The ideal time to schedule a scan for
pregnancy diagnosis is 26 to 28 days after the last breeding. This image is of a
fetus at approximately 33 days gestation. The beating heart is evident.
Although a gestational sac first becomes visible 18 days after
conception, conception in some individuals may occur as late as 7 days after the last
breeding. This is uncommon, but we have seen this occur in several German Shepherds
and could potentially occur in any breed.
The litter size is estimated and is usually accurate to within one
puppy. We have seen little attrition when the litter size is estimated at this time
in gestation. Litter sizes have ranged from one to seventeen puppies.
A small area of haircoat (1/4 in. by 3in.) on the ventral midline
may be clipped in thick coated individuals. Permission is always obtained prior to
clipping.
A pregnancy scan is a partial scan. The entire abdomen is not
examined. Ovaries are not examined in a pregnancy scan. Should this be
necessary for the medical situation at hand, the usual charge for an abdominal sonogram
applies.
Please call for further information.
