EVALUATION OF BLOOD RELAXIN LEVELS IN BITCHES AND QUEENS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF PREGNANCY, FALSE PREGNANCY AND FOETAL DEATHS

摘要

In this study, ultrasonographic examinations and collection of blood samples were performed at the 21st, 28th and 40th days after last mating in 25 bitches and 25 queens, Ages of foetuses were calculated after the foetal sac, body and biparietal headdiameters measured by ultrasonography. Blood levels of relaxin were determined by using qualitative hormone assay kit. Positive diagnosis test was established by ultrasonography for 18 bitches and 25 queens at the stage 21 days after mating. Five bitcheswere diagnosed as non-pregnant and two showed false pregnancy. While 100% correlation were observed between ultrasonography and relaxin determinations in bitches, all relaxin test results in queens,.,were negative or inconclusive, Reiaxin test results were negative in two false pregnant cases and two cases of mummified foetuses and foetal death after a traffic accident.