What is a Fetal Heart-rate Doppler?

(Photo from 2013 Litter)

Puppy heartbeats for the True Love Litter were detected by a hand held fetal heart rate doppler (I listen for the fast beating). Zene lays quietly on her side while I check the puppy heartbeats, she is such a patience and sweet girl (and I think she likes the treats she gets for the "belly check").

A normal puppy heartbeat (near full term) is between 170-230 BPM (beats per minute) and somewhat resembles the sound of galloping horses. An adult dog has a heart rate between 90-120 BPM.

Ultrasound doppler equipment has been used in human medicine for over 20+ years to confirm pregnancy and monitor fetus development and well being. 

In a canine, fetal heart rates can be detected around Week 5 of gestation. The doppler detects the motion of the beating heart and translates that motion into an audible heart beat (some dopplers, like mine, have a display showing the heart rate). Using a doppler throughout gestation allows me to confirm a pregnancy (after Day 30), and approximate the number of fetuses in the litter (Day 45 and up). I also use the doppler during whelping to monitor the fetusues and communicate any issues to my reproductive veterinarian.

We're expecting!

Pregnancy is confirmed! 

Zene is expecting a litter the first week of October. An x-ray will be done around the end of September (Day 55-56) to see how many pups she's carrying.

Day 25(?) --- Does someone look a little thick in the waistline?

3 Weeks since the AI --- is she or isn't she?

I've been staring intently at Zene to see any signs of pregnancy . . . until the ultrasound is done (next week) I am keeping quiet . . .

Today was "TCI" day!

More terms you never thought you'd need to know --- "TCI" which stands for Transcervical Insemination (whereby the semen is deposited directly into the uterus). 

Today, Zene and I made another trip to Yorba Regional where Spenser's Fed Ex "package" had arrived and was waiting.   The semen is tested for motility and viability and I am thrilled to report that 12 year-old Spenser had semen with a 90% motility, this is fantastic and even the vet commented on how great it was.  With little trouble, Zene underwent the TCI procedure --- just a few minutes to prep, no anesthesia required, and we were ready to head back home. 

More info about TCI, read: http://www.aahpa.com/Canine_Repro_Program/Transcervical_Insemination/

Progesterone Results . . .

Typical Zene, not bothered to be at the vet, or anywhere.

Zene's progesterone was tested Sunday and Tuesday and it is on the rise, which means ovulation will occur this week.

Spenser will be "collected" today, July 30th, and shipped to Yorba Regional for an artificial insemination tomorrow, Thursday, July 31st. 

My good girl!

Zene is in season --- progesterone testing explained!

Woohoo!  Zene has come into season!  Progesterone testing will start around Day 9 or 10 of her heat cycle.  I will coordinate with the owners of Spenser to send a "(sperm) collection" for an artificial insemination breeding to be done at my vet; Yorba Regional Animal Hospital. 

What the heck is progesterone testing, you ask?

Basically, progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries that rises as the heat cycle progresses.  Early in the canine heat cycle the progesterone values will usually read less than 1.0 ng/ml.  The first significant, sustained rise in progesterone usually coincides with the "LH Surge".  The LH stands for luteinizing hormone and is released by the pituitary gland in the brain.  This is important because ovulation occurs about 48 hours after the LH surge.  The progesterone value at the time of the LH surge is usually about 2-3 ng/ml. The progesterone will rise to about 5-8 ng/ml at the time of ovulation.  Canine eggs are not ready to be fertilized at the time of ovulation and take about 2 days to mature.  Once mature, the eggs remain fertile for 2 to 3 days and then begin to deteriorate.  Of note: progesterone stays elevated for about 2 months whether the bitch is pregnant or not.  We like to know when the "surge" is so that we have an idea of ovulation, when to breed, and to estimate the whelping day.

And now you know ;)