Canine Semen Collection and BSE Basics

Question 1

Semen collection

Answer 1

Do not harm the spermatozoa!

• conical tube with plastic sleeve
• introduce sleeve over manually stimulated penis (past the bulbus glandis)

Question 2

Semen is ejaculated in _____ fractions

Answer 2

3

• 1: pre-sperm (clear)
• 2: sperm rich fraction (cloudy)
• 3: prostatic fluid (clear)

Question 3

1st fraction

Answer 3

Pre-sperm, purpose is to flush the urethra

- volume is less than 1 ml

Question 4

2nd fraction

Answer 4

Sperm rich fraction

• the fraction that you want to collect!
• volume is 1-3 mls

Question 5

3rd fraction

Answer 5

Largest, composed of prostatic fluid

• is rarely collected unless you want to know more about the condition of the prostate
• volume can reach 10-15 mls

Question 6

Semen volume depends on

Answer 6

Collector and the dog

- is at least 1 ml and up to 12-15

Question 7

Progressive motility in dogs should exceed ____

Answer 7

70%

- normal morphology should be at least 70%

Question 8

Total sperm numbers

Answer 8

200 million to 1.5 billion

- 10 million per pound of body weight

Question 9

Breeding soundness exam

Answer 9

Predict fertility and identify marginally/subfertile males
- often used in: older males, males who were bred to females who failed to whelp, young untested males, males prior to shipping or freezing of semen

Question 10

BSE should include

Answer 10

• good physical exam
• review of breeding history
• rectal exam to evaluate prostate
• thorough exam of scrotum, both testes, epididymis
• evaluation of extruded penis
• semen collection and complete evaluation
• brucellosis testing

Question 11

BSE components

Answer 11

Thorough history of males health, uses and all breedings and their outcomes
- results of previous BSE are very useful in detecting trends

Question 12

Reproductive exam

Answer 12

• palpation of scrotum and its contents
• palpation/exam of penis and prepuce and visual inspection of extruded penis
• palpation/exam of prostate gland
• complete exam is deferred until after semen collection

Question 13

Scrotal exam

Answer 13

• testicular consistency is noted: should be firm
• length, width, and height of each testicle is measured
• palpate scrotal skin (dermatitis can interfere with thermoregulation)
• identify tail of epididymis (directed posteriorly, size should correspond with size of testicle)

Question 14

Prostate exam

Answer 14

Lubricated gloved finger is inserted into rectum and pelvic portion of penis is identified

• prostate should be found at depth of an index finger
• elevation of dogs forelimbs or pressure in the caudal abdomen may help feel the prostate if it is enlarged
• prostate should be bilobed, symmetrical and uniform in consistency

Question 15

Penile exam

Answer 15

Look for abnormal enlargements, pain or crepitus along os penis

• best palpated before semen collection
• reserved until collection in timid males
• critical that penis is returned back into the prepuce! (walk the male or apply cold pack)

Question 16

Canine AI indicated

Answer 16

• animals that cannot copulate normally

- shipped or frozen semen is used

Question 17

AI success relies on

Answer 17

• normal semen quality
• accurate timing of insemination
• appropriate site of deposition

Question 18

AI techniques

Answer 18

• vaginal
• trans cervical
• surgical

Question 19

When to inseminate

Answer 19

• breed on 1st day of fertile period or day before
• poor fertility/low quality semen: breed 1st day of fertile period
• frozen semen: breed later in fertile period (5.5 days after LH surge)

Question 20

Conception rate

Answer 20

70-85%

- increases with >1 breeding

Question 21

Chilled semen handling

Answer 21

• extender added to prolong life span of semen
• protects spermatozoal membranes from changes in temp
• provides energy
• stabilizes pH
• lowers metabolic rate
• antibiotic

Question 22

Chilled semen AI

Answer 22

Place semen at external cervical os

• lifespan: <4 days in normal dogs
• 60-85%

Question 23

Transcervical AI is performed with _____

Answer 23

Norwegian catheter

• reduce cervical angle
• crispy feel cervix
• lots of experience needed

Question 24

Transcervical AI advantages/disadvantages

Answer 24

Advantages
- minimal sedation
- low cost
Disadvantages
- technically challenging 
- not too popular in US

Question 25

Transcervical AI via endoscopy

Answer 25

• cervical os appears as dimple in rosette of transcervical folds
• gaining popularity
• cost are main impediment to common use

Question 26

Surgical AI

Answer 26

Comparable pregnancy rates/litter size can be achieved with 10% of sperm numbers inseminated vaginally

• utilized both frozen and cooled/shipped semen
• promising when using older or marginally fertile male
• cervix is bypassed