Draminski Dog Ovulation Detector User manual

DRAMIŃSKI Dog Ovulation Detector
OPERATION MANUAL
www.draminski.com

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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................3
DESCRIPTION...........................................................................3
OPERATION................................................................................4
FAMILIARISATION ................................................................5
MEASUREMENTS .....................................................................5
DISINFECTING.......................................................................10
INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS ................................10
FINAL COMMENTS................................................................11
BATTERY REPLACEMENT.................................................12
TYPICAL READINGS DURING HEAT...........................12
TECHNICAL DATA .................................................................14

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INTRODUCTION
One of the most essential elements in organising animal
breeding is detecting the moment of ovulation. This is of utmost
importance to the efficiency with which the female is served; effective
mating being so closely dependant on it being done
at the right moment. Therefore, in the search for a sure and simple-
to-use-method of detecting ovulation, scientists and animal breeders,
determined a direct interdependence between changes in the
electrical resistance of vaginal mucus and the occurrence of ovulation.
In the course of research on the properties of vaginal mucus,
scientists determined that the closer to ovulation, the more the
change in its electrical resistance. Knowledge to date on animal
physiology, in particular about changes occurring in sexual organs
during the oestrus cycle, have enabled science to understand the
correlation of changes occurring in the ovaries and changes in
electrical resistance of mucus in the bitch’s vaginal vestibule.
All of the above mentioned phenomena and interdependence of
electrical resistance on ovulation have been used to advantage by
DRAMIŃSKI in constructing the ELECTRONIC OVULATION DETECTOR
for dogs.
DESCRIPTION
The electronic detector consists of a measuring probe, a
digital display block where readings are taken and the handle with the
ON/OFF switch. A common 9V battery is located within the handle.
Two parallel rings (electrodes) are to be found at the end of the probe.
They are responsible for measuring the electrical resistance of mucus
found in the vaginal vestibule.
The magnitude of electric current flowing through these electrodes,
as well as the electrical field created by this mini-current, is absolutely
harmless to animals and people.
The bodywork of the detector is made of polypropylene, which is
resistant to atmospheric agents and most chemicals. The instrument

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is moisture proof, which thus enables the unit to be easily kept in a
clean and hygienic condition.
OPERATION
While testing the apparatus in the open air i.e. with open
electrodes check the following:
1. Press the ON/OFF switch. After pressing the button two dashes
are displayed indicating the device readiness to work.
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2. Press the switch again to see the digits “1 0” indicating that
the battery is connected and the instrument operating, but no
measurement is being taken.
1 0
An additional function of the LCD display is to indicate battery failure.
When LO BAT blinks on the display you will soon need a fresh battery.
The battery is dead when the signal is constant.
The lowest scale is 10 units, while the range of measurement is from
0 to 1990 units. When this scale is exceeded the digits "1 0" appear
on the LCD display, signaling overflow (as in the case of the electrodes
being tested while in contact with the atmosphere). The range of
measurements of the detector is several times that of the vaginal
mucus electrical resistance to be tested, and in practice this scale is
never exceeded.

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FAMILIARISATION
Before commencing measurements it is recommended that the
first time user:
1. Do some measurements on some animals which are evidently in
heat.
2. Do some measurements on some animals not in heat or pregnant.
The functioning of the instrument can be checked in the following way:
Immerse the probe in a vessel of clean water and take a reading.
It should be "1 0" indicating that the measurement scale has been
exceeded as resistance of clean water is great. In practice we will
never exceed the scale because max. vaginal mucus resistance is
many times less than the max. scale.
Next, put a little pinch of salt into the water, mix well, then
immerse the probe again. After addition of salt the result is clearly
lower than before. Salt lowers the resistance of the solution (less
resistance-lower result). Addition of some more salt lowers the
result even further.
This experiment shows well how the instrument works. It also
serves to demonstrate how the presence of urine (which contains
salt) on the electrodes causes an abnormal lowering of results.
MEASUREMENTS
Before taking a reading follow these steps:
1. Check the electrical function of the detector in the open air to
make sure the battery is at proper power. (The LCD should display
the numbers “1 0”)
2. Prepare a disinfectant to sterilise the probe as indicated in
DISINFECTING.
3. If the vulva area is dirty, wash and wipe clean.
Taking a reading:
To make the procedure easier (especially with smaller dogs) it is often
convenient to place the bitch on a table or convenient raised surface.

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1. Check the electronic functioning of the DRAMIŃSKI ESTROUS
DETECTOR in contact with the atmosphere, making sure there is
no need to change the battery.
2. Prepare a disinfectant fluid and disinfect the probe in accordance
with the steps given in the chapter on disinfection.
3. If vaginal labia or the surroundings are dirty, wash and clean
before inserting the probe.
4. Spread apart the vulva and delicately insert the probe so that its
end reaches the lower depression which ought to be reached at a
length of 3/4 of the probe. When this depth is reached some
resistance is felt. Then carefully rotate the entire unit through 360
degrees (i.e. a full rotation) keeping the probe in the same position
every time without moving the probe by either withdrawing or
inserting it further so that the electrodes come into full contact
with the vaginal mucus.
5. Press the ON/OFF switch. After pressing the button two dashes are
displayed indicating the device readiness to work.
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6. Press the switch to see the result.
540
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7. We advise to take at least three or more readings to obtain
consistent results (keeping the probe in the same position every
time without moving the probe by either withdrawing or inserting
it further) to make sure that the result was not influenced by
incorrect use. It is important to carefully rotate the entire
unit through 360 degrees (i.e. a full rotation) before each
new reading, so that the electrodes come into full contact
with fresh vaginal mucus.
To take another reading press the switch again. Two dashes are
displayed indicating the device readiness to work.

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Press the switch again to see another result.
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8. Remove the probe gently.
9. Disinfect as instructed in the section “DISINFECTING” and replace
in storage box.
How to insert the probe:
Spread the vulva gently to facilitate easy entry of the probe
and insert approximately 3 to 4 inches (8 to10 cm) taking
into account your specific breed type and size, until a
resistance is felt at the neck of the cervix. It is not
uncommon for some bitches to be fully dilated and as such
the resistance may not be so apparent.
It is this area, just prior to the neck of the cervix that has the
highest concentration of mucus, which the detector needs to
reach, to obtain a measurement.
Please note: On larger breeds, it may be necessary to insert
the probe a little further to reach the vaginal mucus in order
to obtain accurate and consistent readings.

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It is IMPERATIVE to insert the probe at the correct angle of the
vaginal vestibule (see diagram) which varies for each bitch, but is
usually at approximately 11 o’clock direction if imagining looking
CORRECT
oviducts
ovaries
horns of the
uterus
cervix
vagina
urethra
vulvar labia
probe
rectum
INCORRECT
bladder

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at the face of a clock. (Imagine the dog entering the bitch coming
up to her from underneath at an angle).
This angle varies on breed type, size and individual bitches
and it is not uncommon for the angle to be much steeper,
with the probe being inserted almost vertical.
Using the correct angle of insertion will facilitate extremely
simple, safe and easy entry, causing no discomfort to your
bitch whatsoever.
With the probe inserted to the required depth, rotate the entire
unit through 360 degrees (i.e. a full rotation) so that the
electrodes come into full contact with the vaginal mucus.
Measurements are best taken in a single ‘central’ position after
inserting the probe to a sufficient depth to just before the neck
of the cervix when a slight resistance is felt.
Allow approximately 30 seconds for the probe to achieve the body
temperature of the bitch, to ensure accurate and consistent
readings and then without withdrawing the probe, take a few
readings and average the results.
It is IMPERATIVE that before each reading is taken, the unit is
rotated through 360 degrees to obtain ‘fresh’ mucus on the probe.
In this way accurate and consistent readings are obtained and any
excessively high or low ‘rogue’ readings, where mucus has not
been ‘picked up’ for example, can be discarded.
Note!
Once adopted, a consistent method should be used for all the
measurements, i.e. the same length of the probe should be
inserted and the measurements have to be taken in the same part
of the vagina. Failing to do so can result in variable and
inconsistent readings.
It is not uncommon for some bitches to provide ‘different’ sets of
readings when measurements are taken in the morning and the
evening for example. However, it can be seen that the profile
trace for the progression of readings will be the same, for both
morning and evening, regardless of the actual value of the
readings.

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DISINFECTING
Before and after each measurement, the detector must be disinfected.
Careful and thorough cleaning and disinfection of the instrument is
one of the most important conditions for proper usage.
We recommend wiping the probe with gauze, cotton linen or even
tissue paper to clean it of mucus, faeces, urine or hair, especially
around the electrodes.
Next, it is best to wash it under running water and finally immerse it
in a disinfecting solution.
Always use disinfectants at concentrations given by the producer, as
if not used properly they may cause irritation of the vaginal lining,
wiping the probe clean before use will prevent this from happening.
Hibiscrub is recommended for disinfecting, however if you use Savlon
or Dettox, then the solution strength of no more than 1% should be
used.
The disinfecting solution should be freshly prepared before the
detector is used again.
Note!
DRAMIŃSKI would like to emphasise the importance of maintaining
your detector in a hygienic condition. Carelessness about sterility or
improper usage may lead to infection of the uterus. After each usage,
wash, disinfect and dry your detector.
INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
A typical graph indicating the fluctuations in vaginal mucus resistance
is presented. The optimal mating period is indicated.
Often in practice, there are variations to this normal curve and
the maximum peak reading between animals. Thus, this
optimal graph may be adjusted to each breeder's own
experience and that of the individual bitch.
Some bitches may peak at 400 units where others peak at
600, 750 or over a 1000, but it is important to remember that
it is the profile trace that is important and NOT the actual
value of the readings.
We recommend the following interpretation of readings:
If the reading is between 100-200 units, there is no need to take
daily measurements.

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When readings rise above 200, daily measurements should be
taken. Sometimes readings at this level may last a few days and
then show a dynamic increase.
When readings begin to rise, it is advisable to take readings more
frequently (such as 2, 3 or 4 times a day) to accurately determine
the precise point of ovulation. Thus readings for example could be
taken at breakfast, lunch, tea and suppertime. This is especially
important in the case of a bitch that ovulates early, or only stands
for a limited time to accept the dog.
As shown on the graph, it is most important to record the
maximum readings of resistance that are reached and shown
on the LCD and the subsequent decrease in resistance values.
Day one (and at the latest day two) AFTER the peak reading
is the ideal time for mating.
We encourage breeders to note the common "false peak" which occurs
before the real one. It is easy to identify as it occurs at much lower
resistance levels and is seen during the proestrous period at around
days 3 to 5.
FINAL COMMENTS
We recommend you do not lend fellow breeders your electronic
detector in order to reduce the risk of contagious diseases being
transmitted.
Follow disinfecting procedures closely.
Store the detector in dry conditions at room temperature.
Wash the detector in warm water - do not use hot or boiling water.
Dirt, or skin-oil on the electrodes will result in false readings (too
high) whereas urine on the electrodes or solutions containing salt
will cause lower readings.
Measurements should always be carried out in the same fashion
and at the same position in the vagina, as this will give utterly
reliable results.
We recommend readings be taken at the cervix.
We at DRAMIŃSKI kindly ask all breeders to send us your
comments and results gained from using our detector.
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BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Low battery power is indicated by the words “LO BAT” flashing on the
LCD.
A new battery is required when this indicator appears.
To change the battery:
1. Unscrew both screws which fix the small cover on the end of the
handle.
2. Remove the battery from the compartment and release from
clasps.
3. Adjust clasps to new battery and insert into compartment.
4. Replace battery cover, ensure the rubber gasket is in place and
tighten the screws.
TYPICAL READINGS DURING HEAT
In practice, the variations to the above curve may occur between
breeds and individual bitches.
The top figure may significantly exceed or be lower than 600
units (examples shown below).
Therefore, each bitch should be treated individually. It is the
‘profile trace’ that needs to be determined as opposed to the
unit value of the readings obtained.
It is most important therefore to measure and record the resistance
peak and the moment when readings begin to fall.

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Examples of non-typical readings

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Net weight approx. 0.3 kg
Power source one 9V battery, type 6F22
Power utilisation approx. 12mA
Display LCD 3.5 digits
Smallest unit 10 units
Range of measurement 0-1990 units
Working temperature 0-50° C
Max. humidity 85%
TECHNICAL DATA

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DRAMIŃSKI S.A.
Owocowa 17, 10-860 Olsztyn, Poland
Tel. [phone], fax. [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]