Overview
While transcervical insemination (TCI) is our preferred and recommended method for depositing semen directly into the uterus, there are certain breeds and anatomical situations where TCI is not feasible. In those cases, a surgical implant — a surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian — is the alternative.
Sirius Canine Fertility can help you handle the progesterone timing, semen preparation, and shipping to the veterinarian performing the surgery.
What Is a Surgical Implant?
A surgical implant (also called surgical insemination or surgical AI) is a procedure where semen is deposited directly into the uterus through a small abdominal incision. The veterinarian makes a small midline incision, locates the uterine horns, and injects the semen directly into the uterine lumen using a needle and syringe.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 15-30 minutes. It is a routine procedure for experienced reproductive veterinarians and the recovery is generally quick — most dogs are back to normal activity within 24-48 hours.
When Is Surgical Implant Needed?
TCI is successful in the vast majority of breeds, but there are specific situations where a surgical approach is the better — or only — option:
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Anatomically Difficult Breeds
Some breeds have anatomical features that make passing the endoscope through the vaginal tract and cervix extremely difficult or impossible. Small toy breeds and certain brachycephalic breeds are common examples.
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Cervical Abnormalities
Some bitches have cervical scarring, strictures, or anatomical variations that prevent the TCI catheter from passing through the cervix — even in breeds where TCI is normally straightforward.
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Very Limited Semen
When semen quantity is extremely limited — such as from a testicular harvest or very old frozen semen — surgical implant deposits the semen with zero waste, maximizing every available sperm cell.
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Previous TCI Failure
In rare cases where TCI has been attempted but the catheter cannot successfully pass the cervix, surgical implant provides an alternative path to achieve intrauterine insemination.
How the Referral Process Works
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Progesterone Testing & TimingWe can assist with the progesterone testing and ovulation timing at our facility — the same precise timing protocol we use for TCI. Knowing the exact ovulation date is critical for scheduling the surgery. With ovulation confirmed, the inseminating veterinarian can determine the date for the surgery.
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Veterinary ReferralWe do not currently have any local veterinarians to refer to, but we do have a list of veterinarians our clients have used in the past, who are located in the Sacramento area. The veterinarian performing the procedure will coordinate the appointment timing based on your bitch's progesterone levels and ovulation date.
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Semen PreparationThe semen will be shipped to your veterinarian with the instructions, thaw media, and whirl paks they will need to thaw the semen.
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Surgical ProcedureThe veterinarian performs the surgical implant under general anesthesia. The procedure deposits semen directly into both uterine horns for maximum coverage and fertilization potential.
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Post-Procedure & Follow-UpAfter surgery, your bitch will need a short recovery period. The inseminating vet will provide you with her recovery instructions.
TCI vs. Surgical Implant
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TCI (Transcervical)
Non-surgical, no anesthesia. Uses an endoscope to pass a catheter through the cervix. 85-90% success rate. ~30 minutes. Can be repeated easily. Our preferred method.
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Surgical Implant
Requires anesthesia and surgery. Small abdominal incision to access the uterus directly. Used only when TCI isn't possible. Should ideally be performed only once per heat cycle.
Compatible Semen Types
Surgical implant works with all semen types — the same as TCI. The primary difference is the delivery method, not the semen used:
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Fresh / Fresh Chilled
Collected same-day or shipped overnight. Breed on days 2-4 post ovulation.
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Frozen Semen
Thawed immediately before surgery. Best on days 3-5 post ovulation. We handle all thawing and preparation.
Need a Surgical Implant Referral?
Contact us to discuss whether surgical implant is the right option for your bitch.
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