The precision of predicting the time of onset of parturition in the bitch using the level of progesterone in plasma during the preparturient period

Precise prediction of the time of onset of parturition in the bitch is of clinical importance. Many parturition management cases in clinical practice are presented in the last two weeks of pregnancy without a reliable estimate of the parturition date. The aim of this study was to assess the value of a single progesterone level in the blood plasma from a preparturient bitch to predict the time of onset of parturition. The temporal relationship between the decrease in the plasma progesterone levels and the time of cervical dilatation (TCD)—which correlates to the onset of stage 1 of parturition—was evaluated in 25 bitches in the preparturient period. Among bitches destined to reach TCD within 12 h there is a 2% probability of having a plasma progesterone level of 15.8 nmoL/L or above and a 6% probability of having a level of 8.7 nmoL/L or above. Conversely, if the level is below 8.7 nmoL/L there is a 99% probability of reaching TCD within 48 h and if the level is below 3.18 nmoL/L there is a 100% probability of reaching TCD within 24 h. These results allow the veterinary obstetrician to make prompt decisions in the management of parturition. •The plasma level of progesterone to predict the time of onset of parturition was evaluated in 25 preparturient bitches.•Levels below 8.7 nmoL/L indicate that there is a 99% probability of parturition within 48 h.•Levels below 3.18 nmoL/L indicate there is a 100% probability of parturition within 24 h.