Use of serum progesterone levels as an early, indirect evaluation of pregnancy in the timed pregnant domestic cat
Hammer, J.G.; Howland, D.R.
Laboratory Animal Science 41(1): 42-45
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-6764 PMID: 1849585 Document Number: 167
There has been much research studying the effect of homotypic embryonic neural tissue transplantation in the central nervous system of rats and cats, with promising results. The benefits of transplantation are dependent upon the appropriate aged donor. Therefore, it is critical that the exact age of the embryonic tissue be known. For this reason we have developed a method of determining, indirectly, the pregnancy status and embryonic age in the domestic cat (Felis catus) using serum progesterone levels. Serum progesterone levels were monitored in 16 domestic cats during 26 breeding trials. Blood samples were taken prior to and 6 days after natural breeding to determine if ovulation had occurred, indirectly indicating pregnancy status. By knowing the exact date bred and if it resulted in pregnancy, an accurate embryonic age was calculated. A day 6 post-breeding serum progesterone concentration of less than 5.0 ng/ml was considered a negative indication of pregnancy, greater than 5.0 ng/ml a positive indication of pregnancy. Pregnancy was confirmed by abdominal palpation 21 to 26 days after breeding. Serum progesterone levels taken on the sixth day after observed breeding provide an accurate, indirect evaluation of pregnancy in the timed pregnant domestic cat (81%, p = 0.003).
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