Target Canine Ovulation Kit for Dogs

Kit contents

• 6 monoclonal antibody treated test cups
• 6 sample applicators
• 1 bottle of wash solution
• 1 bottle of substrate buffer A
• 1 bottle of substrate buffer B
• 1 substrate mixing bottle
• 1 bottle enzyme conjugate
• A color chart

Test procedure

Test Preparation (For Serum or Plasma): Allow all kit components and samples to come to room temperature. Collect the blood sample into an EDTA or heparin coated tube (purple top tube) or in a dry tube (red top tube). Immediately after sample collection, invert the tube several times to mix. Spin the blood down with a centrifuge or allow the blood to clot by staying at room temperature for 1/2 to 1 hr and pour the serum into a clean glass tube. If the sample is not run immediately, store the sample in the refrigerator. For long term storage the sample should be frozen. Label the sample with the name, sample day and cycle day. Do not use whole blood. Do not run test with cold kits.

When to test

1. One serum sample should be run during the first five days of the proestrus cycle (characterized by the presence of blood and vulval swelling) in order to determine the baseline progesterone level. The baseline progesterone level varies between 0-1 ng/mL in individual dogs and gives a bright blue color result similar to the C1 color on the color chart.
2. Begin testing to determine the initial rise in progesterone about 11-13 days after observing the first day of vaginal bleeding and vulval swelling (the beginning of proestrus). If the first result is the baseline color, bright blue (C1), then the progesterone level is still very low.
3. Retest every two days until the test results are a light blue that is similar to the C2 color on the color chart. This first fading of the color from C1 to C2 represents the initial rise in the progesterone level; ovulation will occur 1-2 days later.
4. Retest every day until the test results are faint blue similar to the C3 color on the color chart. This means the egg is beginning to ripen and the fertile period begins 2-3 days later. After obtaining a C3 color, natural matings and inseminations with fresh semen should take place in 2 or 3 days and again in 2 days. If using frozen semen, inseminate in 2 or 3 days and every other day for a total of 3 times.
5. If a white result is obtained, mating or insemination should be done immediately.