Overview
We offer in-house one-hour progesterone testing. This is not only valuable for timing ovulation prior to breeding, but we also can test a pregnant bitch to better determine when she will be ready to whelp. This is most valuable for C-section timing.
Progesterone testing is also used as a diagnostic tool for monitoring progesterone levels of pregnant bitches throughout their pregnancy.
Why Progesterone Matters
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Ovulation Timing
Pinpoint the exact date of ovulation to determine optimal breeding dates — the single most important factor for breeding success.
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Whelping & C-Section
When progesterone drops below 5.0 ng, labor should begin within about 12 hours. Critical for C-section timing.
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Pregnancy Monitoring
Progesterone must stay elevated for ~62 days. We monitor and supplement when needed.
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Same-Day Results
Our in-house laboratory provides results within one hour — no waiting days for outside lab results.
Understanding Ovulation Timing
In all bitches, the progesterone level will rise. Ovulation will occur between 4-10 ng, and then progesterone will continue to rise. Most bitches will rise to over 40+ ng.
When ovulation occurs, we will see a huge jump of at least 3 ng within a 24-hour period. For example: Monday level is 5.24, Tuesday level is 9.32 — this indicates ovulation occurred on Monday.
Many breeders ask, "What is the perfect number to breed at?" There is no single correct answer. Most bitches will be in the 20s at the time of breeding, but some may hit 20 within a couple of days of ovulation or may take longer.
The Breeding Window
Once ovulation is determined, the bitch will need to be bred somewhere between 2-5 days post ovulation. The timing depends on the type of semen being used and the number of breedings planned.
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Frozen Semen
Two TCIs recommended between days 3-5 post ovulation. Single TCI: day 4 or 5.
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Fresh / Fresh Chilled
Breed on days 2 and 4 post ovulation (two breedings). Single breeding: day 3.
Pregnancy Monitoring
Progesterone levels will stay — and must stay — elevated for about 62 days. When the level drops below 5.0 ng, labor should begin, and whelping will occur within about 12 hours.
In some bitches, they prematurely drop their progesterone level prior to 62 days, causing them to abort the pups. We have the ability to monitor these levels, and if they drop too soon, oral or injectable progesterone is supplemented to maintain pregnancy.
Determining Due Date
The correct formula is 63 days post OVULATION, not post breeding. Most bitches will be ready to whelp 63 days post ovulation.
For example: if TCI was performed on day 3 post ovulation, the due date is 60 days from breeding (63 minus 3 = 60).
Pricing
| Progesterone TestIn-house, same-day results within one hour. | $125.00 |
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| Weekend Staffing FeeFor tests required on weekends/holidays. | $50.00 |
You should expect 4-6 progesterone tests leading up to a breeding to properly confirm ovulation and timing.
Need Progesterone Testing?
Contact us to schedule your test or to begin ovulation timing for your upcoming breeding.
Schedule Testing
