I Need help

Question
Hi, my female is in her third heat, i am going to breed her, i noticed 3 days ago that she was bleeding, but i don't know how long she has been bleeding for, there is so little blood, you can only see it when you wipe her, i took her to a stud yesterday, but shes not ready yet, is there anyway i can tell when she is ready, because i cant count the days because i don't know how long she has been in heat for! the stud owner said i should come back when her vulva is really big! is there any way i can tell when shes ready without going to the vet, i really don't want to miss this season! i have waited for it,
Thank you,
any answer will be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Going to the vet for a cystology and progesterone screen is of course the only surefire way to know. But most breeders feel that a female should be introduced to a male for the first time on or near her thirteenth day of cycle, counting from the first date of bleeding. You can also check the color of her discharge, which usually changes color to a straw color, light pinkish brown color when she is ready to breed. All females are different and even standing heat is not a sure sign that a female's LH level's have risen and she has ovulated or is near ovulation. Without blood testing or cystology, it's just hit and miss. Usually try for breeding on the thirteenth, fifteenth and seventeenth days..
Good luck
Cindi