The use of veterinary ultrasound in pregnancy detection has been well documented in previous years, and is now considered to be a routine procedure when attempting to establish pregnancy/elucidate the current stage of gestation. However, it is important to carefully consider the type of ultrasound scanner that is used and to ensure it is the correct device for the task in hand – a consideration that was the subject of the research paper published by Racewicz P et al., ‘Ultrasonographic diagnosis of early pregnancy in cattle using different ultrasound systems’, Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere, 2016 Apr 19:44(3), Epub ahead of print. Please note that the following information has been taken from the published abstract relating to this paper.

The authors wanted to assess whether there was one type of scanner that would be particularly appropriate when trying to examine early pregnancy in cattle. A large cohort of animals were chosen to participate in this study and following artificial insemination, ultrasonography was then used to assess pregnancy at pre-established points. Most importantly for the purposes of this article, a total of 6 different ultrasound scanners were used, which included the actual type of scanner tested – linear versus sector. A number of criteria were used in order to carry out comparisons, including (but not limited to) sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy.

Whilst the results revealed a number of figures relating to the criteria above (and more), the researchers found that the type of ultrasound scanner used could significantly affect the results obtained. Consequently it is very important to ensure that the type of scanner you use is the most suitable for the purpose for which it is required.  For those wishing to read about the results in more detail, please click here to be taken to the abstract.

The researchers from this study were able to draw a number of conclusions, and suggested that although scanning is a beneficial tool when trying to assess early pregnancy, the type of ultrasound scanner that is used could affect the results drawn – to be considered the take home message of this article. Interestingly, the researchers also suggest that a sector scanner could be considered appropriate for pregnancy assessment under certain conditions.

If you would like to see our range of veterinary ultrasound scanners suitable for use in cattle please click here or feel free to contact us.