If we tested progesterone to establish the optimum breeding days, why would we test again? We may perform a viability progesterone check part way through the pregnancy, which I will talk about in another post. Or we may perform a reverse progesterone test to determine if the puppies are ready to be delivered. So how does that work? Once a bitch has ovulated the hormone level continues to rise. If pregnant, her progesterone level will stay elevated. Without progesterone a female cannot hold her litter and would abort. However as a bitch approaches her due date her levels will drop.
Many breeders look for the temporary temperature drop to give them and idea when their bitch may begin labor. Haven’t heard of this? Let me know and I’ll write a blog on it. The drop in progesterone levels and the temporary temperature drop are linked.
When the Progesterone level falls to 20-15 nmol/L, this tells us that puppies are mature and can safety be delivered via c-section. A reading of 5 nmol/L or less tells us a bitch is about to go into, or is in early labor.
We run a lot of reverse progesterone tests each week, working with local vets and their clients. It is essential that our results are accurate. Incorrect readings would put litters at risk. The only way to ensure this is to correctly maintain our machine. Reliable results, result in safe deliveries.
My own vet will not perform an elective c-section without a reverse progesterone to confirm the pups are safe to be delivered.
So why would someone choose an elective c-section? Well there’s are a myriad of reasons why a breeder may decided to go this route:
A Singleton Pup - A bitch can have issues delivering a singleton pup. Without very careful management that one baby can get very large. Yes a bitch may be able to deliver a singleton, but the chances of complications are increased.
Prior Complications - The owner may choose an elective section if the bitch required an emergency c-section with her previous litter. Please don’t bash me about a bitch having more than one c-section. That is between the breeder and their vet.
The Breed of Dog - Certain breeds such as French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs etc.. are more likely to need intervention. Some owners decide to go straight to an elective section to safely manage the delivery.
Financial Reasons - Out of hours c - sections are costly. Often the price of a section can double when it’s “out of hours”. Again no bashing me. These decision are made between the owner and their vet.
The price of a reverse progesterone is £35, the same as it would be for a regular progesterone test. I always make a point performing a quick scan just to check heartbeats. If I see any cause for concern I will send a note through to the vet with the results. A well run clinic can work well with their client’s vet. We are here to support our owners, their dogs and their babies.
Hope this made for interesting reading. X
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