Effectiveness of determining the parturition date in bitches using the ultrasonographic fetometry as compared to hormonal and cytological methods.

In clinical practice, the parturition date in bitches is calculated on the basis of the established ovulation date, using determination of the level of LH and P4. Additionally cytological examination of vaginal smears makes it possible to establish the onset of diestrus, from which the delivery occurs after about 57 days. The latest method used in bitches for this purpose is foetal biometry. Measurements of the inner chorionic cavity diameter (ICC) and biparietal diameter (BP) with formulas published by Luvoni and Grioni have been popularized and the most practically useful. In a group of six bitches the effectiveness obtained with the use of ICC was 66.67% with an accuracy of 1 day and 100% with an accuracy of 2 days. BP measurements gave better results, as the accuracy was respectively 83.33% and 100%. The effectiveness of predicting the delivery date on the base of method consisting in determining the LH surge was 66.67% with an accuracy of 1 day and 100% with an accuracy of 2 days. The best effectiveness was obtained while using the method based on P4 level determination (100% both with an accuracy of 1 day, as well as of 2 days). The lowest accuracy was obtained while using the cytological method. Generally, a comparison of the methods used for predicting the date of delivery in bitches confirms practical usefulness of fetometry. Its effectiveness was not lower than traditional methods used so far, while its advantage lies in the ease of performance and the long term of application during gestation. However, full confirmation of the practical usefulness of this method requires further research on a larger number of animals.