TCI, or transcervical insemination, is a non-surgical method of artificial insemination in dogs where semen is deposited directly into the uterus by passing a catheter through the cervix. It’s the go-to technique when using frozen semen or when a limited quantity of semen is available, and it avoids the risks that come with surgical insemination.
How TCI Works
During a TCI procedure, a veterinarian uses a rigid endoscope to visualize the cervix, then threads a thin catheter through the cervical opening and into the uterus. The semen is deposited directly where it needs to be: inside the uterus, close to the fallopian tubes where fertilization happens. The entire process is performed without any incision, which is the key advantage over surgical insemination, where a vet opens the abdomen to inject semen directly into the uterine horns.
Most dogs tolerate TCI while awake or with light sedation. Some veterinarians use no sedation at all, while others may sedate the dog briefly depending on her temperament and comfort level. Because there’s no surgical incision, there’s no recovery period, no stitches, and no anesthesia-related risks. Your dog can typically go home the same day with no restrictions.
Why TCI Matters for Frozen Semen
The main reason TCI exists is that frozen semen performs poorly when deposited in the vagina. Frozen-thawed sperm have a significantly shorter lifespan than fresh sperm, and each breeding dose contains far fewer motile sperm cells, typically around 100 million compared to the much higher numbers in a fresh ejaculate. Placing these fragile, short-lived sperm in the vagina means very few survive the journey through the cervix to reach the uterus and fallopian tubes.
TCI bypasses this problem entirely by placing semen directly into the uterus. Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital recommends transcervical insemination specifically for frozen-thawed semen or for fresh/chilled semen that has low sperm counts or compromised quality. If you’re using fresh semen with good numbers and normal motility, a simpler vaginal insemination can produce pregnancy rates and litter sizes comparable to natural mating.
Success Rates Compared to Surgery
TCI performs as well as, or better than, surgical insemination. One study comparing the two methods found pregnancy rates of 65% with TCI versus 45% with surgical AI. A larger analysis of over 600 TCI procedures and 36 surgical inseminations found no difference in either pregnancy rate or litter size between the two approaches.
These numbers make a strong case for TCI as the preferred method. It delivers equivalent or better results without putting the dog through surgery, and it can be repeated during the same heat cycle if needed, something that’s impractical with a surgical approach.
Timing the Procedure
Getting the timing right is critical for any breeding method, but especially for TCI with frozen semen. Veterinarians use progesterone blood tests to pinpoint ovulation. A dog is considered to be ovulating when her progesterone level reaches 5 to 10 nanograms per milliliter. For fresh semen breedings (natural or vaginal AI), that 5 to 10 ng/mL window is the target.
Frozen semen breedings require later timing. Because thawed sperm survive for a much shorter period, the insemination needs to happen closer to when the eggs are mature and ready for fertilization. Veterinarians typically wait until progesterone reaches around 20 ng/mL before performing TCI with frozen semen. Your vet will likely run progesterone tests every one to two days once your dog enters her heat cycle to track the rise and hit the right window.
Which Dogs Benefit Most
TCI is the best option in several specific situations. The most common is when you’re using frozen semen, whether imported from another country, stored from a now-deceased stud, or shipped from a dog that isn’t available for natural breeding. It’s also the right choice when semen quality is marginal, meaning low sperm count or reduced motility, because placing fewer viable sperm directly in the uterus gives them the best chance of reaching an egg.
Beyond semen quality, TCI is a good fit for dogs who shouldn’t undergo general anesthesia. Older dogs, dogs with heart conditions, brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed dogs like Bulldogs and Pugs) that carry higher anesthesia risks, and dogs with other health concerns all benefit from the non-surgical nature of the procedure. It’s also practical for breeders who may want to inseminate more than once during the same cycle, since there’s no surgical wound to heal between attempts.
Cost and Availability
TCI is less expensive than surgical insemination. Specialty clinics charge roughly $150 for non-surgical artificial insemination when the owner provides the semen, compared to around $589 for a surgical insemination. Prices vary by clinic and region, and some reproductive specialists charge more depending on whether they include the endoscopy equipment fee or progesterone testing in the total.
The main limitation is availability. TCI requires specialized equipment and a veterinarian trained in the technique. Not every general practice vet offers it, so you may need to find a board-certified reproductive specialist or a veterinary teaching hospital. In rural areas, that could mean traveling. It’s worth planning ahead: identify your TCI provider before your dog comes into heat so you’re ready to start progesterone monitoring on time.