Scientific publications are one of the most important ways of sharing research findings with the wider world, and help add to our existing knowledge of whatever science topic the publication happens to look at. Whilst some papers focus solely on the findings of one particular study, others look at the results of several studies, reviewing what they have taught us and how our current methods of working could be improved in the future (either through the modification of existing techniques, or by carrying out additional research/experiments).

One such example of a paper is ‘Determination of gestational time and prediction of parturition in dogs and cats: an update’, by Beccaglia M et al., Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 2016 Sep: 51 Suppl 1:12-17. The aim of this paper was to pool together what techniques are currently used when attempting to elucidate when either dogs or cats were likely to give birth, and how our understanding could be used to help prevent the loss of offspring (due to being better prepared for birth and any issues/complications that arise). The results discussed here were taken from the abstract.

There are different procedures that we use to assess a date of birth, including the presence of hormones (which is more commonly used in dogs as opposed to cats), certain cardiac-related parameters and ultrasonography. The latter will be primarily focused on for the purposes of this article – for anyone wishing to read about the other methods in more detail, please click here.

Practitioners commonly utilise ultrasound during pregnancy to examine the foetus and then extrapolate their findings in order to determine the stage of gestation the individual is at. However, another use for ultrasonography can be in predicting the time of birth often in association with mathematical aids. Furthermore, when carried out in dogs the size of the animal should also be taken into consideration. This review also mentions two studies published in the last couple of years that estimated the time of birth by assessing ‘foetal flux’ and cardiac parameters, again using ultrasound imaging. Taken together, it is clear that ultrasound is a key component when elucidating the time of birth, although working in conjunction with other available techniques is also advised in order to increase reliability of any results gained.

For information on ultrasound scanners we stock that are suitable for use on dogs or cats, please click here.