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Immediate Plan:

Based on the findings of minimal uterine pathology together with a history of regular estrus behavior and progesterone levels indicating a ~21 day reproductive cycle, there is a good chance that this female could conceive and carry a pregnancy. If the progesterone levels remain elevated for longer than the 21-day cycle as it appears to have occurred on this occasion, then perhaps Rima may be sustaining early embryonic loss. The best way to assess for this possibility will be to place Rima on a regular schedule for routine ultrasound examination (see Appendix A entitled, A Proposed Model for Reproductive Monitoring of Sumatran Rhino).

Recommendations:

• Continue breeding Rima based on progesterone assay combined with ultrasound data.

• Initiate post-breeding ultrasound monitoring for early pregnancy as outlined in Appendix A.

• Consider use of oral progesterone supplement (as was done with Emi in Cincinnati) if early embryo loss is observed or if progesterone levels remain elevated beyond 21 day period in absence of documented pregnancy.

Reproductive Exam Details: RIMA

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