[Indirect detection of ovulation and fertilization in the dog by progesterone level testing]

In addition to already published data (Arbeiter et al., 1990) we could achieve important facts concerning the estimation of mating time of the bitch by measuring the progesterone (P4) level continuously and observing the clinical signs on a collective of 106 ambulant patients. We found that a P4-concentration of 5 ng/ml plasma and above is signaling ovulation or ova fertilisation; a sudden rise of the progesterone over 10 ng (Ovucheck), reflecting 19.2 ng/ml (Serozyme-Progesterone), turned out to be a diagnostic mark for determination of mating time. Copulation took place between the 9th and 19th day of heat. 89% of the controllable bitches (n = 79) conceive and birth occurred 61.4 days (mean) later. The litter size and the loss of dead born puppies (4.7%) was normal with regard to the pertinent races. Because of their easy handling the P4-test kits (Ovucheck; Serozyme-Progesterone) are of good use for the practitioner.