Canine Pregnancy Scanning
Canine Pregnancy Scanning is a trusted ultrasound scanning service, providing professional and affordable appointments for dog and cat breeders throughout the West Midlands.
Ultrasound equipment should only be used by someone fully trained in its safe and proper operation. This includes an understanding of the potential thermal and mechanical effects of ultrasound, the equipment settings and how those settings affect power levels.
When should my bitch be scanned?
Pregnancy can usually be confirmed from approximately 28 days after the last mating. For the clearest and most reliable results, scanning is recommended between days 32 and 35.
At around day 35, the developing embryos enter the foetal stage. An estimated due date may also be calculated by measuring a structure inside the uterus, such as the foetal sac or a puppy’s head.
The ultrasound machine applies a formula to these measurements to produce an estimated due date. Although this can be very accurate, some breeds and individual pregnancies do not conform to the standard measurements. It should therefore be treated as a helpful estimate rather than a guaranteed date.
What happens during the scan?
The procedure is non-invasive and usually does not require shaving, sedation or an anaesthetic. Water-based ultrasound gel is applied to the abdomen before the probe is gently placed against the skin.
A typical five-week pregnancy scan:
Estimating puppy numbers
Any indication of puppy numbers is an estimate. Not every foetus may be visible, puppies can be obscured by others and reabsorption can occur after the appointment.
During early pregnancy, the embryos may measure only 1–2 mm and can be seen within a small amount of fluid. In the following weeks, the foetal sacs enlarge, the developing puppies become more prominent and their heartbeats are more easily seen.
Between approximately 28 and 35 days, it may be possible to estimate the number of puppies. As the pregnancy progresses, counting becomes more difficult because only part of each puppy may be visible at one time.
I am happy to provide an estimated range—for example, three or more or between four and six—but an exact number cannot be guaranteed. With large litters and moving puppies, it can be almost impossible to know whether the same puppy has been counted more than once.
How puppies develop
As pregnancy progresses, the developing head and body become easier to recognise. Foetal bones begin to calcify at around day 45, although this can occasionally be seen earlier.
During later pregnancy, the chambers of the heart and organs such as the kidneys may be more easily seen. However, accurately counting the number of puppies becomes more difficult at this stage.
As the embryo grows, it becomes possible to recognise the developing head and body regions.
Important information
The optimum time for a first scan is between days 32 and 35. Scanning too early may produce an uncertain or false-negative result due to late conception.
If an early scan is inconclusive, I offer one free repeat scan at my premises, provided it is carried out within 14 days of the original appointment.
Foetal reabsorption can occur. Possible causes include inadequate progesterone levels, maternal infection, uterine disorders and developmental abnormalities. Any indication of puppy numbers therefore applies only to what can be seen on the day of the scan.
A discreet and confidential service is provided at all appointments.
FULL MEMBER OF THE ANIMAL ULTRASOUND ASSOCIATION