PROGESTERONE INFORMATION!

This is a chart provided by IDEXX which we go by for breeding. If your vet is using a different machine, please find out what their numbers mean.

Many breedings are done far too early and result in misses. We would like to minimize misses based on timing. Please follow this chart and give to your veterinarian when planning for a breeding. Please invest in progesterone numbers so you have the best chance to get a litter!

You can usually wait to do the first progesterone number on the 8th day. Do not stop testing until you've reached a number over 5.

Below 1.0 ng/mL - no ovarian activity - ACTION: Test every 3 or 4 days
1.0 to 2.0 ng/mL - rise indicates active ovary - Pre-LH surge - ACTION: test in 2 to 3 days
2.0 to 3.0 ng/mL - Associated with LH Surge - ACTION: Test every 24 hours

3.1-4.9 ng/mL -post LH-surge, Pre-ovulation - ACTION: Test every 24 hours

5.0-12.0 ng/mL - At or near ovulation (progesterone concentration may vary with breed and size) - ACTION - BREED in 1 to 3 days.

12 ng/ML or over - ACTION - BREED in 1 - 2 days

Bitches' progesterone numbers normally double once they hit ovulation. If you get a very high number (20+), do not panic. Call us, and we'll help to determine if shipping semen is in your bitch's best interest. Many times, shipping is still possible.


*Also please note, in-house progesterone machines are not always calibrated properly and numbers can be off. For this reason, if at all possible, we highly recommend sending blood off to IDEXX for the best chance at getting a litter. We know this is usually a more expensive option, but in the end, it is usually well worth it.