Answer

Some females can ovulate either early or late during the heat period. Most ovulate and are receptive around the 11^th day of estrus (aka “heat period.”) The discharge will then be less bloody and the female will be actively looking for or accepting of a male.

There are also a couple of simple tests available your veterinarian can offer. A vaginal smear test is one. It is a microscopic examination of vaginal cells will detect changes in her cell appearance and in numbers. This has been used for many years and is pretty reliable. That test is pretty easy to perform and is not uncomfortable to her. There is also a blood test available. That test can conclude changes in the progesterone level in her blood. This test is very sensitive and has become popular due to its accuracy. The blood test gives a pretty accurate indication when mating is most likely to be successful and is very useful for females that have a previous history of failed mating sessions. Hope this helps!

Expert:	Heidi Chambers
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	7/25/2006

Vet Tech, Hosp. Mngr since 1990

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