Читать книгу The Complete Book of Dog Breeding - Dan Rice - Страница 13

Canine heat cycles are divided into four separate phases. Each phase has specific outward signs associated with it, as well as attitude, hormonal, and other internal changes. The paragraphs discussing hormone changes may seem academic, but if you read them carefully, you will find the information fascinating. The hormone discussion allows one to more fully understand the attitude and appearance changes of the bitches as they progress through their estrous cycles.

Blood serum hormone levels can best be determined by laboratory analysis using a technique called radioimmunoassay (RIA). Other techniques are adapted for home use. The home ELISA (enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay) test for progesterone is less accurate, but often valuable if interpreted correctly.