Special Procedures

The surgical techniques described so far are standard techniques to access any part of the cranial reproductive tract in the female camelidae and can be used for some special reproductive procedures such as direct transfer of embryos in the uterine lumen (surgical embryo transfer), collection of embryos at early stages of development from the uterine tube, gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT), and follicular aspiration for oocyte collection. This latter technique is quickly being replaced by ultrasound-guided transvaginal aspiration.

In the dromedary, all these techniques are preferably done using the flank approach or possibly a parainguinal approach if the female is young. Exteriorization of the uterus via the flank approach is easier in multiparous females which are the best candidates for embryo transfer using this technique. Exteriorization of the uterus is easier if the animal is in the luteal phase because of the relaxing effect of progesterone on the myometrium. The upper third of the uterus is exteriorized by gentle traction on the uterine horn and the embryo is deposited directly into the lumen of the uterine horn with a smooth glass pipette. In cases where the serosa is difficult to perforate, a little incision (2 mm) is made with a small blade before introduction of the pipette.

Collection of embryos at the oviductal stage of development and GIFT are easily accomplished when the ovary, ovarian bursa and uterine tube are exteriorized. Transfer of gametes is readily accomplished by injecting them directly into the uterine tube after catheterization through a catheter placed in the infundibular end of the uterine tube and maintained in place with forceps.