Workshop - Pregnancy Diagnosis

Which animal species would use radiographs for pregnancy diagnosis

Small animals

When does foetal skeletal mineralisation occur

From day 45 in bitches and day 36-45 in queens, both post LH peak

When would you radiograph a queen or bitch for litter size

Final week of gestation

What findings in radiographs indicate foetal death

Intrafoetal gas, skull bone overlaps, disorganisation of skeletal structures

Which species would you use ultrasound for pregnancy diagnosis

All species

What is the normal foetus heart rate detected in ultrasound

1.5-2 times that of the dam

Why would you choose ultrasound over radiographs

• Earlier confirmation of pregnancy

• Evaluation of foetal internal structures, heart rate, viability and estimation of foetal age is possibleUltrasound provides real-time imaging and is safer for both the dam and foetus. It allows for better evaluation of foetal health and development.

What day offers reliable pregnancy diagnosis with ultrasound in dogs

About 30 days gestation in dogsand about 28 days in cats.

What day offers confirmation of pregnancy at the earliest

19-20 post LH in dogs and 11-14 days in cats with good quality machine + experienced sonographer

When would you ultrasound for litter size for dogs and cats

Final week of pregnancy

How would you estimate foetal age in dogs and cats

Via gestational sac diameter, crown-rump length or head diameter measurementsusing ultrasound measurements.

Why is foetal sexing not done in dogs and cats

Dog & cat foetuses are much smaller than human foetuses, and the volume of placental fluid is relatively smaller in animals

When can the conceptus be identified in mares

As early as 10 days post ovulation

When does sonography become reliable for diagnosis in mares

After day 14 post ov

When does the equine conceptus become fixed at the base of the uterine horn

After day 16

When would you want to detect twin pregnancies in horses by?

Day 14 or at least before day 16 post ovulation

When would you foetal sex in mares

Between days 59068 gestation

When is foetal sex performed in cattle and sheep

Days 55-111 gestation with identification of the genital tubercle

When can you identify foetal heart beat in mares

Day 25-28 gestation

When can you identify gestational sac in cows

Day 27 of gestationand later in pregnancy.

What is the a reliable assay for equine pregnancy test

Oestrone sulphate levels from day 80 gestation to 8 months gestation

What is a reliable assay for canine pregnancy testing

Relaxin detected after day 20 post LH surge