(or How to Make a Pupcicle)
by Mary Ann Sheller, DVM
Why Freeze?
- Preserve genetic material for use in later generations
- Ship semen internationally
- Semen can be available when stud is campaigning or being used elsewhere
- Insurance against death or infertility of valuable studs
What is involved in freezing semen?
The entire freezing process takes 5-6 hours, but you and the stud dog will be at the office for about 30 minutes (the first visit may take longer because of extra paperwork). The semen is collected manually, but every effort is made to increase libido with scents, a teaser bitch, and encouraging normal mounting behavior. Once collected, a preliminary evaluation is done to determine the quality, motility, and concentration of the sperm. The semen is then extended with a nutrient/preservative solution. Based on the evaluation, we will make a recommendation as to whether the semen is suitable for freezing. If so, the long, gradual cooling process begins.
How much semen can I expect to freeze?
That depends on the stud (size, age, libido, experience). Generally, from one collection, a 60# dog will produce enough sperm to fill 10-20 straws. Toy breeds may get only 1-4, giants up to 40. Of course, you can have several freezes done to obtain the number of straws or breedings you wish to have stored.
What are straws?
They are actually small straws about the size of coffee stirrers. Each one will hold approximately 50 million sperm. The number of straws needed for a breeding varies with the quality achieved after thawing, but usually 3-6 are needed per insemination.
How do I know the quality of my dog’s semen?
At the end of the freezing process, one straw is thawed and evaluated. Based on that evaluation we know how well this batch of semen survived freezing and therefore how many straws to use. You may obtain these details for each freeze done on your dog.
Where is the semen stored?
Initially it is stored in a tank of liquid nitrogen at our hospital. Every few months, all the semen is shipped to Synbiotics headquarters in California where it is permanently stored in huge liquid nitrogen tanks.
How do I get the semen when I need it?
Usually it is shipped directly from Synbiotics to the inseminating veterinarian upon your instruction. It is shipped overnight in a special low temperature thermos. International shipments are much more complex, and special arrangements must be made for each country. Some countries will not allow shipments of frozen semen at all; many have specific testing requirements on the dog before semen is frozen. Plan for this many months in advance. The Synbiotics company can help with the specific requirements.
How much does it cost?
This varies by freezing center. You may telephone our office regarding the specifics to cost and your individual plan can be determined through a consult visit. There are also annual storage fees. You may also expect shipping costs to the inseminating veterinarian.
What is the success rate with frozen semen?
With proper timing procedures on fertile bitches, the success rate is around 80%
How can I improve my dog’s semen quality?
The most valuable thing you can do is bring a bitch in heat with you for the collection. The male’s drive and libido will be better and we will usually get much higher numbers and quality of sperm in the collection. The other important factor is to store semen when the dog is young if possible—the sperm count will be higher, and it will survive freezing much better if the dog is collected between 2 and 6 years of age. It also helps if the stud has some experience and is used to being hand collected.
I’m having trouble getting my bitch pregnant, should I use frozen semen?
No. Frozen semen will always be of poorer quality then fresh. This is NOT a solution to infertility.
My best stud dog is already 8 years old—can I freeze his semen?
If he is otherwise healthy, you may be able to have his semen frozen successfully, but sperm from older dogs is more fragile, and in some dogs it simply can’t tolerate the freezing process. You will be able to decide after the first freeze if further attempts are reasonable.
I just found out my dog has cancer—can I freeze his semen?
Maybe. Since reproductive organs aren’t necessary for survival, the body will sacrifice their function in the face of illness. Even if the dog is in early stages of an illness, the sperm count or resistance to freeze damage may be compromised.
Mary Ann Sheller, DVM
Vale Park Animal Hospital
2606 Valley Drive
Valparaiso, IN 46383
219-462-5785
Return to Articles Main Page
About Us | Meet Our Doctors | Surgical Services | Orthopedics
Wellness & Internal Medicine Services | Canine Reproductive Services | Behavioral Services
Oncology | Integrative Medicine Services | Client/Patient Information Forms
Facility Location & Contacts | News & Community/Pet Owner Resources | Photo Gallery
Online Store | Home | Legal Notice | Privacy Statement | Site Map
Copyright © Vale Park Animal Hospital
Web
Site Design, Hosting & Maintenance By Catalyst
Marketing Innovations, LLC |
