Canine Semen Collection and BSE Basics

Question 1

How is semen ejaculated?

Answer 1

In 3 fractions:

1st: pre-sperm fraction (clear)
2nd: sperm rich fraction (cloudy)
3rd: prostatic fluid (clear)

Question 2

Which fraction of semen is the most valuable?

Answer 2

2nd

Question 3

What is the purpose of the first fraction?

Answer 3

Flush the urethra

Question 4

What is the volume of the first fraction?

Answer 4

Usually less than 1 ml

Question 5

What is the volume of the second fraction?

Answer 5

1-3 mls

Question 6

Which fraction is the largest?

Answer 6

3rd, it can reach 10-15 mls

Question 7

Why would the 3rd fraction be collected?

Answer 7

To learn more about the condition of the prostate

Question 8

What is the progressive motility in normal dogs?

Answer 8

Should exceed 70%

Question 9

What should normal morphology of semen be?

Answer 9

70%

Question 10

What should the total sperm numbers be?

Answer 10

Between 200 million and 1.5 billion (10 million per pound of body weight)

Question 11

What is the purpose of BSE?

Answer 11

To predict fertility and identify marginally/subfertile males

Question 12

What is a BSE often used in?

Answer 12

Older males
Males who were bred to female who failed to whelp
Young, untested males
Males prior to shipping or freezing of semen

Question 13

What should a BSE include?

Answer 13

A good physical exam
Review of breeding history
Rectal exam to evaluate prostate
Thorough exam of scrotum, both testes, and epididymides
Evaluate of extruded penis
Semen collection and complete evaluation
Brucellosis testing often included/recommended

Question 14

What should be done in a reproductive exam?

Answer 14

Palpation of scrotum and its contents
Palpation/exam of the penis and prepuce and visual inspection of extruded penis
Palpation/exam of the prostate gland

Question 15

What should be done in a scrotal exam?

Answer 15

Testicular consistency is noted
Length, width, and height of each testicle is measured with caliper or use of US
Palpate scrotal skin
Identify the tail of the epididymis

Question 16

What should the consistency of the testicle be like?

Answer 16

Should be firm but not hard or excessively soft

Question 17

What should be done in a prostate exam?

Answer 17

Identify the pelvic portion of the penis
Prostate should be found at the depth of an index finger
Elevation of the dogs forelimbs or pressure in the caudal abdomen may help you feel the prostate if it is enlarges and has fallen forward due to size
Prostate should be bilobed, symmetrical, and uniform in consistency

Question 18

When is the penis best palpated?

Answer 18

Before semen collection

Question 19

What are indications for canine AI?

Answer 19

Animals that cannot copulate normally

Shipped or frozen semen is used

Question 20

What does the success of AI rely on?

Answer 20

Normal semen quality
Accurate timing of insemination
Appropriate site of deposition

Question 21

What are the AI techniques?

Answer 21

Vaginal
Trans-cervical
Surgical

Question 22

What does the timing of insemination depend on?

Answer 22

Type of semen being used

Longevity of semen

Question 23

What is the procedure of vaginal AI?

Answer 23

Collect semen in insemination pipette

Place in external cervical os

Question 24

What is the conception rate with vaginal AI?

Answer 24

70-85%

Increases with >1 breeding

Question 25

What are the indications for chilled semen?

Answer 25

Shipped semen

Question 26

What is found in chilled semen?

Answer 26

Extender added to prolong life span of sperm
Protection of spermatozoal membranes from changes in temperature (lipoprotein form milk or egg yoklk)
Fructose or glucose provides energy
pH stabilizer
Lowers metabolic rate
Antibiotic

Question 27

What is the procedure for chilled semen AI?

Answer 27

Unpackage semen and review instructions
Place semen at external cervical os
Lifespan <4 days in normal dogs

Question 28

What is the conception rate with chilled semen AI?

Answer 28

60-85%

Depends on semen quality and timing

Question 29

What is used to do a transcervical AI?

Answer 29

Norwegian catheter

Question 30

What are the advantages of transcervical AI?

Answer 30

Minimal sedation

Low cost

Question 31

What are the disadvantages of transcervical AI?

Answer 31

Technically challenging

Not too popular in US