Gussie came in season on Friday, April 25, and we first ordered the shipment of frozen semen from Portland, OR, where it was in long-term storage. Next, we tested her Progesterone on Thursday, May 1 (Day 6), and her IDEXX level was 0.7.
Her second Progesterone test was Monday, May 5, and the IDEXX level was 6.9. To ensure we knew when she ovulated, we went back again on May 6th for a third progesterone test, which was 13.7. The 4th test was 18.7 (reflecting the Wednesday afternoon value). Ideally, insemination with frozen semen happens after 20, but before 30 — and, based on the increases we saw in a 24 hour period, she would be between 20 – 30 some time Thursday, probably afternoon.
| Day of Cycle | IDEXX Value (Ng/mL) |
|---|---|
| Day 6 (Thursday, May 1) | 0.7 |
| Day 9 (Monday, May 5) | 6.9 (6.2 increase) |
| Day 10 (Tuesday, May 6) | 13.7 (7.5 increase) |
| Day 11 (Wednesday, May 7) | 18.7 (5.0 increase) |
| Day 12 (Thursday, May 8) | ~20+ |
She increased an average of 6.23 Ng/mL in 24 hours, so we assumed that by 4:30 on Thursday, she would be somewhere between 20 – 30 Ng/mL. Thus, she started baking bebes on Thursday.
If our math maths, she ovulated on May 5th or 6th and thus she would be due July 7, +/- 12 hours.
The surgery went so well, and Gus was feeling so much like herself that we let her show in Perry on the weekend. She handily picked up two more GCH majors toward her Silver.
Now we wait until June 6 when we confirm the pregnancy by ultrasound!