Fresh, cooled, or frozen semen can be used, although fresh semen is preferred. Inject the semen into the uterine body with a needle or catheter directed toward the uterine horns. You will be able to see and feel the uterine lumen fill with semen. Place digital pressure over the insemination site as you remove the needle or catheter. Then return the uterus to the abdomen, and close the incision site routinely.
Timing is critical when using surgical insemination, as with any breeding.
Ovulation timing kits are mandatory when using surgical insemination with frozen semen or for treating infertility. An alternative method of intrauterine insemination is transcervical insemination through the vagina. The canine cervix is in the abdomen, and the cervical lumen runs caudoventrally from the uterus to the vagina. Because of these unique anatomical characteristics in dogs, specialized equipment is necessary to catheterize the cervix. With practice, you can learn how to place a catheter in a bitch's cervix so you can deposit semen directly into the uterus.