18. Progesterone testing

Poorly timed matings are the main cause of missed litters.

1. Vaginal smears. Cornification of squamous cells.
2. Digital exam of the vaginal vault. Test for ring strictures and other problems.
Examine over 2000 bitches, feel when vagina is ready for the dog. The vault feel slightly calloused, very tiny ridges on the mucosa. Vaginal contractions with proper stimulation.
3. Experienced male stud dog.
4. Progesterone tests makes determining ovulation easy. Bulldog. 90% cases can't breed naturally and require C-sections, use progesterone timing to deterimine the date of ovulation, A.I and C-section 63 days from date of ovulation.More live, healthy Bulldog pups.
Do not accept a bitch to breed to stud without the progesterone test in some big dogs like Bearded Collies and GSD.