Preliminary Study of the Early Ultrasonic Diagnosis of Pregnancy and Fetal Development in the Dog

摘要

The aim of the present study was to follow up the potential of routine ultrasonographic diagnostics of pregnancy in dogs depending on the first mating. Ultrasonographic examinations of 17 pregnant bitches with known breeding dates were made on successive days to establish the identifiable characteristics of pregnancy. Subsequent serial examinations were made to sonographically characterize normal canine prenatal development based about the first mating. An enlarged uterus, gestational sacs and fetal poles were recognized as the features of early feline pregnancy and were first seen at 16 and 21 days, respectively. Cardiac activity was detected earliest on gestational day 22 and recognizable canine fetal morphology appeared at day 28. Generalized fetal movements were first noted at day 28. It was concluded that the diagnosis and accurate dating of early pregnancy in the domestic bitch may be accomplished with serial ultrasound evaluation.