Litter Absorption (declining progesterone levels) - Page 1

I would like to get information from other breeders who have experienced this. My female absorbed her last litter and we thought it was related to stress and transport since she was in europe being titled. Prior to being bred again complete blood work,urinalysis and deep vaginal culture was done-all of which was clear including brucelosis. The female has been confirmed pregnant however she is not maintaining her progesterone. She was 12.6 at 3 weeks and at 30 days was 8.6. Once she hits 5 she will be put on a form of hromone to maintain pregnancy. I would like to hear from anyone who has used this treatment and your results.

have you also had throid checked?

I did and she had border line thyroid. She is taking thyroxine-L (.6mg) 2 a day. All of the test results had come back except the thyroid when she was bred. My vet who specializes in fertility said there are two forms of thyroid issues-one is genetic the other is not. She does not have the genetic one-it has something to do with antibodies. Its frustrating because a part of me says to do nothing but I know she is pregnant and should assist. She is a very nice female and I do not want to give up on her.

Since the cause is not genetic I would not give up on her. I have not heard of this condition before, but of course I have not heard of a lot of things. As long as she can safety carry and raise a litter with just a bit of hormone therapy there should be nothing that is ethically or morally wrong with this. I know that hormone therapy has been used on bitches who have deserted and/or killed a litter in the past because of hormone imbalance. Bob-O

Talk to your co-owner. She had it with one of her dogs, had to supplement progesterone thru later part of pregnancy. Have to wear gloves and be extremely careful administering it according to vet.

Have had this problem and successfully held pregnancys treating with progesterone hormone, have loads of info on it so e mail me if you want any further details. It's not such a big problem once you get to grips with it. Carol