A COMPARISON OF REAL‐TIME ULTRASOUND, PALPATION AND RADIOGRAPHY IN PREGNANCY DETECTION AND LITTER SIZE DETERMINATION IN THE BITCH

Abstract

Fifty‐five bitches were examined once, at different intervals for pregnancy. Manual Papation, B‐mode real‐time ultrasoungraphy, and radiography were used to confirm pregnancy and to count the number of fetuses present. Predicted numbers were compared to whelping data obtained from owners. Radiography was confined to the last trimester of pregnancy and had an overall accuracy of 100% in pregnancy detection and 93% in correct litter size determination. A proor qualtiy radiograph contributed to the one incorrect count estimate. Ultrasound and palpation were used in all three trimester phases starting 3 weeks post coitus. For pregnancy detection ultrasound was 94% accurate (no false positives) and palpation was 88% accurate (one false positive). For fetal counting, ultrasound was 36% accurate and palpation was 12% accurate. Recommendations for the use of ultrasound and radiography in pregnancy evaluation are reviewed.