarian. When performing
THE DOG AND TOM semen collections, one should try to approximate the stud
dog’s usual breeding environment as closely as possible. Col-
SEMEN COLLECTION lection should be performed on the floor except in toy breeds
If a natural breeding cannot be accomplished (mismatched accustomed to being collected on a table. Repeat visits allow
mate size, geriatric or inexperienced stud) or is precluded by the stud dog to relax, and he will soon learn what he is there
geography (shipped extended and chilled semen), or frozen for. Semen quality is generally better when an estrous teaser
semen is to be used, veterinary participation may be sought bitch is present and cooperative, and the stud’s libido is
for artificial insemination. Both intravaginal and intrauter- highest. Stud dogs can withhold the sperm-rich (middle or
ine artificial insemination techniques are successful in the second) portion of the ejaculate if they are uncomfortable.
bitch. Neither is commonly performed clinically in the Semen collection equipment (AVs, semen collection tubes)
queen, hampered by the technical demands of semen collec- is commercially available. Make sure all collection equip-
tion in the tom (special training to an artificial vagina [AV], ment is at room temperature, dry and clean, and free of
electroejaculation, or chemically [100 µg/kg medetomidine spermicidal agents.
IM]-induced ejaculation with urethral catheterization) and Support the teaser bitch in a standing position, restrain-
ovulatory status (usually induced) of the queen (Zambelli ing her head as necessary. Allow the stud to familiarize
et al., 2006; Zambelli et al., 2007). Most veterinarians have himself with the surroundings, the bitch, and the handlers.
not developed semen collection and insemination skills in Position yourself next to the stud as he approaches the bitch.
school. Successful artificial insemination requires proper Right-handed people usually work best on the stud’s left side.
collection technique, appropriate semen handling, and Allow the stud to mount, placing the AV in front of his penis
correct insemination procedure. Semen evaluation should be with the left hand as he thrusts toward the bitch. If he does
performed regularly in valuable stud dogs. Special training not mount or thrust, gently massaging the penis through the
is required to develop additional skills in semen chilling, prepuce with the right hand will stimulate an erection. When
advanced methods of artificial insemination, and semen he is 50% erect or less, push the prepuce behind the bulbus
freezing (cryopreservation). Cryopreservation of canine glandis. If this cannot be done easily, pull the dog off the
semen is routinely performed both by veterinarians and bitch, walk him away to allow detumescence, and bring him
technicians. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) back to the bitch to try again. Ejaculation within the prepuce
only a licensed veterinarian should perform artificial insemi- is painful. During thrusting, reposition your hands to provide
nation of cryopreserved semen. Several proprietary pro- gentle constant pressure just behind and incorporating the
grams train individuals for canine cryopreservation. Research bulbus glandis, keeping the AV over the penis. Rapid thrust-
and debate concerning semen extenders, freeze buffers, and ing coincides with penetration. After achieving full erection,
the role of prostatic fluid in sperm function are ongoing. coinciding with the tie, the stud will dismount and try to step
Successful collection of fresh canine semen usually over the bitch and your arm to turn. Help the stud by lifting
requires a quiet room, a rug or mat for good footing, an his leg over your arm and swinging the penis 180 degrees so
estrual or teaser bitch, and minimal special equipment (Box it is directed backwards between his legs. Keep the dogs
54.5). Attempts to put the dog at ease before the collection standing near each other during the ejaculation phase so the
may include simple measures like the veterinarian and stud believes a breeding is occurring. Visualize the semen as