Pregnancy Scanning
Ultrasound scanning can be carried out from 21 days but is more reliable from 28 days on. Here at Cabra Vets we recommend scanning at 25 days. We offer a full pregnancy scan and evaluation for €30, pictures can be emailed after appointment if required.
Why Would you get a scan?
There are a number of reasons that you would consider getting your dog scanned including:
- Confirmation that your dog is pregnant:
- An estimate of the size of the litter: The size of the litter can be an important clue to any future whelping complications such as with singletons, a large litter or a large pup. This can help you to be prepared. It is important to note here that there are many reasons that predicting the size of the litter is difficult and we would point out to you the pups that we can see but this is as a guide only.
- Planning and Preparation: Having a litter of puppies is a challenge for both you and your dog. Knowing in plenty of time can help you to prepare for the new arrivals and give you an approximate timescale for planning feeding and worming regimes.
- Inform your waiting list of new puppy parents: You probably have a bunch of people who are keen to know about the progress or perhaps adopt one of the puppies when they are born. Being able to share the news and their progress can help get everyone excited.
What is the scanning Process
The scanning itself is none invasive and safe for your bitch and any potential pups. Sedation is not required & ultrasound is done in the standing position. A water-based gel is applied to the tummy to help achieve a better picture. No trimming is usually required unless a particularly heavy coated breed. (In this case a small amount may need to be clipped away to ensure good probe to skin contact). This will only ever be done with the owners consent.
The ultrasound picture can be frozen on screen for closer inspection. If we visualise anything of concern during the scan we would recommend you consult with your veterinarian.
As the pregnancy progresses it is more difficult to estimate numbers. Bare in mind this is an estimation and will not be an exact guarantee of the litter size.
The ultrasound picture can be frozen on screen for closer inspection. If we visualise anything of concern during the scan we would recommend you consult with your veterinarian.
As the pregnancy progresses it is more difficult to estimate numbers. Bare in mind this is an estimation and will not be an exact guarantee of the litter size.