The purpose of heat checks and progesterone testing is to determine the right time for natural mating or artificial insemination. Once the bitch’s time of ovulation is known, a schedule for mating is recommended to the breeder, or a time for artificial insemination is agreed.
Heat monitoring is usually started on the seventh day of the heat. However, it must be remembered that every bitch’s heat is individual, i.e. there are bitches with very scant bleeding, in which case the onset of heat is harder to detect.
During a heat check the veterinarian assesses the external signs of heat, such as the bitch’s behaviour, swelling of the vulva and vaginal discharge. The external signs, together with a vaginal cytology sample (pap sample) and the progesterone value measured from blood, best indicate which phase of the heat is involved. There is a great deal of individual variation in the length of the pro-oestrus alone, so mating around the twelfth day of the heat is unlikely to produce the desired litter. The length of the pro-oestrus can be up to 21 days in a bitch (on average 9 days), especially in sensitive breeds.
Bitches nowadays quite commonly have structural abnormalities of the vagina which, in the worst case, can prevent natural mating and vaginal delivery. For this reason we recommend, especially for first-time bitches, an examination of the vaginal structure carried out by endoscopy.
Our clinic uses a laboratory-grade device approved for scientific research for progesterone measurements (Siemens Immulite) — it is not a so-called rapid device. Progesterone is measured from a blood sample and the result is available the same day. At low progesterone values, subsequent samples are usually measured every 2–3 days. When needed, we also accept blood samples brought in; in that case please contact us first.
Every progesterone measurement done at our clinic includes a veterinarian’s statement and a recommendation for the continuation of heat monitoring. The client is informed personally once the measurement is complete.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly is the progesterone result available?
The result is available within an hour; if you are in a hurry it is worth mentioning this at check-in. Otherwise results are sent to clients alongside other patient work, within 2–3 hours of sampling.
At what progesterone level is a dog mated or artificially inseminated?
Dogs ovulate immature eggs, and good days to mate are 1–3 days after ovulation. Artificial inseminations with frozen semen are done 3 days after ovulation and with fresh semen 2 days after ovulation. The aim of heat monitoring is therefore to determine the time of ovulation as accurately as possible. How high a bitch’s progesterone level rises after ovulation is individual.
When is heat monitoring started in a bitch?
Heat monitoring is usually started on the 7th day of the heat. If the external signs of heat are very mild, monitoring must be started earlier.