Evaluation of Transcervical Insemination using Frozen Semen by Flexible Endoscope in Dogs

Abstract

We evaluated transcervical insemination (TCI) using frozen semen by flexible endoscopy in dogs. Eight female and eight male beagles were used in this study. A flexible endoscope and a washing tube were used for TCI. A tracheal tube was used as an alternative to the penis and was an auxiliary for inserting the flexible endoscope. The mean time required to insert the washing tube into the external os of the uterus after inserting the endoscope into the tracheal tube was 7.5 min. Slight or mild pain was observed in all bitches during TCI. However, TCI could be easily performed with retention in all bitches and without sedation anesthesia. The tracheal tube was useful to ensure the visual field using air sufflation. Clinical signs suspicious of infection were not observed in any bitches from the TCI to the pregnancy diagnosis. The conception rate was 87.5%, and the mean number of fetuses was 6.3. TCI using a flexible endoscope in bitches was performed quickly with minimal invasiveness. We present a new method of TCI in dogs. This method should be studied in small and large breeds to obtain more detailed results.