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Frequently Asked Questions/Comments
Q: How does it work - is it temperature?
A: No it measures electrical resistance of the vaginal mucus located near the cervix.
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Q: How accurate is it?
A: Very accurate and consistent when operated correctly.
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Q: Can it hurt my bitch?
A: No unless you are very heavy handed and do not take obvious care ~ compare the size of the probe (length & diameter) to the penis of the dog (even in toy breeds).
It is approximately 5 inches long and less than the diameter of a pencil !!!
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Q: Does it really work?
A: Yes it works extremely well and we have breeders who have now achieved good size litters, whereas before sometimes they couldn't even get matings !!!
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Q: I can only get the probe in about 1 inch.
A: This is because the angle of insertion is incorrect and you are trying to insert parallel to the spine as opposed to following the angle of the vaginal vestibule.
Mimic the angle of entry of the stud dog as he enters from underneath at approx
25to 45 degrees. In some bitches the angle of the vaginal passage is very steep and seemingly almost vertical.
Sometimes early on in the season, a few bitches may be somewhat dry. Moisten the probe with water, part the vulval lips 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 resume gentle pressure and the probe will slip into the passage easily. Do not use a lubricant such as KY jelly or Vaseline as this will adversely affect the readings obtained
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Q: All the readings are low (wont get above 150 or 200 etc) - Why?
A: Usually it is because the probe is not inserted far enough into the bitch
(ie: just dipped inside the vulva) 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. Or of course NOT IN SEASON !!!
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Q: How does one know when the probe is in the right place?
A: The probe should be inserted until a slight resistance is felt, which is when the probe just reaches the neck of the cervix. This is approx 3/5ths of its length.
(ie: approx 3 ins in the bitch and 2 ins 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.
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Q: How often do readings have to be taken?
A: It is best to take them daily at regular times of the day if possible. When the readings start to rise, because the procedure is so quick and simple, it is wise to take 2, 3 or 4 readings a day to accurately pinpoint the peak figure and thereby accurately determine the optimum time to mate.
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Q: Why is there a difference between morning and evening readings?
A: There is no 'best time' to take readings, however, we have noticed that the readings can differ in some bitches, if taken in the morning and at suppertime.
We suggest that you plot a graph or note the readings separately for both morning and evening readings and although the readings may differ for some bitches, the profile trace is the same, which is what matters to obtain the peak readings.
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Q: What is the best time to take the readings?
A: Take regular readings from the very first moment that you notice your bitch coming into season. You do not need to take readings from day one, although it is better because you get a complete 'picture' of the manner in which the bitch changes through her cycle.
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Q: How long should the probe be left in for?
A: Insert the probe and let it attain normal body temperature of the bitch, which generally only takes a few moments. After the readings stabilise on the detector, which only takes a couple of seconds and the values noted, the probe is then taken out of the bitch.
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Q: How quickly does the reading
stabilise?
A: The readings stabilise on the detector LCD in approximately 2 to 3 seconds.
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Q: What is the probe made of and can it easily snap?
A: No ~ The probe is made of a very high quality special polyamide plastic which is
non-porous, very durable and long lasting and is certificated by the food industry,
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Q: I get random high readings - why?
A: Usually it is because the probe is inserted too far. (ie: the whole length of the probe is inserted up to the body of the instrument). Thus often going past the cervix area and past the mucus, usually then producing random high readings.
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Q: How do tell the false peak from the real peak?
A: The false peak can be just a small rise & fall or the rise can be quite significant, however regardless of the value, it only occurs around day 3/4/5 of the season.
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Q: What should the maximum/peak reading be?
A: Some bitches peak reading may be 400, whereas others maybe 600, 750 or in excess of 1000. The key point to remember is that you are looking for the profile trace, peak and subsequent fall as opposed to the actual value of the reading.
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Q: My bitch did not peak at 600, I kept waiting for 600 and missed her !!!
A: The manual tells you 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).
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Q: My bitch still has a red blood discharge, but unit tells me to mate?
A: Trust the unit ~ It is indicating what is really happening to your bitch with both chemical changes and changes in hormonal activity, as opposed to the external signs shown by the bitch.
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Q: Timings of when to mate - early / middle / late?
A: Manufacturers state that the optimum time to mate is within 24 hours after the peak and at the latest 48 hours.
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Q: Can lubricant be used to help insert it?
A: Lubricant will adversely affect the value of the readings obtained.
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Q: Should the battery be taken out when not in use?
A: No ~ The battery is only removed and replaced when it is exhausted.
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Q: How can you rotate the probe whilst pressing the button?
A: You rotate the unit and AFTER a full rotation ~ THEN the button is pressed.
Q: How do you clean the unit?
A: Hibiscrub is the best or alternatively a weak solution of Dettox or Savlon.
Wipe the probe surfaces with the solution and then rinse thoroughly with water,
Dry and replace in storage box.
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Q: Do bitches mind the procedure?
A: All bitches are different in that some bitches accept the probe instantly without any problems the first time it is used, some are puzzled and some are concerned, much in the same way as the reaction of a bitch to a stud dog when mating. The only problem is when trying to insert the probe at the 'wrong' angle.
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Q: Can you use it on bitches that are not in season?
A: Yes ~ However you may find that the vulva could be a trifle dry and thus make it less easy to insert the probe. Also please note that the value of the readings will stay low as the hormonal activity within the mucus is not significantly altering.
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Q: What will happen to the readings once the bitch has ovulated?
A: 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 space of time and finally reach an approximate plateau figure at which they remain.
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Q: Can I continue using it after mating?
A: Yes ~ it should have no detrimental effect.
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Q: Can the bitch go through the season without ovulating?
A: Bitches sometimes display 'standard expected behavioural signs' and show external signs such as blood discharge, vulval swelling, etc., but are not seemingly having what could be considered a 'normal' ovulatory season.
The value of the readings are often seen as staying between 200 and 250.
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Q: How will I know when the peak is reached?
A: By taking readings regularly, when the values are increasing at 2, 3 or 4 times
a day, until a steady consistent maximum peak figure is obtained.
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Q: Do different diets cause different readings?
A: We are currently researching this and believe that diet does affect the readings.
However, once again it is not the actual value of the readings that is important but the profile trace that is obtained, to determine the peak figure.
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Q: Why do I get a different reading when I push the button again without moving the probe?
A: Because the electrical potential of the mucus initially tested has been discharged.
It is imperative to rotate the unit once again to attain fresh mucus on the probe and thereby obtaining a further consistent reading.
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Q: How will you know when there is a low battery?
A: On the LCD screen on the unit, a message will appear showing: LO BAT.
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Q: Can I undertake the procedure alone?
A: Yes ~ but in the same manner as with mating, another person to assist to reassure the bitch and hold her steady whilst the testing is done is very helpful and ensures the procedure is carried out in a calm and steady manner.
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Q: How long is the unit guaranteed for?
A: The unit is guaranteed for Two Years.
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Q: Can it be used on other animals - cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, goats?
A: Yes ~ The procedure is exactly the same, however alternative detectors are made with sizes relevant to other species.
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Q: How long does unit last?
A: Difficult to say accurately, but with care, it could last a lifetime.
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