Description
Canine Ovulation – To Determine The Optimum Breeding Time
Test applicable to: Dog
Sample: Serum or Plasma – For Veterinary Use Only (not for sale to members of the general public)TARGET Canine Ovulation Test is a rapid semi-quantitative ELISA test on a membrane for the visual estimation of the Progesterone level in plasma or serum of the bitch. Its main use is to determine and monitor the period of ovulation to predict the correct time to mate.
Canine Progesterone
Ovulation is triggered by Luteinising Hormone (LH) which peaks two days before ovulation. Progesterone levels then begin to rise at the same time as the LH surge. After ovulation, the ovocytes take 2-3 days to ripen making the most fertile period 5-6 days after the initial rise in Progesterone. Thus measuring Progesterone is the most accurate method of determining the correct time to mate.
Sample Preparation
A centrifuge is essential to prepare the sample from whole blood. Samples must not contain red cells or any significant amount of haemolysis (red colour) or lipaemia (white colour/fat). It is recommended that the bitch is not fed for at least 8 hours before bleeding to avoid these problems.
Only clear Serum or Plasma must be used – do not use lipaemic or haemolysed samples.
