Keywords: semen, collection, masturbation, canine, dog
Semen is frequently collected from dogs for purposes of breeding or genital evaluation. This is done by using masturbation; sometimes euphemistically referred to as using a "Gloved hand technique".
In fact, many operators prefer not to use gloves for masturbation. This is done in the belief that the canine penis can become very slippery during collection; being easier to grasp with a non-gloved hand. Obviously, scrupulous hygiene must be followed to avoid transmission of disease if that technique is to be used. The opinion of this author is that a gloved hand is preferable.
It is not always necessary to have a bitch in estrus when semen collection is attempted but it almost always facilitates the procedure. In a small minority of cases, semen cannot be collected under conditions that are strange to them, even if a bitch in estrus is present.
To obtain semen, the penis is rapidly masturbated until an erection is obtained then quickly, to avoid entrapment of the bulbous glandis within the prepuce, a hand is placed behind the bulbous glandis. A firm grip on the penis is maintained during the process of ejaculation, lasting several minutes to close to half an hour. Very quickly after its penis has been grasped, the dog will make an attempt to climb over the arm of the operator so that the penis is facing backwards. This simulates the normal back-to-back copulation that is seen in canids.
Although this image illustrates the use of a test tube to collect semen, it is more practical and potentially less traumatic if a sterile, non-spermicidal plastic bag is used instead. Care must be taken to avoid cold shock of the ejaculate.
Characteristics of the canine ejaculate are discussed elsewhere.
