IDEXX
Progesterone is the most important hormone in female dog reproduction. It is easy to test for and can be used to look at ovulation, parturition and other cyclical abnormalities.
The progesterone test can be done every 2-3 days starting about 5 days into the season from when you first see blood. T
iming of the test can be more certain if the lengths of the dog'sprevious heat cycles are known.
To determine the days of mating two factors have to be considered: ovulation and maturation. Bitches will ovulate at around 6 ng/ml (18 nmol/l). After ovulation the oocytes have to mature for a further 2 days before they can be fertilised. Once mature they will be viable for another 2 days. Spermatozoa will take 6-12 hours to capacitate and reach the oviduct.
Possible testing regime:
Plasma progesterone levels of <1 ng/ml (3 nmol/l): retest in 4 days
Plasma progesterone levels of <2 ng/ml (6 nmol/l): retest in 3 days
Plasma progesterone levels of >2 ng/ml (6 nmol/l): retest in 2 days
Plasma progesterone levels of >25 ng/mol (75 nmol/l) usually indicate the end of the fertile period
Possible mating regime:
Fertilisation period: ovulation +1 day until +4 days
Two matings: ovulation +1 day and +3 days or ovulation +2 days and +4 days
One mating: ovulation +2 days or ovulation +3 days
The beginning progesterone levels are typically less than 1.0 ng/ml until the day before the LH surge.
Progesterone Testing Order link
Telephone: 0203 7887508
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