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COMPANION ANIMALS:REPRODUCTIVE PROTOCOLS
Protocols are available for the following diagnostic tests.
Reproductive Function
  • CANINE DETECTION OF OESTRUS BY PROGESTERONE ASSAY
  • GnRH STIMULATION TEST-CANINE/FELINE
  • hCG STIMULATION TEST-CANINE/FELINE


    • Related protocols are available for
  • Adrenal Function
  • Monitoring Tests
  • Other Diagnostic Tests


    • Please contact the laboratory if you require further assistance or guidance on test protocol not shown.

    CANINE DETECTION OF OESTRUS BY PROGESTERONE ASSAY
     For use in bitches to determine the optimum time for mating and to ensure that ovulation occurs when predicted in relation to service. The majority of bitches ovulate between days 11 and 13 after the onset of pro-oestrus as determined by the presence of blood and vulval swelling. However, some bitches ovulate in early pro-oestrus and others later in oestrus.
    Protocol for bitches with no previous history of infertility or abnormal cycles:
  • Collect 2 ml of heparin blood on day 7 or 8 of pro-oestrus. If possible, separate the plasma before dispatching to the laboratory.
  • Re-sample the bitch every two days until the progesterone reaches 5 ng/ml.
  • Mate the bitch within 48 hours once the progesterone reaches 5 ng/ml.
    • Protocol for bitches with a history of infertility:
  • Begin testing before day 7 of pro-oestrus.
  • Continue as above but extend the sampling to beyond mating to check that the progesterone has risen to more than 10 ng/ml confirming ovulation.
    • Note
    Serum is undesirable as progesterone levels may decline in serum tested more than 24 hours after collection, particularly if the serum is not separated from the clot.

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    GnRH STIMULATION TEST - CANINE / FELINE
     For the detection of ovarian function.
    Protocol
  • Collect a basal sample of 2ml clotted or heparinised blood.
  • Inject 0.32µg Buserelin (Receptal, Intervet) i/v. (Due to the very small volume of the drug required, it is helpful to dilute the drug 1:10 with sterile water for injection and then inject 0.83 ml).
  • Collect a further sample of 2ml clotted or heparinised blood 3 hours post GnRH injection.
  • Separate the serum/plasma if possible. Label the samples "pre" and "3 hours post GnRH" and dispatch to the laboratory.
    • Note
    Receptal (Intervet) is not licensed for use in dogs or cats.
    Reference
    Jeffcoate, IA (1991). Identification of speyed bitches (correspondence). Vet. Rec. 129 p58.

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    hCG STIMULATION TEST - CANINE / FELINE
    For use in dogs and cats with suspected cryptorchidism.
    Protocol
  • Collect a basal sample of 2ml clotted or heparinised blood.
  • Inject 200-500 IU (dog) or 100-500 IU (cat) hCG i/v.
  • Collect a second sample of 2ml clotted or heparinised blood 30 minutes to 2 hours post hCG injection.
  • Separate the serum/plasma if possible, label the samples "pre" and "post hCG" and dispatch to the laboratory.
    • Note
    hCG is available as Chorulon (Intervet) and is licensed for use in dogs but not in cats.
    Reference
    SCL Veterinary Services Manual. 6th Edition. p20.

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