Relaxin rises after implantation of a fertilized egg. Implantation
occurs 26 – 31 days after the LH surge.
TIMING OF SAMPLING
If bitch was bred at the appropriate time in her estrous cycle,
pregnancy can be detected 22 – 27 days after the last breeding (26 –
31 days following the LH surge).
RECHECKING
If uncertain about timing of breeding or fertile periods, it is
recommended that a negative test be confirmed by retesting 1 week later to
insure adequate time has been allowed for implantation.
TYPE of SAMPLE NEEDED
NOTE: Only HEPARINIZED (green top tube) OR CITRATED PLASMA (sky
blue top tube) can be used.
CANNOT USE SERUM OR EDTA PLASMA
A minimum of 0.2 ml is required.
Markedly hemolyzed or lipemic plasma should not be used.
AVAILABILITY OF TEST
Will be run Monday through Saturday, during the day
COST / TEST CODE
$30.00 per sample
CANINE OVULATION DETECTION/ TIMING OF BREEDING
SERUM PROGESTERONE
CONCENTRATION plus VAGINAL CYTOLOGY
[Canine Breeding Panel]
PROGESTERONE
PHYSIOLOGY
At ovulation, serum progesterone ranges from
4–10 ng/ml. Optimal breeding (fresh semen)
is 2 days after ovulation.
TIMING OF SAMPLING
In early proestrus, 1) progesterone should be monitored every 2 –3
days to detect the preovulatory rise; 2) vaginal cytology should be
evaluated every 2 days until > 60% cornified.
RECHECKING
If progesterone is 1 – 3.9 ng/ml, consider confirming ovulation
with serum progesterone concentration after at least 3 days.
TYPE of SAMPLE NEEDED
Minimum 0.3 ml of serum, unstained vaginal cytology smears (slides)
AVAILABILITY OF TEST
Progesterone run nightly, Monday through Saturday
Cytology evaluated daily, Monday through Saturday
COST/ TEST CODE
Progesterone & Vaginal Cytology $34.00/ #1647
Progesterone (alone) $23.00/ #647
TIMING OF WHELPING
SERUM PROGESTERONE
PHYSIOLOGY
Progesterone decreases to < 2 ng/ml 36 – 48 hours prior to
whelping
