Pregnancy Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a safe and effective way to confirm pregnancy using market leading ultrasound equipment.
During early pregnancy, the embryo(s), which are only 1 - 2mm in diameter, can be seen within a small amount of fluid
In the following weeks, the foetal sac enlarges and the embryonic tissues become more prominent and the heart is more easily seen. At an early stage of pregnancy of between 28 - 35 days, it is possible to 'estimate' the number of puppies, but as the pregnancy progresses, this is more difficult, as only part of each puppy can be seen.
From 35 days onwards, the foetal skeleton develops and appears white on the ultrasound screen. During late pregnancy the chambers of the heart can easily be identified and organs like the kidneys are more easily seen. Counting the number of puppies at this time is less accurate although any dead puppies can be identified by the lack of heart beats and lack of movement of foetal fluid.
The optimum time for a first scan is between day 32 - 35, and I cannot be held responsible if a scan is carried out too early leading in a false result, although I will offer one free re-scan if taken out within 14 days at my own premises to take into account late conception.
We are happy to give you an indication of numbers seen within a range eg: 3 or more or between 4 - 6 etc, but puppies can be obscured by others, and with the puppies moving around, it is very difficult to know which one you have counted, and with large litters, almost impossible.
Please also be aware that fetus can be reabsorbed. The most common causes of fetal resorption are inadequate progesterone levels in the bitch, maternal infectious disease (such as brucellosis and canine herpesvirus), endometrial disorders, and developmental defects in the fetus. Therefore any indication on numbers applies to the day of the scan only.
Ultrasound is also great for ruling out phantom pregnancies and pregnancy abnormalities.
Price List
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Scan | £35.00 at Pemontell |
| Ultrasound Scan - Mobile | £45.00 up to 10 miles away then £1 per mile thereafter |
Pregnancy Development Calendar
On the first day of mating, dependent on the size, the average male/stud releases around 500 million sperm - they can produce up to 10 million sperm per pound of bodyweight.
The sperm travels through the cervix to the fallopian tubes, which takes between 45 minutes - 3 hours, here the sperm ripens, which takes around 5 - 10 hours.
Day 2 The sperm look for an egg to fertilize. If the bitch has not ovulated, “normal” dog semen lives another 7 days in the bitch, the better the semen quality, the more leeway there is in ovulation timing.
Day 3 The bitch and male are ready for a second mating
Day 4 By day 4 the first lot of eggs will be fertilized.
Day 5 - 11 Fertilised eggs will make their way down the fallopian tubes into the uterine horns. The cells which will develop into puppies begin to grow and separate and the tiny embryos descend into the uterus.
Day 12 - 13 Embryos move around in the fluid filled uterus. They measure around 0.5 - 0.8mm.
Day 14 The embryo migrates in the womb and individual embryos are diffused in uterine corners where later the nesting into the uterine wall begins. The foetuses are under 1cm long at this stage.
Day 15 During the next 2 weeks, the internal organs will develop. Any changes can disrupt the development of the embryo and until day 39, can still be re absorbed.
Day 16-17 Nipples start to become pink and erect/ enlarged. The embryo is just over 1mm.
Embryos are nesting and the nervous system begins to develop, followed by the head and body.
Day 18-19 The placenta begins to develop along with the nervous system. Size of embryo is about 2 - 3mm. Development of the internal organs
Day 20-21 Possibility of a slight discharge from your bitch at this stage which comes from around the placenta. The placenta is formed, the fetus is around 5 - 8mm
Day 22 The bitch may have morning sickness and loss of appetite as a result of hormonal changes and tension in the womb. Possibility of a clear vaginal discharge
Day 23-24 The fetus starts to develop eyes, ears, nose, jaw. The foetuses grow to around 1.5cm long during week four. The bitch's tests may begin to swell at this stage and she may have a thin, clear discharge from her vagina. Due to rapid development of all major organs, the actual foetal growth is slow.
Day 25-27 The fetus begin to develop teeth, spine and limbs. Size is 14 - 20 mm.
Day 28 The ideal period for ultrasound diagnosis of pregnancy because the embryos are walnut size and it is easy to count them. There is ossification of the jaw and the skull of the fetus. The shape of the fetus changes originally from ovoid shape to spherical. Size is about 17-25mm. The fourth week of development is considered to be one of the most formative stages of the pregnancy, when the growing puppies are most vulnerable to damage and developing defects.
Day 29-30 The bitch may become greedy at this stage, you need to start to increase food rations, with 3 meals per day. Complete ossification of the jaw and skull. Size of the embryo is about 2 - 3cm.
Day 31-33 The growth of sensory hairs on the chin, eyebrows and nose. In mid-gestation embryo reaches approximately 20% of its size at birth. There is a growth of fingers, the ossification of the nose, ribs and leg bones. Completion of the development of all major organs. Size of about 27 - 30mm.
Day 34-35 Female starts to change behaviour. She may be quieter and more sensitive. Bitch's abdomen and external genitalia begin to slightly increase, it is around this time up to 39 days that fetus can be reabsorbed. Fetus will have developed all major organs. Size average around 35mm.
Day 36 Ends period of slow growth of body of the fetus. The fetus start rapidly grow. It starts with developing reproductive system, continues skeletal ossification and scapula.
Day 37 Begins stage the fastest growth of the fetus.
Day 38-39 The uterus starts to expand and you will see an increase in volume in the area of the last ribs. Slight enlargement of the mammary glands. Growth of fetus is accelerated, skeletal ossification continues.
Day 40 On the head of the fetus begin to appear the first signs of hair. Eyes are closed. The size of about 65 - 70mm.
Day 41-43 The embryo is now about 30% of its total size at birth. Ossification of the spine.
Day 44 They will now start to grow fur and as the puppies continue to grow, the next step is pigmentation. Then they form eyelids.
Day 45-47 Ossification of pelvis and embryo grows a covering of fur.
Day 48-49 The female starts to be visibly larger. Embryo pushes the internal organs of female, most in the digestive tract. The puppies’ movement can be seen in the bitch’s abdomen. The embryos will continue to grow and develop, and now look almost completely fully formed. Towards the end of the seventh week, Fetuses reach 75% of the size at birth.
Day 50 - 53 Organs are already well developed.
Day 54-56 The bitch will spend a lot of time resting preparing for birth as the last of the internal organs develop. The body of the embryo is covered with fur, but the fur on the feet is less visible. Claws are already already developed. Starts pigmentation of skin. Size of fetus is 145mm. Starts calcification of teeth.
Day 57 -58 Movements of embryos are more pronounced. Significantly swollen mammary glands. The puppies have developed lungs and from thus stage the puppy is viable if born.
Day 59 - 65 The abdomen of the bitch will become loose, uterus decreases and body of female is preparing for birth. The female may start to give birth any day now.
Terms & Conditions
Please fully read the following prior to booking and attending appointments.
Cancellation & Rescheduling:
We request 24 hours notice if you need to cancel your pet appointment. We are a small business, please respect that and understand that when you forget or cancel an appointment we miss the opportunity to fill that appointment time.
To reschedule or cancel an appointment please call us on 07340 707355 If you are cancelling your appointment outside normal working hours, please leave a voicemail providing your name, dogs name, time and date of appointment.
Non Attendance:
If you do not show for your appointment without giving adequate notice, any future bookings will require a £10 non-refundable deposit towards your next appointment. If this happens a second time we would ask for the full price of your dog’s appointment to be paid as a non-refundable payment prior to securing your booking.
Staff's Safety:
We reserve the right to muzzle your dog if it represents a danger to any person. If your dog should bite, the owner agrees to be responsible for any and all related medical bills, recovery costs, loss of income and equipment damage. Any dog that shows aggression to people will not be accepted for an appointment. Please let us know beforehand if your dog has behavioural problems.
Payments:
Payment should be made at the time of the appointment. We can accept payment by cash or card. Prices are subject to change without prior notice.
Photographs:
Your dog may be photographed before, during and after its appointment. Photographs may be used on our website, social media or other printed materials. If you do not want photos of your dog to be used on social media then please let us know at the time of your appointment.
Address
East Yorkshire
Opening Hours
By Appointment
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