Vaginal smear, progesterone levels, and ultrasound examination of the ovaries as methods of determining the moment of ovulation in bitches comparative study

Abstract

Researches in the scientific literature reveal that the study of vaginal citology and interpretation of progesterone values do not represent certain methods to determine the ovulation time. 6 different breed have been investigated in this study (Labrador Retriever, Tibetan Mastiff, Bichon Maltese, West Highlander White Terrier and the Bucovina Shepherd). All es were monitored in terms of cyto-vaginal smear, the P4 level and ultrasound examination to determine the ovulation moment. The rapid disappearance of the follicular antrum cavity, correspondent to ovulation, was detected only with two. Although ultrasound changes during the estrous cycle were well-studied, the exact ovulation moment cannot be predicted accurately. To optimize the results of determining the ovulation moment it is recommended to collate the ultrasound examination with at least one of the other two methods of investigation.