For those that have done scheduled c-sections, do you wait until the bitch starts first stage labor or do you progesterone test and section them once they get below 2.0?
To be on the safe side I would wait for the temp drop AND the projesterone drop.
The timing has been fine every time I have done that.
Another suggestion.....to save on several projesterone tests .....count 63 days post ovulation (5 ngms) and projesterone test that day (or 12 hours before). I have had it be spot on every time.
I don't think there is any one right answer. Each situation can be a little different. Ideally I like to have a couple of things- temp drop, nesting, milk and love it when the progesterone is less than 2-3. I have done scheduled sections based on projected due date and progesterone drop alone and all has gone well --- but I always feel better about it when we have some other sign from the dam that she is ready! IF a client has not done progesterone/lh testing to determine ovulation, I will not do a planned/scheduled section without progesterones near the due date. I have seen *TWO* long time breeders present dogs who were "due" and insisted their bitches needed immediate sections.... in both cases they had their dates WRONG (in one case a previous boss of mine listened to breeder and the pups did not even have hair. That's right- breeder was off by a long shot!).
