What is TCI?
TCI is a technique in which a rigid endoscope (a scope with a camera on the tip) is passed through the vaginal tract to visualize the cervix. Once the cervix has been located, the technician passes a soft, flexible catheter through the cervix opening to deposit semen — fresh, chilled, or frozen — directly into the uterus.
Using a TV monitor, the technician can view the position of the catheter to ensure it has been fully passed, and that minimal backflush occurs. We take care to use a very small volume of semen, and the flush that follows, so as not to disturb the eggs.
Once semen reaches the uterus, it contracts and moves semen to the oviducts, using little cellular hairs to push it along the way. The semen is deposited exactly where it would be during surgical insemination — without the need for surgery.
Benefits of TCI
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Highest Success Rate
TCI has the highest reported success rate of all insemination methods. In our 2025 data of over 250 procedures, we achieved an 88% overall pregnancy success, rising to 95% when following our timing protocol.
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No Surgery Required
TCI allows intrauterine insemination without anesthesia or surgery, greatly reducing risk and stress for the bitch.
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Vaginoscopy Included
The procedure includes the ability to study the vaginal tract walls — an additional timing tool to confirm she's ready for breeding.
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Minimal Stress
The bitch is either standing or lying on her side, completely awake. No sedation needed. Clients consistently tell us how smooth, fast, and easy it was.
Timing for TCI
The breeding window is determined by the date of ovulation, confirmed through progesterone testing. Ovulation is not any one specific number — it is the progression, and can occur anywhere between 4-11 ng/ml. Ovulation is confirmed by seeing a 3 or more ng jump in a 24-hour period.
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Frozen Semen
We recommend two TCI procedures, done between days 3-5 post ovulation. If only one TCI, our goal is day 4 or 5 post ovulation.
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Fresh / Fresh Chilled
We recommend breeding days 2 and 4 post ovulation when performing two TCIs. If only one, we aim for day 3 post ovulation.
Pricing
| Veterinary Exam Required prior to TCI procedure. | $75.00 |
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| First TCI During normal business hours. | $495.00 |
| Repeat TCI During normal business hours. | $395.00 |
| Weekend/After-Hours Fee Saturday pre-planned breedings. | $200.00 |
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us to schedule a TCI procedure or to learn more about our reproductive services.
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