At our Reproduction Clinic (The dog and cat reproduction center), we can help with the investigation and treatment of diseases of the reproductive organs, optimization of the mating day, running disorders, fertility investigations, freezing of sperm and artificial insemination (AI).
Investigation and treatment of diseases of the reproductive organs
For example, we can help with the investigation and treatment of diseases of the testicles and prostate, changes in the uterus and ovaries, as well as suspected developmental disorders of the genitals and mammary diseases.
Determining the correct mating day
We can help determine the correct mating day during the bitch's heat using vaginal cell samples and blood tests for progesterone analysis. This is particularly important if the bitch is to be inseminated with frozen semen. Before insemination, it is advisable that you contact the University Animal Hospital as soon as the bitch starts to heat so that together we can set a suitable day for the first visit. Often more than one progesterone test is needed for a reliable assessment of the optimal mating or insemination day.
Contact the Small Animal Department's reception to book an appointment to determine the correct mating day.
Telephone number: 018-67 26 80
Artificial insemination (AI)
Artificial insemination involves artificially transferring sperm to the female genitalia. Insemination, when used correctly, can be a valuable aid in dog breeding. Only dogs with normal reproductive capacity may be used in breeding, even when using artificial insemination. We always examine your dog to assess the suitability of using insemination in each specific case. We also perform artificial insemination on cats to a lesser extent.
For artificial insemination, fresh semen can be used when both dogs are present. For short transports of semen (within Europe), refrigerated semen is often a good alternative. Finally, frozen and thawed semen can also be used.
How artificial insemination (AI) works
We place the sperm directly into the uterus for the best pregnancy results. The sperm is deposited into the uterus with an endoscope where the placement of the catheter can be followed on a monitor. The method is very gentle for the bitch, who does not need to be given any sedatives.
We recommend that you contact our veterinarians well in advance of an insemination to plan, as we cannot guarantee that an appointment can always be made at short notice.
Contact the veterinarians at the Reproduction Center to plan insemination via email fertilitetskliniken@slu.se or during our telephone hours Mondays and Fridays 8-9 a.m.
Telephone number: 018-67 21 59
Freezing and storing semen
Freezing semen means that breeding material can be saved from interesting males for the future, and it also enables the transport of breeding material over long distances. Semen is first collected from the male dog. The presence of a scrotum often facilitates sperm collection and can result in a better sample.
After the semen sample has been collected, its quality is examined. If the semen is of poor quality, we advise against freezing it because pregnancy results can be expected to be poor. The collected semen is first diluted with a special diluent before being frozen. After freezing, the semen is stored in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196°C.
A semen collection from a male dog is usually enough to insemine 1-4 bitches. The diluents we use for freezing have been scientifically tested at our department to best preserve the fertility of the sperm.
Feline Sperm Freezing
Feline sperm freezing is not routinely performed and can still be considered experimental. However, we can assist with feline sperm freezing if desired.
Questions about freezing and storing sperm should be directed to the Reproduction Center's veterinarians via email fertilitetskliniken@slu.se, or during our telephone hours Mondays and Fridays 8-9 a.m.
Telephone number: 018-67 21 59
Import and export of semen
Since April 10, 2023, the EU regulation on the transport of dog semen within the EU has been amended. The amendment means that the requirements for a certificate issued by an official veterinarian, the requirement for a valid vaccination against rabies and the requirement that the male must not have been used in natural breeding for 30 days before the semen collection have been removed. The amendment means that it has become significantly easier to import and export dog semen within the EU, and that we can again export even refrigerated semen to EU countries.
Recommendations for import and export
We recommend planning the import or export of frozen dog semen well in advance, preferably before the bitch to be inseminated has started to ovulate. When importing/exporting dog semen from EU countries and Norway, the following is now required:
- Both the receiving and sending clinic must be registered in Traces.
- A veterinary certificate showing that the male was free from symptoms of disease, especially diseases that can be spread through semen.
- The semen must be marked so that the following information can be easily determined; species, breed of dog, male ID number, date of semen collection, and place where the semen was collected (the place can be replaced with the clinic's registration number). We would like it to also be marked with the dog breed (can be abbreviated) and the dog's name (can be abbreviated).
- The marking must be clearly stated on the accompanying certificate.
- Only clinics and veterinarians with a semen permit from the Swedish Board of Agriculture are allowed to send and receive dog semen in Sweden.
Brucella canis recommendation
The Reproduction Center recommends that the male dog be tested for Brucella canis before importing semen. Brucellosis is a disease in dogs caused by the bacterium Brucella canis. The infection primarily affects the genitals and reproduction.
Brucella canis is primarily transmitted between dogs but can also in rare cases be transmitted from dog to human. Brucella canis is notifiable and must be reported to the Swedish Board of Agriculture for monitoring purposes.
Questions about the import and export of semen should be directed to the Reproduction Center's veterinarians via e-mail fertilitetskliniken@slu.se, or during our telephone hours Mondays and Fridays 8-9 a.m.
Telephone number: 018-67 21 59
Fertility tests
The veterinarians at the Dog and Cat Reproduction Center can assist with semen samples to assess fertility in male dogs and male cats and gynecological examinations of bitches and female cats to investigate suspected infertility.
Contact the University Animal Hospital reception to book an appointment and get further advice.