Determination of gestational age in medium and small size bitches using ultrasonographic fetal measurements

Abstract

A study was undertaken to estimate gestational age, in terms of days from parturition, in medium and small size dogs by ultrasonographic examination. Serial ultrasonographic examinations were performed in four medium size pregnant bitches throughout two consecutive pregnancies and three small size pregnant bitches throughout one pregnancy, in order to determine the range of variation in the size of selected fetal structures throughout gestation. Formulae were derived to estimate the expected delivery date for both groups of bitches by measuring anatomical fetal structures, so that this method could be applied to a large number of different breeds. The determination of gestational age could be achieved with reasonable precision by selecting fetal structures. Prediction of parturition date was accurate to within one day by ultrasonographic measurement of the diameter of the gestational sac in early pregnancy and the biparietal diameter in late pregnancy in both small size breeds and medium size breeds.

Prediction of Parturition Date in the Bitch and Queen

“…1990; Yeager et al. 1992; Luvoni and Grioni 2000). Determination of ICC allowed accurate prediction of parturition date within ±2 days in 80% of the bitches examined (Son et al.…”

“…BPD is the most accurate parameter during late pregnancy (<25 days before parturition) and allows prediction of parturition date within ±2 days in 81–88% of bitches (England et al. 1990; Luvoni and Grioni 2000; Luvoni and Beccaglia 2006).…”

Time of initial detection of fetal and extra-fetal structures by ultrasonographic examination in Miniature Schnauzer bitches

“…Ultrasonography is a useful imaging modality for determining pregnancy [4,7,13], estimating the litter size [5,13], fetal development [14, 18], uterine examination after parturition [16], a reproductive examination and the direct detection of ovulation [1]. …”

Ultrasonic Measurement of Fetal Parameters for Estimation of Gestational Age in Korean Black Goats

“…Sabbagha et al [18] reported the change of the biparietal diameter during pregnancy in the rhesus monkey. Luvoni et al [14] evaluated biparietal diameter, gestational sac and placental thickness for estimation of gestational age in the bitch. White et al [22] reported the relation of biparietal diameter, trunk diameter, crown-rump length and uterine diameter with gestational age in the cattle.…”