Ultrasonographic Diagnosis and Monitoring of Pregnancy in the Bitch - a Review

The use of ultrasound as a tool in small animal reproduction has expanded from its initial role in the evaluation of pregnancy in the female to its current use in monitoring fetal development, timing gestation and predicting parturition, diagnosis and management of reproductive tract disease and in supplementing breeding soundness examinations. In fact, B-mode ultrasonography has become an indispensable tool in veterinary practice. When ultrasonographic diagnosis of pregnancy is being performed it is important to remember that all events in canine pregnancy are related to day of the pre-ovulatory LH surge (day 0) or to the time of ovulation (which occurs 2 days after the LH surge) and not to the mating dates. Parturition typically occurs 64 to 66 days after the LH surge. This article aims to review the use of ultrasonography in monitoring pregnancy in the bitch.