I know the answer is how long is a bit of string but would welcome any opinions or examples based on your experiences.

Bitch appeared to have a split season ( possibly) last month.

This month , 13 days ago swollen , 12 days ago visible colour.

Cytology smear testing from day 8 , day 10 onwards visible crystalisation although still some " fried egg" cells.

Bitch stood to be mated (very very happily indeed) day  9 and day 11. Tied both times for 20 mins plus.

All above seems quite normal and as you would expect except..

Her seasons have been normal. She has never had a lot of blood loss as with this season. She has had one litter of puppies before 13 months ago at the age of  21 months  so she can have puppies and has had one normal season since then which brings us to now.

Problem: Premate tests done on day 6 , 11 and done by a second vet on day 11 as concern over the actual kit all which said re test in 2 days as still dark in colour.

Bitch is being retested tomorrow anyway and vet is going to send blood away if it is the same.

What do you think??

Have sent you a PM

Hi Blue.............how did your retest go today?  any progress?

HI Sharon , Sent you a mail. Just back and a tired lassie I can say . She finally changed colour on the premate test today.  5 tests later.  She has been willing to stand for a week though.  My vet was so confused that he did todays free LOL.. ( mind you he takes £27.50 a test) .

Just shows how easy it can be to miss them.

Will PM you all the details.

Pam