FAQ

It was developed in Poland and has been successfully sold there for over ten years.  The first was the Estrous Detector for cattle. After the success in that field, other versions were developed for mares, sows, ewes and dogs. The Ovulation Detector for dogs has been successfully sold to many European countries as well as in USA and Japan. This electronic detector has given favorable results in tests at the Obstetrics Department of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Agriculture and Technology, Olsztyn, Poland. The advantages of using the detector have also been confirmed by research carried out at the University in Giessen, Germany.

The detector is very simple to use. If it is used according to the instructions manual it will give excellent results. Keeping the detector clean and disinfected is of the utmost importance. It should be disinfected BEFORE and AFTER each use. Any mucus left on the probe will give false results.

The readings should be done once a day when the estrous is approaching and twice a day when values start to increase. Readings should always be taken the same way, it is best if the probe reaches the cervix, then you meet resistance and can be sure that the probe is always inserted the same every time. Otherwise you can insert the probe and take readings in different parts of the vagina and receive random, incorrect results. We also advise to always take the readings the same time of the day, better in the morning. There are several factors which may affect the readings otherwise, but errors can be avoided by taking readings at the same time every day.

The readings do not need to be exactly the same as in the chart. Each dog may show slightly different readings. But it is important to find the moment of maximum peak and the subsequent fall. If reading values start decreasing ovulation is imminent. The best moment for insemination is when the readings fall close to the initial level.

a) When you press the switch in open air “0 1″ should be displayed. b) Prepare water-saline solutions with different salt concentrations, immerse the probe in these solutions and check whether the instrument responds to the changes in the concentration of salt. After the probe has been taken out of the solution the result should be constantly showed in the display and should not disappear before 30 seconds (the switch must be held, of course). c) Check the instrument with 0,05 more KCL solution in 20°C. The instrument should display about 210-220 d). Make sure while checking the instrument that the electrodes (at the end of the probe) are clean and no “LO BAT” is displayed.

Dirt, or skin oil on the electrodes will result in readings too high, whereas urine on the electrodes or solutions containing salt will cause lower readings. Please clean the electrodes and check if the device is working well, by following instructions explained above.

Before and after each measurement, the detector must be disinfected. Careful and thorough cleaning and disinfection of the instrument is one of the most important conditions for proper usage. We recommend wiping the probe with gauze, cotton linen or even tissue paper to clean it of mucus, feces, urine or hair, especially around the electrodes. Next, it is best to wash it under running water and finally immerse it in a disinfecting solution. Always use disinfectants at concentrations given by the manufacturer, as if not used properly they may cause irritation of the vaginal lining. Wiping the probe clean before use will prevent this from happening. Alcohol can be used.

Please check the device as described in the question: Is there any way to check the instrument? If it is not working as expected contact us.

It measures electrical resistance of the vaginal mucus located near the cervix.

It is very accurate and consistent when operated correctly.

Not unless you are very heavy handed and do not take obvious care. Compare the size of the probe (length and diameter) to the penis of the dog (even in toy breeds).

Usually this is because the angle of insertion is incorrect. Mimic the angle of entry of the stud dog as he enters from underneath at approximately 45 degrees and then ‘levels off’. Remember that the vaginal passage has a kink in its shape. (Thus you need to enter at approximately 45 degrees and then level off as well). Sometimes early on in the season, a few bitches may be somewhat dry. Moisten the probe with water, part the lips of the vulva and gently push the probe into the vulva. If the bitch constricts, hold the unit in place and do not push anymore until she relaxes, at which time you can resume gentle pressure, the probe will slip into the passage easily. Do not use a lubricant such as KY jelly or Vaseline as they will adversely affect the readings obtained!

The probe should be inserted until a slight resistance is felt, which is when the probe just reaches the cervix. This is approximately 3/5ths of the probe’s length. (3 inches in the bitch and 2 inches out showing). At this position the probe tip is positioned within the area containing the maximum amount of mucus to thus obtain accurate and consistent readings. This position is adjusted slightly relative to the size of the bitch. Also some bitches are very dilated early in the cycle with little or no resistance being felt. However the 3/5ths positioning still applies.

As explained before it is best to take readings daily at the same time of the day. When the figures start to rise,  it is wise to take 2, 3 or 4 readings a day to more accurately pinpoint the peak number and thereby determine the best time to breed.

Take regular readings from the very first moment that you notice your bitch coming into season.

After the reading stabilize on the detector LCD (takes approximately 2 seconds) the probe may be taken out of the bitch.

Usually it is because the probe is not inserted far enough into the bitch and does not reach the actual mucus which is what the unit is looking to measure. Also salt from the urine can depress the readings.

Usually it is because the probe is inserted too far. (the whole length of the probe is inserted up to the body of the instrument). Thus going past the cervix and producing random high readings.

The false peak can be just a small rise and fall or the rise can be quite significant. Regardless of the value though, it only occurs around day 3/4/5 of the season.

It is indicating what is really happening with your bitch as opposed to the external signs shown by the bitch.

The probe is made of a high quality special polyamide plastic which is very durable.

All bitches are different, some accept the probe instantly without any problems the first time it is used, some are puzzled and some are uneasy, much in the same way as the reaction of a bitch to a stud dog when mating.

Some bitches peak reading may be 400, whereas others may be well in excess of 1000. The key point to remember is that you are looking for the profile as opposed to the actual value of the reading.

The Manual explains that the peak value may be higher or lower than the example shown of a 600 peak figure. (Look for the peak followed by the fall).

Manufacturers state that the optimum time to breed is 24 hours after the peak.

Lubricant will adversely affect the value of the readings obtained.

No, the battery is only removed and replaced when it is exhausted.

You rotate the unit first and after a full rotation ~ THEN the button is pressed.

The peak figure indicates when the luteinising hormone is released, triggering ovulation to occur. After which time the value of the readings decrease steadily in a relatively short time and finally reach an approximate plateau figure at which they remain.

Yes, bitches can display ‘standard expected behavioral signs’ but not have what could be considered a ‘normal’ ovulatory season.

By taking readings regularly. When the values increase 2, 3 or 4 times a day a maximum peak figure is obtained.

We are currently researching this issue and believe that diet does affect the readings. However, once again it is not the actual value of the readings what is important but the profile that is obtained, to determine the peak figure.

Because the electrical potential of the mucus initially tested has been discharged.

The LCD screen on the unit will show the message: LO BAT.

No, but just as with breeding an assistant is helpful in reassuring and steadying the bitch.

With proper maintenance, it can last a lifetime.

Disinfect the detector before and after each measurement. Careful and thorough cleaning and disinfection of the instrument are the most important conditions for its proper usage. Always use disinfectants at concentrations given by the manufacturer, as otherwise they may cause irritation of the vaginal lining. Clean the instrument before each use to prevent this. The solution of the disinfecting agent should be prepared directly before the next use of the detector. The best disinfectant agent is Hibiscrub, Dettox or Savlon solutions, or any other agent indicated for veterinary use. Wipe the surface of the probe with the solution, then rinse thoroughly with water, dry and put into a box.

Well, the problems will remain. Obviously this instrument will not solve the reproduction problems of a bitch. It will not change an infertile bitch into a fertile one. However, it is another instrument to facilitate managing reproduction programs. This instrument can be used at home. It will reduce the number of visits at the vet’s as well as the number of more expensive and invasive tests. It will help to determine false heat because in such a case a value of the reading will not increase. Also in the case of quiet heat the peak of climax can be determined precisely.

Yes, it can; it should not have any adverse effects.

The probe should be inserted until light resistance is felt when the probe reaches the cervix. It constitutes approx. 3/5 of the probe length (namely 3 inches inside and 2 inches outside). In this place the tip of the probe is in the area containing the highest concentration of mucus what allows to achieve a precise and reliable reading. This position changes slightly depending on the size of a bitch. Moreover, in some bitches the cervix is very widened in the initial phase of a cycle and while inserting the probe no or slight resistance is felt. However, the rule 3/5 of length is still valid.

The possible reason is a difference in temperatures. Temperature affects the results. If the probe is kept in the vagina longer, it warms up and as a result subsequent results are different. Therefore, it is so important to perform measurements always in the same manner. The results read after a few seconds are more reliable, because the temperature of the instrument is similar to the temperature of the bitch body. The same method should be continued during all subsequent measurements.

It usually happens when the probe is inserted too deep into the vagina (namely, the whole probe is inserted, up to the instrument housing). In this way it passes through the cervix resulting in random high readings.

It usually happens when the probe is inserted too shallow into the vagina (namely into the vulva) and there is no contact between the probe and the mucus which is the object of measurements. Moreover, the presence of salts in the urine may decrease the readings.

There is no “best time” to perform measurements. However, we have noticed that there might be differences between morning and evening measurements in some bitches. We recommend to prepare charts for morning and evening readings. Although morning and evening measurements might be different, the profile of changes is the same. The peak value will appear at the same time.

It is the best to perform them at the same time every day, if it is possible. As the procedure is so easy and fast, when readings start to increase it is recommended to perform 2, 3 or 4 measurements a day in order to determine the peak value very precisely, namely to determine the best time for mating.

Yes, and the method is the same as while mating. However, another person is very helpful as they can hold a bitch during a measurement what should facilitate performing of the procedure.

No, unless you are very heavy handed and if you take obvious care and attention ~ the size of the probe (length & diameter) is similar to the penis of the dog (even in toy breeds). Each bitch is different and some of them accept the probe immediately at the first use, some of them seem surprised and others – worried, it is a similar reaction when a bitch reacts to a stud dog while mating.

No, the instrument measures the electrical resistance of vaginal mucus in the area of the cervix.

Tester detects the presence of amniotic fluid inside the uterus. Amniotic fluid indicates pregnancy.

The foetus presence can be confirmed even on 21st day after mating / insemination. The optimal time window is 25-28th day.

Place the probe to the right groin, direct it 40-45° head direction. Be aware of the urine bladder located towards the tail, giving identical signal as the amniotic fluid surrounding foetus.

The light and sound signal pulsating slowly (1/s) indicates proper probe contact with the skin. The light together with sound singal pulsating faster (up to 5/s) indicates pregnancy.