North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) Practice Test

LH monitoring is significant in the timing of breeding for show dogs because it helps determine the optimal time for mating by tracking the surge in luteinizing hormone, which indicates ovulation is imminent. Accurate identification of this LH surge allows breeders to plan for mating at the most fertile time in a female dog's reproductive cycle, thus enhancing the chances of successful conception.

While factors like estrogen levels, vaginal cytology, and progesterone assays are also used in the breeding process, they do not provide the precise timing related to ovulation as effectively as LH monitoring does.

Estrogen levels can offer insights into the reproductive status, but they do not directly correlate with ovulation timing. Vaginal cytology can inform about cellular changes in the vaginal epithelium, indicating the stage of the heat cycle, but again, it may not pinpoint the exact time of ovulation. Progesterone assays can help confirm whether ovulation has occurred, but they are typically used in conjunction with LH monitoring for the best results. Therefore, LH monitoring stands out as the most critical factor for optimal breeding timing in show dogs.