Use of serum progesterone and prostaglandin F-2 alpha metabolite levels to predict onset of parturition in the bitch
Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
The prediction of time to onset of parturition in a preparturient bitch is of great clinical value, particularly for bitches at high risk of dystocia and those lacking relevant clinical data from the time of breeding. In a previous study, four cut-offs for plasma progesterone levels, measured by radioimmunoassay, were shown to be useful for predicting the likelihood of a bitch entering stage one of parturition within defined time intervals. The first aim of the current study was to evaluate these cut offs in a clinical setting, using serum progesterone samples drawn from preparturient bitches 12-hourly instead of 6 hourly and assessed using chemiluminescence immunoassay. Furthermore, the use of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F-2 alpha,F- (PGFM), a metabolite of prostaglandin F-2 alpha, in predicting the time to onset of parturition was evaluated. Forty bitches carrying two or more foetuses were admitted to a specialist veterinary reproduction hospital 53 d after the onset of cytological dioestrus when that date was known, or 57 d after the last mating. Vaginal speculum examinations were performed every 6 hr until cervical dilatation was visualized (time of cervical dilatation; TCD). Serum samples were collected at 08h00 and 18h00 daily until TCD. All bitches underwent elective caesarean section at TCD. Results of this study show that approximately 5% and 10% of preparturient bitches will reach TCD within 12 hr despite a serum progesterone level of at least 15.8 nmol/L and 8.7 nmol/L respectively. In addition, there is a 95% probability that a preparturient bitch will reach TCD within 48 hr if her serum progesterone level is below 8.7 nmol/L, and a 91% probability of her reaching TCD within 24 hr if her serum progesterone level is below 3.18 nmol/L. Approximately 90% of bitches that demonstrate a 20% increase in PGFM over a 12-hr period are likely to be within 36 hr of TCD. These results provide useful benchmarks for the management of canine parturition.
Journal
Reproduction in Domestic Animals
Publication Name
Reproduction in Domestic Animals
Volume
57
ISBN/ISSN
1439-0531
Edition
N/A
Issue
6
Pages Count
15
Location
N/A
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell
Publisher Url
N/A
Publisher Location
N/A
Publish Date
N/A
Url
N/A
Date
N/A
EISSN
N/A
DOI
10.1111/rda.14104