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 ;)

Zene's babies!

Zene's babies are still puppies, but I thought it would be fun to share a few photos of the beautiful babies. They are all gorgeous and well-tempered - you done good Zene! 

Cordie & Oliver

Lenny

Mister

Beatrix

Introducing Zene's baby daddy "Spenser"

Am/Int'l CH Zenith's Suspense Thriller ROM "Spenser"

Sire: BISS Am/Int’l CH Vasara’s One for the Kipper JH “Kipper”

Dam: CH Lyons Zenith Ready For Winter “Winter”

AKC #:  SR09151701 - DNA Profile #: #V479246

DOB: 6/16/2003

OFA Hips: VZ-9780E34M-PI (Excellent)

OFA Elbow: VZ-EL606M34-PI (Normal)

Accomplishments

*Vizsla Club of America - Registry of Merit*
* Finished with 4 and 5 Point Majors *

* Best of Opposite Sex over Ranked Specials from the Classes *
* Int’l Championship with Group Placements *

“Spenser” is beyond handsome with a headpiece to die for. He is moderate in size with a lovely front assembly and is nicely balanced overall. He has a tremendous side gait and moves cleanly. In limited showing, he finished both his American and International Championships and then retired from the ring as a companion to his Owners (Karen and Steve Carnahan, Zenith Vizslas). Besides good looks, he has a lovely biddable temperament and a wagging tail for everyone he meets.

"Spenser"

Bred sparingly, he has passed on tremendous quality to his offspring. In July 2014, he earned his Vizsla Club of America Registry of Merit (ROM) title over a mere three (3) litters. Collectively, his offspring has earned five (5) Grand Championships (GCH), eight (8) Championships (CH), two (2) Best in Specialty Show Wins (BISS), Multiple Group Placements, Multiple Award of Merit wins at VCA Nationals, Ranked Special (#8 Vizsla in the Country 2013, and Top 20 so far in 2014), Best in Sweepstakes Winners, Winners/Best of Winners at Specialties, and 1 Master Hunter (MH), and three (3) Junior Hunters (JH). Having spent time with several of his “kids” I can say they inherited both his good looks AND fantastic temperament.

“Spenser’s” pedigree reflects several renown Vizslas, including the VCA Hall of Fame (HOF) Vizslas; “Marker” (BIS BISS Am/Can CH Dirigo Gambler’s Marker ROM HOF) and “Skipjack” (CH Lyon’s Skipjack of Harann ROM HOF), “Cutter” (BIS CH Penlee’s Cutter UD ROM HOF).  More information on VCA Hall of Fame: http://vcaweb.org/breed/hall_of_fame.shtml.

Spenser's Sire: “Kipper”

His Sire, “Kipper” (BISS Am/Int’l CH Vasara’s One for the Kipper JH) has been a formidable producer with offspring winning Multiple Best in Shows (BIS) in US and Australia, Multiple Specialty Show Wins (BISS), Multiple Grand Champion (GCH) and Champion (CH) titles, and Top Ranked Specials (US).  In 2010, he received a Registry of Merit (ROM) from the VCA.

We are so grateful to have the opportunity to incorporate “Spenser” – and his parentage – as part of the Moonlight Vizslas line.

(Photos of "Spenser" by Susan Sibley)