Dog Scanning Near Me? Top 36 Best Answers

Your vet recommends an ultrasound for your pet. So what exactly is an ultrasound and how can it help your dog or cat? Our veterinary specialists in Winston-Salem explain how ultrasound helps make veterinary care more effective.

Ultrasound for dogs & cats

Whether your pet has gotten something they shouldn’t, may have developed a tumor, or are suspected of having a cyst, your veterinarian may recommend an ultrasound to provide an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition. Ultrasound is a form of imaging technology that transmits sound waves into your pet’s body to create an “image” of a specific body part.

Ultrasound is a gentle, non-invasive way to help your vet quickly and accurately diagnose or evaluate problems with your dog or cat’s internal organs.

Why your vet might recommend an ultrasound

An ultrasound can help our Winston-Salem internal medicine specialists examine the structure of your pet’s organs so we can detect, identify, and evaluate blockages, tumors, or other problems.

At Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Winston-Salem, ultrasound scans are performed in our in-house veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Our team of veterinarians use ultrasound and other diagnostic tools to provide you with the most accurate diagnosis of your pet’s medical problems and to provide your pet with the most effective treatment possible.

Ultrasound scans allow us to more easily distinguish soft-tissue masses from foreign bodies or fluids—a task we may find difficult or impossible with a digital x-ray. The sound waves generated by the ultrasound are neither harmful nor painful to your cat or dog.

Conditions that may require an ultrasound

heart conditions

If your cat or dog is diagnosed with a heart condition, your GP may refer you to our specialists for a cardiac ultrasound or echocardiogram to assess the overall condition of your pet’s heart and look for any abnormalities.

Abnormal blood or urine test results

If your GP finds abnormalities in your dog or cat’s blood or urine tests, they may recommend an abdominal ultrasound to get a clear picture of the health of your pet’s internal organs such as the lymph nodes, spleen, kidneys, liver, urinary bladder or other areas to learn why the anomalies are occurring.

Examination of soft tissues

Ultrasound technology can be used to examine almost any soft tissue in your pet’s body, including:

ribbons

Eyes

Fetal viability and development

tendons

thyroids

If your veterinarian or vet discovers abnormal tissue during an ultrasound, they may also use the ultrasound to collect tissue samples from the affected area.

Ultrasound-assisted tissue sampling

Samples are typically collected using these methods:

Tru-Cut Biopsies

Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration

If your vet is performing an ultrasound-guided tissue biopsy, your pet may be sedated to keep them calm. With ultrasound, we can perform biopsies less invasively than with surgery.

Types of Ultrasound

Your vet can perform these two types of ultrasounds:

emergency ultrasound

If your dog or cat experiences a medical emergency, the ultrasound can be used to get a clear picture of what’s going on in your pet’s abdomen and chest. This allows us to quickly determine if your dog or cat has severe internal bleeding (hemorrhage) or a pneumothorax (a condition where gas or air builds up in the space around the lungs).

Ultrasound scans help emergency veterinarians quickly diagnose your pet’s health problem so treatment can begin as soon as possible.

echocardiogram

Cardiac ultrasounds, or echocardiograms, are detailed ultrasound scans that allow your veterinarian to take a close look at your dog or cat’s heart and surrounding structures. This form of ultrasound examination allows our veterinarians to assess whether the heart is functioning properly and whether there is a malfunction in the heart.

Although usually painless, echocardiograms require multiple measurements and calculations. If your pet has recently been diagnosed with a heart murmur or is showing signs of heart disease, they may be referred to our specialists for an echocardiogram.

How to prepare your pet for an ultrasound

Ultrasound scans on different parts of your pet’s body require different preparations. Talk to your veterinarian to find out how to prepare your pet for the ultrasound.

You may have to withhold food and water for 8 to 12 hours, particularly during abdominal ultrasounds. We can best examine the urinary bladder when it is full or when it is urinating. Therefore, your cat or dog should not urinate for 3 to 6 hours before the ultrasound if possible.

The area to be examined will likely be shaved so that clear images can be produced. While most pets remain silent and cooperative during the ultrasound, some will need to be sedated.

If we identify an abnormal part of an organ, an ultrasound-guided biopsy may be performed to take a sample of the affected tissue. This biopsy allows us to take a sample of tissue that can be examined with a microscope to get more information. In many cases, this leads to a diagnosis.

If biopsies need to be performed, your pet will need a strong sedative or short-acting anesthetic to help them relax during the procedure and avoid potential complications that could hamper success. Your vet will let you know if this is necessary.

Get your pet’s ultrasound results

Because our vets can see the ultrasound images in real time, we can often diagnose problems immediately. In some cases, however, ultrasound images are sent to a veterinary radiologist for further consultation after acquisition. In these cases, you may have to wait a few days for the final result.

Note: The advice in this post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Understand pet ultrasound

At Advanced Mobile Pet we take care of your animals. That’s why our mobile veterinarian offers the convenient mobile pet ultrasound. Our mobile vet is available in East Lake, Seminole, Volusia and Orange counties. Ultrasound technology, commonly used to monitor pregnancies and births, can be used for many other purposes, including veterinary care. We look after large and small animals and our mobile veterinarian always comes directly to you.

How is Ultrasound Beneficial for Your Pet?

Ultrasound examines a pet’s organs, allowing veterinarians to locate, assess, and diagnose pregnancy, tumors, blockages, or other internal events. Ultrasound can absorb information better than X-rays. Ultrasound can also help vets detect cancer, tumors, tears and more. Our vet will likely recommend an ultrasound if your pet is experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:

Significant weight loss

loss of appetite

vomiting or diarrhea

Bloated, tight stomach

Abnormal blood counts

Abnormal amounts of fluid detected in the abdomen

urogenital problems

When your pet is just not feeling well and you don’t know why

What to Expect During an Advanced Mobile Vet Ultrasound

Ultrasound is non-invasive, painless and significantly less stressful for your pet, especially since our portable pet ultrasound takes place right in your home. Our mobile vet may need to shave an area of ​​your pet’s body where the ultrasound wand will be. This is completely normal and necessary. Your pet does not need to be sedated unless they are showing extreme signs of stress. However, we do recommend that pet owners stand closely to the side of their pets to ensure they remain calm and feel safe.

What Can a Pet Ultrasound Show?

With a pet ultrasound, we examine your pet’s spleen, liver, pancreas, kidneys and gallbladder. It can show our vet if surgery, biopsy or specific blood tests are needed. In addition, it helps our team gather useful information about the animal if surgery is required.

Contact us today for quality mobile vet care

dr Smith and our team at Advanced Mobile Vet are committed to providing the quality veterinary care pets need to live long, healthy lives. We offer a variety of services including veterinary exams, supportive services, parasite prevention, surgeries and more. Call us at (407) 404-4714 to schedule your pet’s next exam. Contact us to learn more about how we help pets live happy, healthy lives in Orange, Seminole, East Lake, and Volusia counties.

Puppy absorption in dogs is an understudied topic. Often the pregnancy cannot even be confirmed until some or all of the fetuses have resorbed. Most of the time, dog owners don’t even know their dog was pregnant!

Despite this, breeders often struggle with this mysterious incident on a regular basis. While obviously ill dogs will resorb their pregnancies, so will perfectly healthy dogs.

Sometimes the cause is pretty obvious. other times? Not as much.

There are some steps breeders and pet owners can take to avoid adopting puppies. However, there is no foolproof way to prevent this entirely.

If you’re lost at everything we’ve mentioned so far, read on. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including possible causes and complications.

What is fetal resorption in dogs?

As the name suggests, puppy absorption — also called fetal resorption in dogs — occurs when the mother dog reabsorbs fertilized eggs into her body. The puppy has already stopped developing at this point and is considered deceased.

The puppy’s body begins to decompose in the womb. The enzymes in the fetus completely separate and are then reabsorbed into the mother’s bloodstream.

This process is slightly different from embryo loss, which occurs very early in pregnancy. Puppy absorption can occur anytime before 44 days. After this, the puppy’s bones are too hard to be broken down and cannot be absorbed.

Fetal resorption in dogs often occurs fairly early in gestation. In many cases, the cause is completely beyond anyone’s control. Affected fetuses often have some type of genetic abnormality that causes them to stop developing.

Usually only one or two puppies are absorbed in a litter. Therefore, the bitch usually remains pregnant. The fetus literally disappears from the uterus and is reabsorbed into the dog’s body. It is not the same as a miscarriage where the fetus is expelled.

While this process may seem a little disconcerting, it is a very common occurrence. Fetal resorption allows the mother and other puppies to continue a healthy pregnancy.

In fact, fetal resorption can occur in up to 44% of dogs.

Causes of fetal resorption in dogs

There are probably myriad reasons for puppy reabsorption. Because it happens so early in pregnancy, owners often don’t know it happened. There are usually no outward signs, and the woman usually goes on with a healthy pregnancy.

Usually, the causes fall into two main categories: infectious agents and non-infectious agents.

Viral Infection – Some common canine viruses can affect the health of developing puppies. For example, canine herpesvirus type 1A can cause infertility and miscarriage. Female dogs are often asymptomatic, so it’s not surprising that owners are completely unaware their dogs are infected. Canine distemper virus can also cause spontaneous miscarriage and resorption—even when the fetuses themselves are infected. It is believed that the reabsorption in this case is caused by the stress of the disease. Canine parvovirus is also associated with very early reabsorptions in puppies.

Some common canine viruses can affect the health of developing puppies. For example, canine herpesvirus type 1A can cause infertility and miscarriage. Female dogs are often asymptomatic, so it’s not surprising that owners are completely unaware their dogs are infected. Canine distemper virus can also cause spontaneous miscarriage and resorption—even when the fetuses themselves are infected. It is believed that the reabsorption in this case is caused by the stress of the disease. Canine parvovirus is also associated with very early reabsorptions in puppies. Hypothyroidism – This condition occurs when the woman is not producing enough progesterone for one reason or another. This hormone is needed for the woman’s body to know that she is pregnant. Without them, it is difficult to maintain the pregnancy. As a result, embryos may not attach properly to the inside of the uterus, preventing them from developing and reabsorbing. Often this condition results in total pregnancy loss – not just the resorption of a fetus or two.

This condition occurs when the woman does not produce enough progesterone for one reason or another. This hormone is needed for the woman’s body to know that she is pregnant. Without them, it is difficult to maintain the pregnancy. As a result, embryos may not attach properly to the inside of the uterus, preventing them from developing and reabsorbing. Often this condition results in total pregnancy loss – not just the resorption of a fetus or two. Uterine deformities – If a woman’s uterus is not properly formed, some fetuses may find it difficult to develop properly. Sometimes this deformity leads to serious infertility problems. In smaller cases, one or two fetuses may simply have difficulty developing properly, leading to resorption.

If a woman’s uterus is not properly formed, some fetuses may have difficulty developing properly. Sometimes this deformity leads to serious infertility problems. In smaller cases, one or two fetuses may simply have difficulty developing properly, leading to resorption. Diseases – Seemingly unrelated infections and health problems can lead to reabsorption in the puppy. For example, diabetes can cause fetal reabsorption if not properly controlled. Hypothyroidism directly affects a dog’s hormones and can also result in pregnancy loss. Dogs often have a hard time getting pregnant in the first place under these conditions. Therefore, this is a less likely cause.

Seemingly unrelated infections and health problems can cause reabsorption in the puppy. For example, diabetes can cause fetal reabsorption if not properly controlled. Hypothyroidism directly affects a dog’s hormones and can also result in pregnancy loss. Dogs often have a hard time getting pregnant in the first place under these conditions. Therefore, this is a less likely cause. Fetal Defects – As we have said before, fetal resorption is often due to a problem with the fetus itself – not the mother. Sometimes the fetus is not genetically healthy and may never develop into a healthy puppy. Often these fetuses stop developing early and are then resorbed.

As previously mentioned, fetal resorption is often due to a problem with the fetus itself – not the mother. Sometimes the fetus is not genetically healthy and may never develop into a healthy puppy. Often these fetuses stop developing early and are then resorbed. Stress – Although there is no evidence to support this, it is suspected that maternal stress can also lead to pregnancy losses. We know that stress caused by unrelated diseases can cause resorption, but it is unclear whether stress caused by environmental factors has the same effect.

Although there is no evidence to support this, it is suspected that maternal stress can also lead to pregnancy losses. We know that stress caused by unrelated diseases can cause resorption, but it is unclear whether stress caused by environmental factors has the same effect. Poor Nutrition – Proper nutrition is required for fetuses to develop properly. If the mother doesn’t get everything she needs, some of the fetuses may not get the right nutrients or calories. This deficiency can cause them to stop developing or develop incorrectly. In some cases, this can lead to fetal resorption.

If it is not really fetal resorption

There are several events that are often confused with fetal resorption – but are actually unrelated.

For example, sham pregnancies are sometimes misdiagnosed as puppy resorptions. Symptoms of pregnancy, including milk production and weight gain, are common in the bitch. However, no actual fetuses are present. Eventually, the woman simply stops having symptoms.

When this happens, many dog ​​owners assume the female has resorbed the fetuses, when this is not the case.

It’s also possible for early ultrasounds to be wrong. They might indicate a fetus where there is none. If the female later gives birth to a smaller number of pups, it is assumed that she has resorbed one or two.

As you might imagine, telling these things apart can be almost impossible. How do you know if it was an incorrect ultrasound reading or if the puppy was reabsorbed? Not you. It’s impossible to say with hindsight.

False pregnancies and puppy resorptions can hardly be distinguished from each other even after they have occurred. While the bitch is still pregnant, you can use an ultrasound to determine if the pregnancy is real or fake.

However, after the pregnancy symptoms have subsided, there is no way to determine if the pregnancy was wrong or the fetus was reabsorbed.

Final Thoughts

Fetal resorption often goes completely unnoticed by breeders and dog owners. Unless the fetus is resorbed somewhat late and the dog undergoes an early ultrasound, this process is nearly undetectable.

There are many different causes – most of which are completely out of your control. Many puppies are reabsorbed because they are not genetically healthy. Because of this, they may not develop entire organ systems.

Eventually they stop developing and the body will absorb them again. In many cases, this happens very early, before you even know the bitch is pregnant.

In other cases, illness and infection can lead to pregnancy loss. Many underlying diseases are associated with reduced pup survival. Viruses can infect fetuses directly, and infections can affect the mother’s ability to carry a healthy pregnancy to term.

Regardless of the cause, puppy resorption is often not a cause for concern. Unless it’s caused by an underlying chronic disease, it’s often just part of the breeding process.

Selected image source: Ann Marie Kurtz, Shutterstock

Carolina Ranch offers pregnancy testing options

Dog pregnancy doesn’t have to be such a mystery with guesswork due dates or surprising litter numbers. We have the technology to determine when your dog will be due and how many puppies to expect.

Ultrasonic

The diagnosis of pregnancy by ultrasound can be made as early as 25 days after ovulation or 30 days after mating. This is a non-invasive procedure that allows us to visualize the uterus and fetuses. It also allows assessment of heartbeat, placenta and amniotic fluid health. It is not as accurate to count fetuses with ultrasound, but it allows early detection of pregnancy.

*This is complimentary when the consultation and timing is done with Carolina Ranch.

This post may contain affiliate links. We can earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Letting a pregnant dog welcome a new litter into the world is one of the greatest things a dog owner can experience.

When you’re ready to experience all the joys of doggy pregnancy, you might be wondering: can dogs be too old to get pregnant, and how old can dogs still have puppies?

I was very surprised to discover that dogs are never too old to have puppies! Yes, you read that right – in fact, there is no such thing as pooch menopause, and bitches come into heat all their lives.

Although dogs are naturally capable of breeding and having puppies well into old age, that doesn’t mean they should.

Pregnancy can be difficult even for young dogs in their prime, but older dogs are at much higher risk of health problems and stillborn puppies.

Whether you’re looking for a new puppy or are a breeder considering retiring your dogs, it’s important to consider the age of your male and female dogs before breeding them! In this article I will tell you everything you need to know about responsible breeding and fertility in dogs.

What is the oldest age a dog can have puppies?

Before I delve further into the topic of when a dog is too old to have puppies, let’s address the topic of when a dog is considered a senior and needs special care. Knowing your pooch is a senior citizen can help you determine if it’s safe and appropriate for your dog to conceive in the first place.

Most dogs enter their senior years when they are around seven years old; However, the aging process is slightly different in small and large breed dogs. For example, a small Chihuahua is considered a senior when it is 11 years old. On the other hand, a giant breed like a Great Dane is considered a senior at five years old.

The age difference between smaller and larger breeds is mainly due to their size. Several studies have confirmed that larger breeds tend to age much faster than their smaller counterparts.

Therefore, how old a dog is too old to have puppies is directly related to the size of that particular dog. Unlike humans, both male and female dogs technically remain fertile throughout their lives. However, their fertility and ability to produce healthy pups decreases as they age.

Let’s see at what age dogs can have puppies, starting with males.

What is the oldest age at which a male dog can sire puppies?

A healthy male can still produce puppies into old age. In fact, most professional breeders will shed male dogs much later than their females. Under AKC rules, you can register a litter of puppies sired by a male dog no older than 12 at the time of mating.

In practice, most reputable breeders will retire their male dogs between the ages of 10 and 12.

But just because a male is over 12 years old doesn’t mean he can’t sire puppies. Older males are still able to conceive females, but they are not as fertile as they used to be and may require more attempts to conceive a female.

Age is just one of several factors that affect a male dog’s ability to father puppies. The age at which a male can have puppies also depends on the quality and quantity of his sperm.

Many professional breeders therefore check their males’ sperm count regularly, at least once a month, to see if they are still able to father litters.

In addition, breeders will check many other things to determine if their male dogs are too old to breed and ready to retire. A low conception rate is another sign that a dog is getting too old to father puppies on a regular basis.

This means that under ideal conditions, a male will not conceive a bitch: one mating per day and a perfectly healthy bitch.

In addition, a breeder may decide that the male is too old to father puppies if his partner is consistently producing smaller litters or if the puppies are weak and ill.

What is the oldest age at which a bitch can have puppies?

You may be surprised to learn that female dogs don’t go through menopause and can technically get pregnant all their lives. This can come as a big shock, especially if you thought it was safe for your senior pooch to go off the leash and hang out with other dogs at the park.

According to AKC rules, a mother must be no older than 12 at the time of mating if you wish to register the litter. However, many breed clubs, including the UK Kennel Club, set eight years as the maximum limit for breeding bitches.

When it comes to the order of nature, female dogs can get pregnant well over 12 years old and remain fertile their entire lives. However, at this advanced age, most bitches have difficulties in giving birth and serious complications often occur during labour.

Older bitches can have problems giving birth if they do get pregnant, and seeing stillborn puppies in a litter is unfortunately quite common. Additionally, older dogs can have trouble producing enough milk to nurse their puppies, who often die if not bottle-fed by their human caregivers.

Because of all of these risks and complications, most reputable breeders choose to retire their dams around the age of five or six. In deciding whether or not to remove a bitch from a breeding program, breeders consider the same factors as they do for male dogs.

The breeder compares conception rates, litter sizes, the health of the mother, complications during delivery, and the time it takes for recovery. Considering all of these criteria can give you a good idea of ​​whether or not it is safe to continue breeding your bitch.

Our Golden Retriever Raven was a breeding dog. She was retired by her breeder at the age of 6 when we officially adopted her.

The most important thing to remember when owning a female dog is that she can become pregnant at any point in her life. Although older dogs are less fertile than their younger counterparts, there is still a risk of unwanted pregnancy.

So you must take care of your pooch and prevent an unwanted mating or choose to have them spayed if their age and general health does not pose a risk to the procedure. Now that you know dogs can get pregnant throughout their lives, talk to your vet about the best ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

At what age can dogs have puppies?

If the fact that dogs can have puppies all their lives surprised you, you will be even more surprised to learn that most dogs reach sexual maturity while they are still puppies. That’s right, your cute fluffy pup can have puppies of his own!

Once they reach sexual maturity, males can mate anytime, even every day! Females, on the other hand, can only mate when they are in heat, which usually occurs twice a year. However, some dogs can come into heat up to four times a year, while others are ready to mate once a year, depending on their size and breed.

Here is the earliest age a dog can have puppies, starting again with male dogs.

At what age do male dogs become sexually mature?

Male dogs generally become fertile earlier than their female counterparts, usually when they are around five or six months old. Toy and small breeds like Chihuahuas mature earlier than large breeds. who become fertile when they are between seven and nine months old.

Although they are technically able to impregnate a bitch, you should not allow males to mate until they are physically mature. In most cases, you should wait until your dog is at least a year old to breed to a female dog.

Keep in mind that large and giant breeds will take more time to fully grow, so you should wait until your pooch is 18 to 24 months old to breed him for the first time.

We have bought from Labrador and Golden Retriever breeders. The breeders we have worked with wait until their dogs are around 2 years old and have passed all health checks before breeding them.

If you decide to use your male dog to mate with litters, you must first ensure that he is perfectly healthy and fertile. Your veterinarian can help you with this and provide health certificates that your dog is a qualified stud dog ready for breeding.

Once a male reaches sexual maturity, he remains fertile throughout his life. However, their sperm count tends to be low at the beginning and end of their reproductive cycle. It is therefore important to wait until your puppy is fully grown before breeding for the first time and not to breed dogs that are too old.

At what age do female dogs become sexually mature?

Unlike males, who can mate literally any day after puberty, females can only reproduce when they are in heat. Bitches usually reach sexual maturity by six months of age, but smaller breeds can come into heat as early as four months of age.

Although they are fertile and can conceive, it is not recommended to breed bitches during their first heat. As with male dogs, you should wait until your female dog is fully grown before attempting to mate her for the first time.

Your dog’s size and breed will determine when is the best time to mate your bitch for the first time. Smaller breeds reach adulthood earlier than their larger counterparts and consequently can safely conceive much sooner.

After their first heat, also called heat or season, bitches usually come into heat every six months until they are old. However, this time frame can vary from dog to dog and depends on the size of the dog. In general, smaller dogs come into heat more regularly than larger breeds and can produce more litters over their lifetime.

The estrus cycle is divided into four phases: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. During the proestrus phase, which lasts about nine days, a bitch will have a bloody discharge and will attract but not breed with males.

The heat phase also lasts about nine days. At this point the female is fertile and ready to be mounted by a male. In most cases, ovulation occurs within the first 48 hours of estrus, but this can vary widely.

The diestrus phase lasts 60 to 90 days, during which time the dog’s reproductive system is under the control of the hormone progesterone. This stage occurs whether or not the bitch is pregnant and some dogs may develop signs of false pregnancy at this stage.

Finally, the anoestrus phase is the time when a bitch is no longer able to conceive and a period of no sexual activity. In most cases, this phase lasts three to four months.

Although some become fertile much earlier, AKC rules do not allow registration of litters from dams younger than eight months at the time of mating. And while old female dogs can have puppies, by the age of five, female fertility begins to decline.

Bitches who are too young or too old cannot handle the physical stress of pregnancy, which often leads to birth complications, preterm labor, and stillborn puppies. Therefore, it is important that you do not start breeding your mother too early or continue to breed as she grows old.

Frequently asked questions about how old a dog can be and still have puppies

Can a dog be too old to have puppies?

Technically, both female and male dogs can have puppies their entire lives. However, a female dog’s fertility begins to drop after the age of 7 and most female dogs are not able to conceive as often as they used to. The same thing happens with male dogs, and while they can still have puppies, their fertility rate isn’t as high as it used to be.

The actual labor is also more difficult and risky for older dogs and often involves complications. Older dogs can also have trouble producing milk and nursing their puppies.

What is the age limit for breeding a dog?

AKC rules do not permit the registration of a dam litter that is less than eight months or older than 12 years at the time of mating. Additionally, any litter sired by a male dog less than seven months old or older than 12 years old at the time of mating cannot be registered with the AKC.

On the other hand, the UK Kennel Club, the VHD in Germany and many other clubs state the maximum age limit of eight years for bitches.

Can a 9 year old dog have puppies?

A 9-year-old dog can technically become pregnant and give birth to a litter of puppies. However, most reputable breeders will not breed female dogs that old because of the risks associated with pregnancy and birth complications.

However, an older bitch may well become pregnant if she is mounted by a fertile male while she is in heat. To avoid health problems and unwanted pregnancies, keep a close eye on your dog on heat and consider having her spayed.

Is it bad for a 1 year old dog to have puppies?

Most dogs will reach puberty and become fertile by the time they are six months old, although they should not have puppies until they are fully grown. Small breeds reach adulthood when they are one year old and are safe to have puppies when they are done growing.

However, large and giant breeds will continue to grow until they are between 18 and 24 months old, and they should not have puppies until they reach adulthood. A year-old Great Dane is still a puppy and it would be bad for a growing puppy to become pregnant and have to take care of a litter of newborn puppies.

Conclusion

Knowing how old dogs can be to have puppies is important information if you plan on breeding your dog at some point in his life.

While dogs are technically fertile and can have puppies throughout their lives, older female dogs are at risk of preterm labor, stillbirth, and birth complications. To ensure your dog’s pregnancy goes well, you need to consider the following:

Males can father litters until they are between 10 and 12 years old

Breeders retire female dogs when they are five to six years old

Do not breed your dog until he is an adult

While it’s hard to imagine that dogs can have puppies all their lives, you should be careful not to breed your dog if he’s too young or too old. Before you breed your pooch, talk to your veterinarian and have your dog fully examined.

Are you a breeder?

Have you worked with us or bought a dog from a breeder?

If so, do you know how old their breeding dogs are?

Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.

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Top picks for our puppies

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Few things draw a person’s heart like a litter of snuggly puppies. Although undoubtedly adorable, with puppies comes a great deal of responsibility. Veterinary care, cleaning up, and feeding can all take a toll on the family budget (and your free time). Breeding a dog is a lot of work and something most pet owners would love to prepare for. After all, caring for a pregnant and lactating dog and then adding 6 to 8 puppies (or more) to the mix is ​​a lot to handle. Not to mention that any pregnancy carries risks of complications, even if the dog has had a healthy history of births.

Unfortunately, accidents happen. Dogs in heat will sneak out and bond with neighborhood dogs and often become pregnant as a result. But there are some things you can do to prevent pups after mating.

Castrate

When bitches are in heat, they release pheromones to attract males, and males can travel considerable distances just to mate. Mating occurs quickly and the entire process can take as little as 10 minutes, often without pet owners even realizing it. Some parents don’t realize what happened until their dog’s body changes. So what should parents do when they notice their pet’s belly growing?

The first way to prevent puppies after mating is to spay the dog. Neutering is a minimally invasive surgery in which a veterinarian removes a dog’s uterus and ovaries. Veterinarians can perform castration even when the bitch is in early pregnancy and remove the fetuses along with the reproductive organs. Neutering during pregnancy carries a higher risk of surgical complications, is more invasive, and often costs more than regular neutering. However, sterilization has a 100% effectiveness rate and will ensure that your pooch will never get pregnant again.

injections

Most dogs, given the opportunity, will mate when the female is in heat. A whopping 40% of female dogs will conceive after just one mating session! This incredibly high number means you are at significant risk of having a litter of unwanted puppies if you are not careful. Fortunately, there are relatively safe ways to prevent pregnancy after mating. Such an option is known as “mismatch injection”. If you suspect your dog has mated in the past 22 days, an injection of alizin, an antiprogestagen compound, may be an option. This drug stops the growing cell clusters in your dog and is 100% effective within 22 days of mating. It can also be given later in pregnancy but is likely to be less effective. Injections are an effective preventive measure, especially when given early. However, this is not a long-term solution and does not protect against pregnancy in the future either. If you are looking for a long-term solution, we recommend having your dog neutered.

Veterinary Abortion

Male dogs can be extremely stubborn when it comes to bitches in heat, and they’re not above breaking into kennels or digging under fences! Even responsible pet parents with big breeding plans can face unwanted pregnancies. When spaying and improper mating injections are not an option, a veterinary abortion is a viable and effective way to end an unwanted pregnancy.

However, the decision to have an abortion is a big medical decision for your dog. Abortion carries more risks of complications than castration or injections in mismating. Most vets will not perform them unless the dog is too advanced for other options and pregnancy is not possible (either for health or personal reasons). Depending on how far along the dog is, veterinarians may choose surgical abortion or terminate the pregnancy with abortifacient medication. Abortions are tough on a dog’s body, and dogs often need to stay in the vet clinic for up to a week while they recover. Abortions are also expensive to perform, especially if the dog is born late, and offer no protection against future unwanted pregnancies such as neutering.

Effects of contraception in dogs

Birth control has many benefits for pets and their pet parents. A litter of puppies is an enormous responsibility. You will need to clean up their accidents, get them their first vaccinations, deworm them, wean them and keep them safe for at least the first 8 weeks of their lives. Also, in the meantime, they still have to take care of their nursing mother and find the homes of the puppies.

Pregnancy can also take a lot of stress on a dog’s body, and some dogs may be at a higher risk of pregnancy complications because of their age, size, or breed. Also, caring for a pregnant mother and her puppies is time-consuming and costly. Preventing pregnancy can save your family from the financial burden and extra work that come with having puppies, and eliminate the risk of pregnancy-related health problems in your pet. If you decide to proceed with your dog’s pregnancy, check out our pet insurance comparison tool. Caring for a pregnant or breeding dog can be expensive, and most accident and medical insurance plans will not cover costs related to pregnancy. However, some providers, like Trupanion, offer add-ons that reimburse veterinary expenses.

Take Home Points

Dogs are sneaky when it comes to mating, and dogs can be tied up in a snap. Even attentive pet parents can be confronted with an unwanted pregnancy. But fortunately, there are several options available to these parents, especially if they catch the pregnancy early.

Neutering is an excellent option during early pregnancy and will prevent pregnancy for the rest of your dog’s life. Pet parents who intend to breed their dog in the future may prefer to go the route of injection through mismating as it will terminate the pregnancy but will not render the dog infertile. However, mismatch injections are only effective during a narrow window of time, so this is not a viable option if more than 22 days have passed since the mating session. Finally, a veterinary abortion should only be used as a last resort as it will put a serious strain on your beloved canine.

Welcoming a new litter of puppies into the world is very rewarding, but canine pregnancies can be confusing and stressful, as well as time-consuming and costly.

If you are considering breeding your dog, there is so much information that you need to know. You should be familiar with your breed’s standard and individual breed health testing recommendations, as well as the responsibilities you have in raising healthy, well-socialized puppies. You also need to know the signs of pregnancy in dogs and how best to care for your pregnant pooch. Here are the answers to some of your questions.

How Long Are Dogs Pregnant?

Bitches are pregnant at about 62-64 days, or about two months, although the Merck Veterinary Manual says: “Predicting the timing of parturition can be difficult because the mating date does not always coincide with the conception date. Gestation length can also vary by breed and litter size.”

dr Jerry Klein, AKC Chief Veterinary Officer, explains that during the first month of pregnancy, the fertilized eggs travel to the uterine horn, where they become embedded in the uterine lining after about 15 to 18 days. Fetal growth is rapid during early pregnancy, and these swellings double in diameter every 7 days, according to Merck.

By the end of the first month, a veterinarian can detect a fetal heartbeat, and development accelerates through the second month when the embryos develop into recognizable pups. At the end of the second and beginning of the third month, the puppies are ready to be born.

How to tell if your dog is pregnant

Dogs don’t have the ability to pick up a pregnancy test kit from the pharmacy, which means we have to rely on other methods to determine if a bitch is pregnant. The most accurate way to tell if a bitch is pregnant is through diagnostic testing.

Palpation If you know the date your dog was mated, your vet can perform an abdominal palpation from around day 28-30. At this stage of pregnancy, the pups will feel like little golf balls or bunches of grapes, depending on the size of the dog. These “balls” are fluid-filled sacs that surround the fetus. Palpation of the abdomen should not be attempted without the help of a veterinarian as this could harm the puppies. The sacks lose their distinct shape after a month, so the timing of this test is important.

If you know the date your dog was bred, your vet can perform an abdominal palpation from around the 28-30 day mark. At this stage of pregnancy, the pups will feel like little golf balls or bunches of grapes, depending on the size of the dog. These “balls” are fluid-filled sacs that surround the fetus. Palpation of the abdomen should not be attempted without the help of a veterinarian as this could harm the puppies. The sacks lose their distinct shape after a month, so the timing of this test is important. Ultrasound Alternatively, your vet can do an ultrasound between the 25th and 35th day of pregnancy. An ultrasound can usually detect the fetus’s heartbeats and give you an estimate of the number of puppies the bitch is carrying. Puppies’ heartbeats are 2 to 3 times faster than their mother’s.

Alternatively, your vet may do an ultrasound between days 25 and 35 of gestation. An ultrasound can usually detect the fetus’s heartbeats and give you an estimate of the number of puppies the bitch is carrying. Puppies’ heartbeats are 2 to 3 times faster than their mother’s. Hormone testing Around day 25 to 30 of pregnancy, your vet may do a blood test to measure the bitch’s hormone levels and determine if she is producing the hormone relaxin. Relaxin is only produced during pregnancy, making the test relatively accurate.

After about 25 to 30 days of gestation, your vet may do a blood test to measure the bitch’s hormone levels to see if she is producing the hormone relaxin. Relaxin is only produced during pregnancy, making the test relatively accurate. X-ray X-rays are one of the most effective ways to determine if a bitch is pregnant. However, this is best done after 55 days or more, as the puppies’ skeletal systems will not be visible on an X-ray by then. An x-ray at this point will allow you to accurately count the number of puppies, which will let you know when your dog is done giving birth.

Dog Pregnancy Signs

Diagnostic testing is not the only way to tell if a bitch is pregnant, although it is the most accurate. There are signs of dog pregnancy to look out for, including:

increase in appetite

weight gain

Increase in nipple size

swollen belly

tires lighter

nesting behavior

Softer

irritability

Additionally, some dogs may vomit and have a decreased appetite for a few days in the first few weeks due to hormonal changes. “Some dogs exhibit these sighs but may actually be experiencing a false pregnancy,” says Dr. Small. “There are also other conditions that can cause changes in appetite, weight gain and a swollen abdomen. To rule out a more serious condition, take your dog to the vet for a check-up.”

Caring for a pregnant bitch

Once you’ve determined that your dog is pregnant, there are a few steps you should take to ensure she stays healthy throughout her pregnancy.

Right nutrition

One of the most important things you can do for your pregnant dog is to make sure she is getting the right nutrition. If your female dog is already on good quality dog ​​food and is at a healthy weight, you will not need to make any changes to her diet during the first two thirds of her pregnancy unless directed otherwise by your veterinarian. In fact, increasing the amount of food at this stage can be harmful.

As her weight increases in the final weeks of her pregnancy, vets recommend gradually increasing her food intake until she’s eating 35 to 50 percent more than usual. Increase their intake slowly and feed them small, frequent meals, as large meals can cause discomfort.

exercise

When attempting to breed your dog, some veterinarians believe that limiting strenuous exercise during the first two weeks of gestation encourages embryo implantation. After that, normal movement is fine until your dog’s abdomen is enlarged. “During their last trimester, the best exercise for your dog should not be overly strenuous. Shorter and possibly more frequent walks will be more beneficial for the mother as she needs her energy to carry the pups and feed them,” suggests Dr. Small before.

Pregnant french bulldog standing in the garden.

Visits to the vet

Before you breed your dog, take him to the vet for a prenatal exam. She should be up to date on vaccinations. Your vet will likely either recommend a fecal exam to check for intestinal parasites, or simply have your dog dewormed with an appropriate medication prior to mating.

It is now believed that if the pregnant mother is continued deworming with an appropriate dewormer (fenbendazole) from her third trimester (about day 40 of gestation) and under about 14 days postpartum, the number of roundworms and hookworms in the newborn will be significant decreases puppies to allow them to grow and thrive.

You should also ask your vet what to do in the event of an emergency just before the expected birth and make a plan with your family and pet sitter.

Regular vet visits can help your dog stay healthy throughout her pregnancy.

If the vet confirms your dog’s pregnancy, they will also examine the dog for any mechanical or anatomical problems your dog may have that could prevent him from having a normal litter.

This is a good time to discuss planning whether a normal birth or a cesarean may need to be considered and planned ahead of time. If your vet discovers during the exam that your dog is already pregnant and the pregnancy is an accident, this is also a good time to discuss future precautions such as feeding. B. castration to avoid further surprise rolls.

Preparing for puppies

As your dog nears the end of her pregnancy, you will notice a marked increase in the size of her breasts and nipples, and you may even notice some milky fluid as the mammary glands develop and enlarge. Your belly gets bigger and may sway a little when you walk. At the end of the pregnancy you may even be able to see or feel the puppies moving inside the mother.

At this point you want to prepare yourself and your dog for birth or puppy birth. The best way to do this is by setting up a whelping box. Whelping boxes offer your dog a safe, warm, draught-free and easy-to-clean place for her puppies. There are whelping boxes that can be purchased or you can even use a small plastic children’s pool. The whelping box should be easy for the mother, but not the puppies, to get in and out of. Your dog may prefer to have it in a quiet area of ​​the house but in an area that is easy for you to reach.

After you’ve bought or built your whelping box, take some time to get your dog used to it. If you don’t introduce her to the whelping box beforehand, she may choose to give birth somewhere else – like your closet.

If this is your first time breeding your dog, talk to your vet about your role during labor and read and learn what you need to know. Unless you plan to have an experienced breeder on hand, you must be prepared to intervene during the birthing process if necessary. It’s always a good idea to have another person with you to help keep the puppies warm or to lend a hand if you need help.

Litter Care Checklist:

Plenty of newspaper to line the whelping box during delivery for easy cleanup and bin bags

Non-slip bath mats for sprinkling after the throw

Dry clean towels to clean the puppies

Paper towels help with cleanup

Thermometer to check your dog’s temperature before the litter

Clean, sterilized scissors for cutting umbilical cords

Unwaxed dental floss for tying off the umbilical cord

Iodine to clean the puppies’ tummy after the umbilical cord is cut and dab on the end of the cut umbilical cord

Heat lamp only placed in one corner high above crate to allow puppies to crawl to a cooler spot in a crate or hot water bottle to keep puppies warm (make sure it’s not too hot).

Bulb syringe for cleaning puppies nose and mouth

A baby scale in ounces

honey or light corn syrup

The vet’s phone number and the number of a nearby emergency room

throw

As your pregnant dog’s time approaches, be aware of the warning signs of labour. Pregnant mothers may stop eating a few days before whelping and may also start building a “nest” – hopefully in the whelping box.

Many pregnant bitches who are about to give birth begin to pant heavily. A drop in rectal temperature usually goes from a normal temperature (100 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit) to 99 degrees or even below about 8 to 24 hours before delivery. Many bitches who are ready to litter may not eat or eat very little.

Abdominal contractions can begin slowly and increase in strength and frequency – sometimes they are strongest during the first birth, accompanied by straining and groaning. You can see the water sac come out when there is a pup in the birth canal and within an hour the first pup should be born.

Each pup is born encased in its placental membrane and in each case the mother vigorously licks the pup and tears off this membrane, sometimes eating it. If she doesn’t remove it, you must, as puppies cannot survive for more than a few minutes before their oxygen supply is exhausted. You may need to rub the puppy down with a clean towel until you hear them cry.

The bitch should also cut the umbilical cord when cleaning her puppies. If this is not the case, you will need to cut the umbilical cord and tie it off with some unwaxed dental floss about an inch from the abdomen. You should wipe all puppies’ bellies with iodine to prevent infection.

Some dogs give birth to their puppies back to back, others may give birth to a few puppies and then rest before giving birth to more. If there is a break of more than two hours, you should call your veterinarian. You also need to keep track of the number of placentas. A retained placenta can cause problems for the mother. In general, the total duration in hours of a normal litter is approximately equal to the number of pups in the womb. So a 6 head litter should normally take around 6 hours total.

Don’t forget to offer the mother water to drink and take her outside to relieve herself if she is about to have a big litter. She needs to urinate often. Bring extra towels and don’t leave them unattended as they can sometimes walk past a puppy while outside! During this time the puppies should be kept warm in their whelping box with a light towel over them to keep them from becoming chilled.

All puppies should be placed along the mother’s tummy, and you should make sure she lets them all nurse within a few hours. Keep an eye on the puppies to make sure they are all breathing and nursing normally.

Possible complications of dog work

Sometimes something goes wrong with the delivery. If you notice any of these signs, call your veterinarian:

Your dog’s rectal temperature went down more than 24 hours ago and labor has not started.

The mother will show symptoms of severe discomfort or if she does not deliver the first pup 2 hours after the onset of labor, particularly if she has green discharge.

Puppies are more than 2 hours apart, or your dog is in heavy labor for an hour without giving birth, or when the mother seems exhausted.

Trembling, collapsing, or trembling are warning signs of serious complications that could endanger both the bitch and the puppies.

It’s normal for dogs to shed a dark green or bloody fluid after the first puppy, but if this happens before the first puppy, call the vet.

Your bitch shows no signs of having a litter 64 days after her last mating.

All placentas are not delivered.

Puppies are not suckled.

Pregnancy can be a stressful time for both dog and owner, but it doesn’t have to be. The more you know about canine pregnancy in advance, the more prepared you will be to care for your dog. For more information on dog pregnancy, consult your veterinarian.

And remember, your responsibility has only just begun. Raising newborn puppies – making sure they are healthy, well socialized and placed in loving forever homes – is a big, important job.

Do you think your dog might be pregnant? What should you expect while your dog is pregnant? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the stages of a dog’s pregnancy, also known as gestation.

How long does a dog’s pregnancy last?

Dog gestation typically lasts 63 days (about nine weeks). The length of a dog’s pregnancy can range from 57 to 65 days.

Although estrus (heat cycles) can vary from breed to breed, the normal gestation period for all dogs, regardless of breed, falls within the same range.

What Are the Signs of Pregnancy in Dogs?

Most dogs show no signs of pregnancy for the first few weeks. It will be difficult to tell early if your bitch is pregnant. Signs typically appear in the second trimester (about three weeks into the pregnancy).

Abdominal palpation about 30 days after the onset of pregnancy. As the pregnant bitch nears full birth, you may even notice the puppies moving inside her tummy.

NOTE: Signs of pregnancy can vary from dog to dog (and even between pregnancies in the same dog). Be sure to get your vet involved. Contact your veterinarian if you have concerns about the signs your dog is showing.

How do I know if my dog ​​is pregnant?

If you suspect your dog might be pregnant, you should contact your veterinarian office to set up an appointment. Schedule a visit to the vet about three weeks after the suspected day of conception. At this point, your vet may perform an ultrasound or take x-rays, depending on the technology available (ultrasound is the preferred method in the early stages).

Your vet may also want to check blood levels for the presence of relaxin, a hormone only present in pregnant dogs. This test should be performed between days 21 and 25 of the suspected pregnancy. Later, around day 45, your vet may recommend x-rays so they can count the number of puppies before birth.

What does my pregnant dog need?

There are a few changes you need to make to take care of a pregnant dog. The expectant mother needs a food source that supports growth. You will also need to visit the vet a few times to monitor your dog’s health. Movement should be adjusted to ensure the pregnant bitch does not overexert herself but also does not become sedentary.

How do I help my dog ​​give birth?

Fortunately, most dogs can go through labor and delivery (litter) of healthy puppies with little or no human intervention. Instincts guide the mother dog, but you may be able to help keep her and the puppies safe and comfortable. Gather some basic supplies and have them ready before the big day. When your dog goes into labor, just watch and wait. You may or may not need to step in and help your dog and his puppies. Your veterinarian or an experienced dog breeder can give you advice and support.

What if the pregnancy was an accident?

If you are not prepared, caring for a pregnant dog and preparing for the puppies can be a lot of work. It also takes time and dedication to help raise the puppies. You may not be ready for these challenges yet. The truth is that there is a problem with dog overpopulation. Animal shelters kill healthy dogs every day. If your litter is not desired, please consider spaying (terminating the pregnancy) your pregnant bitch. This can be done safely and humanely, but it’s best and safest to do it early in pregnancy. Talk to your veterinarian if you need help making the right decision for you and your dog.

How long does pregnancy last in dogs?

Dog pregnancy, also known as the gestation period, typically lasts 57 to 65 days with an average of 63 days.

If you plan to breed, you should record the exact date of mating. If there are two matings, record the dates and expect a birth between 63 and 65 days later.

Do I need to do anything immediately after mating my bitch?

Make sure she doesn’t have an opportunity to mate with other dogs. Keep in mind that the heat or “heat” will continue for a few more days and during that time she could theoretically get pregnant from another dog. After a planned mating, it’s a good idea to give her a few hours of rest.

Should I change her food?

It is important that she is in good physical condition before mating. Both male and female dogs should be examined by a vet before mating.

“Discuss supplements and vitamins with your veterinarian before giving them to your dog.”

After mating, food intake should remain the same for the first two-thirds of gestation (approximately six weeks after mating). Make sure to feed your dog a vet-approved, high-quality, premium diet during pregnancy. Discuss supplements and vitamins with your vet before giving them to your dog. It is recommended that your bitch be fed a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (DHA) during pregnancy to support the puppy’s development in utero and also during milk production.

What do I do after the sixth week?

From the sixth week of pregnancy, your bitch should gradually increase food intake; high-energy, low-fiber foods are recommended. As the fetus grows in size, abdominal pressure increases and frequent small meals are recommended. Diets high in omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been shown to improve puppy health and development and should be considered. Discuss DHA-supplemented diets for your pregnant dog with your veterinarian.

During the last three weeks of pregnancy, your bitch’s food intake should be increased by up to one and a half times normal by feeding smaller meals more frequently.

What about medications my dog ​​is taking?

Some commonly used medications should be avoided while your dog is pregnant. Consult your veterinarian to discuss the use of supplements and medications.

How can I be sure my dog ​​is pregnant?

Early pregnancy detection in dogs can be extremely difficult. A blood test can detect pregnancy in dogs by measuring the hormone relaxin; however, false negative results can occur if the test is performed too early in the pregnancy or if the bitch is carrying only one or two puppies (see Canine Pregnancy Testing handout). A positive test indicates the bitch is pregnant at the time of the test, but does not mean that the pregnancy will be successful. A veterinarian may perform transabdominal palpation (feeling the abdomen for an enlarged uterus or discrete fetal swelling) about three to four weeks after mating, but results will vary. In some cases, results depend more on the bitch’s relaxation than the vet’s experience.

“Abdominal ultrasound is currently the method of choice for pregnancy diagnosis.”

Abdominal ultrasound is currently the method of choice for pregnancy diagnosis. Depending on the equipment and the patient, a positive diagnosis can be made after just three weeks. Most scans performed after day 28 of pregnancy are reliable. Because of the positioning within the abdomen, it can be difficult to accurately count the number of fetuses on an ultrasound. An abdominal x-ray (X-ray) during the last two weeks of pregnancy, generally around week seven, is the most accurate way of determining litter size and should be done on all pregnant bitches so you know when your bitch is out of puppies.

Should I change her routine as the pregnancy progresses?

As the pregnancy progresses, the intra-abdominal pressure increases and with it the mother’s nutritional needs. The dog will normally require an increased number of smaller meals rather than an increased amount per meal. Let your pet decide how much physical activity they need. This depends on the number of puppies and the amount of intra-abdominal pressure she is experiencing. Do not overexert a pregnant woman. Check for vaginal discharge and contact your veterinarian if you have concerns.

Ultrasonic

With our high-quality ultrasound machine and well-trained veterinarians, we are able to provide fast and accurate results with minimal patient stress.

What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a non-invasive medical imaging technique. It uses sound waves to create detailed images that can be viewed on a computer screen.

Ultrasound is radiation-free and can be performed while moving, making it very safe and especially useful for fidgeting pets. Since our ultrasound machine is portable, we can also perform examinations where the patient is located.

Who does ultrasounds in Albert Park?

All of our vets can use the ultrasound, but most of the detailed studies are done by Raquel, who has over 16 years of experience in this field.

We do not perform comprehensive cardiac ultrasounds (echocardiograms) – these are best performed by specialist cardiologists.

When do we recommend ultrasound?

An ultrasound may be recommended for many reasons. You’re probably familiar with the use of ultrasound in pregnancy, but it’s actually one of the least common pet uses. We usually use ultrasound to examine organs in the abdomen and sometimes also in the chest. With ultrasound we can look for abnormalities in:

kidneys

adrenal glands

liver and gallbladder

spleen

pancreas

stomach

Offal

bladder

uterus and ovaries

prostate

internal lymph nodes

heart

lungs (in some situations)

blood vessels

We can also examine nodules to see if they need further testing and identify the right site for a surgical biopsy.

What happens during an ultrasound?

We often perform ultrasounds without any special preparation. But if you are taking your pet for a scheduled ultrasound, we may ask that you fast your pet for 8-12 hours.

To ensure we get sharp images, we need to make good “contact” between the ultrasound probe and the skin. Therefore, we often have to shave off some fur and apply alcohol to the skin before applying the clear ultrasound gel.

The ultrasound is most often performed while lying down. We place the ultrasound probe (or transducer) on the skin and then move it with a sliding and rotating motion to create a real-time image that is projected onto a screen. We then take several short video clips and still images.

Is sedation required?

Most of the time we can do an ultrasound without sedation.

Sometimes we can give your pet a sedative to help them relax and minimize stress or discomfort. When we intend to take needle biopsies we usually administer heavy sedation or even general anesthesia as we cannot ask pets to keep still!

How long does an ultrasound take?

An ultrasound can last anywhere from a few seconds to an hour. It depends what we are looking for. Sometimes we just need to confirm the presence of free fluid in the thoracic or abdominal cavity, and other times we need to look at each abdominal organ in detail and take ultrasound-guided needle biopsies.

What does ultrasound cost?

A full abdominal ultrasound costs about $350. Shorter scans cost less.

Additional charges may apply if sedation is required or if we collect samples that require analysis by a pathologist.

What are the risks of ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a safe test and the procedure itself poses no risk to the patient.

As with any form of testing or screening, there is a risk of what is known as overdiagnosis. Here we find something that would not have caused a problem had it not been found, but may lead to further (sometimes invasive) investigation and treatment (e.g. overtreatment). The best way to avoid this is to work with highly experienced veterinarians who are able to interpret findings in context.

We sometimes use ultrasound to help us perform other procedures, such as B. biopsies or draining fluid from a body cavity/organ. These procedures carry a certain risk. We only conduct them with your consent and when the benefits outweigh the risks.

What are the advantages of ultrasound?

Ultrasound is safe and can provide accurate results without significant risk to your pet. For comparison, X-ray and CT use radiation, and MRI and CT require general anesthesia. These other imaging tests also often require the use of “contrast,” a type of dye that is either swallowed or injected into a vein. Injected contrast media has caused problems in some human and veterinary patients.

Ultrasound is also readily available and relatively inexpensive.

What are the limits of ultrasound?

Ultrasound is not suitable for examining bone or in areas where air/gas is present such as B. in the lungs. Sometimes the intestines contain a lot of gas, making it difficult to see abdominal structures easily.

Ultrasound is good for identifying abnormalities, but it’s not always possible to tell what the abnormality is. For example, if we find a lump, we cannot necessarily tell whether it is a malignant cancer or a benign mass. For a clear diagnosis, we often need a sample of the abnormal tissue.

When can I expect the results of my pet’s ultrasound?

Results are generally available immediately, although a written report can take up to 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions about pet ultrasound tests

Ultrasound or ultrasound with biopsy

Your pet is scheduled to undergo an ultrasound scan. This information sheet gives you an overview of what the procedure involves and what to expect. There are no known adverse effects associated with routine veterinary ultrasound examinations. If guided sampling (biopsy) is required, there is a small chance of complications. Please discuss this with your veterinarian.

What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasound is an imaging technique based on the use of sound waves that provides a non-invasive, non-painful method of diagnosing and staging many diseases.

Why was an ultrasound recommended?

Ultrasound is an excellent tool for evaluating the internal abdominal organs (liver, gallbladder, kidneys, urinary bladder, lymph nodes), checking for pregnancy, evaluating chest masses, and other structures (eg, thyroid and parathyroid). This test is usually done after blood tests, X-rays, or a physical exam indicate a possible problem. Ultrasound is also an excellent tool for taking tissue samples without subjecting your pet to invasive surgery. There is a special ultrasound called an echocardiogram that is used to visualize the heart and blood vessels, as well as the heart valves. The results of the ultrasound will help the vet make a definitive diagnosis and provide you with the best options for treating your pet. On the other hand, it is not good to see through air or bone, so it does not replace the x-ray but complements the information we can get from x-rays. It’s common to have both X-rays and ultrasounds to get a full picture of what’s going on with a patient.

Can my pet urinate before an abdominal or bladder ultrasound?

It’s best if your pet comes to the appointment with a full bladder so the vet has the best opportunity to do a thorough scan. If this is not possible, your pet may need to stay on board for a few hours to allow the bladder to refill.

How should I prepare my pet for the ultrasound?

Pets with ultrasound should not eat twelve hours before the procedure; Therefore, please do not feed your pet after 20:00. the night before the exam. Please continue to ensure free access to fresh water. The presence of food in the stomach makes it difficult for the ultrasound to penetrate the organs to be examined. Even if the animal only has a small meal or “biscuit,” it can swallow gas with it, which blocks the ultrasonic beam. Ask your veterinarian for instructions if your pet is taking medication.

Pets with ultrasound with biopsy

A fine-needle aspirate/core biopsy is a method of removing cells or tissue from a specific site, such as an organ (kidney or liver), an undetermined mass, or area, to look for signs of infection, cancer, or other conditions. The vet will insert a needle or biopsy instrument into the area and take a sample of tissue. The material is then examined under a microscope. A fine-needle aspiration and/or core needle biopsy may be the only test you need to find out if an area is diseased; However, in some cases, your pet may need a different procedure. Pets undergoing an ultrasound with biopsy must be anesthetized to keep them still for the exam. In preparation for the general anesthetic, you should not eat anything after 8 p.m. the night before the exam. Ask your veterinarian for instructions if your pet is taking medication. If fasting is not possible (e.g. diabetic), please ask the veterinarian for instructions.

Your pet’s hair/fur will be shaved

To ensure the best possible ultrasound results, we shave your pet. For most abdominal exams, we shave from the last few ribs to the edge of the pelvis and about a third of the way up the back. A larger area may be required depending on the areas being examined and your pet’s body shape. For non-abdominal exams, ask your veterinarian which area will be shaved if you are concerned. We make every effort to shave closely, but some pets may experience mild “razor burn”.

What do I need to bring to the appointment?

We will ask your GP to fax us a copy of the medical record so you don’t have to be held liable. However, if your veterinarian has x-rays that he cannot email to us in time for the appointment, we ask that you bring them with you to the appointment.

What happens to my pet after the ultrasound procedure?

When an ultrasound with biopsy is done, in most cases you won’t be able to see where the sample was taken, but please keep an eye out for bleeding, redness, or swelling over the next few days.

If your pet is sedated or drugged, they will be disoriented and off balance for a few hours. We will closely monitor your animal until it recovers. Once your pet is standing and able to move safely, they will be released. You will be notified when you can pick up your animal.

Your pet may urinate in large amounts after returning home due to fluids administered during anesthesia. When you are at home, it is important to keep your pet away from stairs and obstacles and only feed them a small meal. The effects of the sedation/anaesthetic should wear off within approximately 24 hours. If you feel your pet is not fully recovered at this point, call us or your GP.

How do I know the results of the ultrasound?

The vet who performed the procedure on your pet will either discuss the results with you or discuss them with a local associate vet so they can discuss the results with you. A report will also be generated and faxed to your GP.

Veterinary Abdominal Ultrasound: Why You Should Follow Your Vet’s Recommendation.

April 30, 2018

Has your vet ever recommended an abdominal ultrasound? Why does your pet need one? And why is it so expensive?

Abdominal ultrasound is used to aid in the diagnosis of abdominal disorders. The pet’s abdomen is shaved, gel is applied, and a probe is used to obtain a picture; very similar to a pregnancy scan. The procedure is non-invasive and takes between 20 and 40 minutes. But why is it needed?

X-rays are great for showing the size, shape, and location of organs, while an ultrasound is particularly good at showing the architecture of abdominal contents. With this imaging method, you can look inside the kidneys, liver, small intestine, and other organs to find very small nuances that an X-ray often misses.

When is ultrasound used? There are times when X-rays alone do not provide your vet with enough information to make a medical decision. For cats with chronic vomiting or dogs with severe abdominal pain, it is best to have a repeat ultrasound scan. It is also used to determine the origin of abdominal masses and to further search for a cause of elevated kidney and liver enzymes. There are many other uses, but in general, ultrasound is another tool in your vet’s tool belt that will help in making a diagnosis.

Why is it so expensive? The price of an ultrasound ($400-$600 per full scan) may make some owners shy away from this diagnosis, but the value is second to none. Entry-level devices can cost $40-50,000, while high-end devices cost upwards of $100,000. Adding to the cost of the device is the cost of the staff needed to assist with the scan (doctor and technician) and likely medications used for sedation.

But the ultrasound didn’t find exactly what’s wrong with my pet? It can happen! Remember that medicine isn’t always black and white. An ultrasound can indicate certain disorders in the abdomen, but additional diagnostics may be needed. A CT scan, surgical probing, and endoscopy (camera into the stomach) are often needed after an ultrasound to clarify the findings.

Remember to always ask questions and follow your vet’s recommendations. Just like in human medicine, when your case gets complicated, it’s never wrong to get a second opinion!

dr Pete Lands is the Director of Emergency and Critical Care at Saint Francis Veterinary Center. In his spare time he enjoys travelling, jogging and trying out new restaurants in Philly. You can follow him on Instagram @petevet, his website petespetfacts.com and email [email protected].

Whether you’re buying for the first time or upgrading your existing ultrasound system, learn how to make an investment that best meets your clinic’s needs.

Veterinarians use many types of imaging: X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound. CT and MRI units are rarely seen outside of large specialist practices, but ultrasound technology has become more common and many clinics use ultrasound machines on a daily basis for diagnostics and other procedures.*

“Ultrasound can provide a lot of information for its cost and is often more readily available compared to other imaging methods,” says Dr. Drew Sullivan, medical director of Illinois’ Medical District Veterinary Clinic, a small animal clinic in Chicago operated by the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.* “Fluid can be distinguished from soft-tissue masses or foreign bodies, which are sometimes difficult to distinguish on x-rays . Using ultrasound and X-rays together is an excellent diagnostic tool.”

Buying an ultrasound system for the first time or upgrading your existing system can be challenging. Consider the following questions to make the investment that best suits your clinic’s needs:

Q: Do I need to buy a “veterinary” ultrasound system or a “human” ultrasound system?

Some manufacturers offer both human and veterinary systems and are marketed differently. They are basically the same, but the difference lies in their software and presets.

Human systems are generally better and cost more because they have to be FDA compliant. The images are clearer and more clinically correct as they have to meet minimal human parameters. Manufacturers factor into their pricing the additional costs they incur to avoid the risks and liability issues inherent in human machines. That being said, image quality between apples-to-apples systems is negligible.

Q: Can a human system with no “animal” presets meet my clinic’s ultrasound needs?

Most certainly. Human ultrasound systems, when used with the right transducers (probes), can perform the same functions as a veterinary system and often have a wider range of probes to suit your needs.

Human systems do not necessarily have to cost significantly more than veterinary systems. Shop carefully. Many human hospitals routinely upgrade their systems, offering “used” systems that are excellent.

Q: What other fitment criteria need to be considered?

Is a cart-based or portable system best? If you have a mixed practice, you might want to consider a portable system with a battery power option that can go into “range”. But are you ready to subject your new system to the rigors of large animal field work? Would a refurbished one be better? Do you need the same skills in the field as you do in the clinic? Some portable devices are as sophisticated as cart-based office systems. Are you willing to pay for a more comprehensive warranty to cover potential machine damage if you can get it?

Archive data management must also be taken into account. Will you transfer your data to the office computer; archiving of data for future use and forwarding; or send data elsewhere for evaluation and consultation?

Q: Which vendor should I choose when purchasing an ultrasound system? You can basically buy from four types of providers.

a) Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs): These are the companies that make the machines. Big names are GE, Philips, Siemens, Toshiba, Esaote etc.

Pros and Cons: OEMs are the manufacturers and as such offer the latest new systems with full service guarantees. Most have a full-service field service to service your equipment. Those who have licensed dealers in the veterinary market show their commitment to serving this industry.

b) OEM dealers: Some of the large OEMs grant license rights to distributors for the veterinary market. For example, GE sells through Sound Elkin (now Sound) and Esaote through Cuattro.

Pros and Cons: OEM dealers in the veterinary market only sell one brand of equipment at a time. Therefore, both OEMs and OEM dealers only advertise and showcase their device brand and have an inherent bias.

c) Veterinary Products Distributors: Examples you are familiar with such as Animal Health International, MWI, MidWest, Schein, PennVet, Webster, etc. sell ultrasound equipment as part of their commitment to providing a full service to their customers.

Pros and Cons: Veterinary product retailers generally offer one or two brands to choose from. The benefit of buying from them is that you already have a business relationship and a preferred seller. The downside is that they aren’t ultrasound specialists, so their sales people aren’t familiar with the equipment. And, very importantly, veterinary drug distributors do not repair ultrasound machines, they send them to third-party suppliers.

d) Third Party Vendors: These companies specialize in selling medical equipment, in many cases not only ultrasound but also x-ray, anesthesia, monitors etc. Some examples are Advanced Ultrasound Electronics, DRE, Core Imaging, Choice Medical and others. Look for professionals who specialize in ultrasound.

Pros and cons: Third-party providers are medical device specialists. They are familiar with the devices they sell. They work with many manufacturers, so have no specific allegiance to any particular company, making them an asset in specifying the system that best suits your needs. Third-party vendors sell new systems that fit your needs at competitive prices. They also sell “used” systems that have been inspected and/or refurbished to meet OEM specifications with warranties. Often, the cost of a refurbished system is a fraction of the cost of a new system, allowing you to “upgrade” to a more sophisticated “human” system when needed, while staying within budget. On the negative side, 3rd parties don’t have the large sales and service support teams that the big OEMs have. In some cases, this means that the system must be sent in instead of being repaired on site. Also, third parties are unable to offer warranties on refurbished systems that are as long as those on new systems.

Survey your fellow vets and hear about their experiences with different providers. Use the internet to compare companies – DOTmed.com lists medical device suppliers. Check out those with 5-star ratings and/or DOTmed 100 ratings. These are customer reviews. Also attend a regional or national veterinary conference and visit the exhibitors. When a company exhibits, they are serious about serving the veterinary market.

Human ultrasound systems, when used with the right transducers (probes), can perform the same functions as a veterinary system and often have a wider range of probes to suit your needs.

Q: What criteria should you look for in a manufacturer and/or supplier?

How many years have you been in business? What is their reputation in the market, both human and veterinary? Do they offer guarantees? Do you have spare parts in stock? Do you offer rental systems? Do they offer training on systems that are new to you? Do they repair themselves or farm? Do they repair “human” systems to manufacturer specifications? Do you offer field service?

Make sure you continue to work with the company you choose to train yourself and your technicians and provide your employees with information on how to communicate with customers. If this is your first ultrasound, your clients will appreciate written material or links to web-based information to learn more about the procedure. A written description of how you perform an ultrasound would also be good if you have it on your practice’s website.

Purchasing an ultrasound system should be viewed as a business investment, not an expense. Ultrasound services represent a billable fee for your patient’s owners while enhancing your diagnostic capabilities.

A business investment

Depending on the demographics of a clinic’s client base and the complexity of the scan, veterinarians charge anywhere from $100 to $400 for an ultrasound procedure.

For this analysis, let’s assume that each customer is billed $150. Let’s also assume that your practice performs two scans per week.

$150 per procedure x 2 procedures per week x 50 weeks per year = $15,000

If you buy a system for $30,000, the ROI is two years.

Additional acquisition costs for an ultrasound must also be taken into account. Does the system have “add-on” options you need? Most come with a full one-year warranty. You will also be given the option to purchase longer-term warranties. You also need to consider which transducers (probes) you want to use with the system based on the medical needs of your practice. Do your employees need to be trained for the new system? Sales tax can also play a role.

Once you’ve chosen the system along with options, warranty, probes and taxes (if applicable), you should have the final cost.

Next, decide whether to purchase the system outright, make time payments, or possibly lease the equipment. Let your tax advisor advise you.

In a direct purchase, it’s fairly common for vendors to sell a system and expect 50% of the total payment at the time of order and 50% at the time of delivery. Some providers offer payment plans – for example 20% down payment and monthly payments for 24 or 36 months. Vendors automatically include preventative maintenance agreements in the system cost to protect your (and their) investment. Leasing can be done in many ways – down payment, 24 or 36 months etc. and you have the option to purchase the equipment at the end of the lease. There are two important things to know about leasing: a) The IRS does not consider an operating lease to be an acquisition, but rather a tax-deductible overhead. Therefore, you can deduct the lease payments from your business income. b) Because an operating lease is not considered a long-term debt or liability, it will not appear as a liability in your financial statements, making you more attractive to traditional lenders when you need them. Look for the best rates, whether through the provider, your bank, or a recommended financial company.

*Geese, Melissa. “Ultrasound has many applications in veterinary medicine”. Pet Health Columns, vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns.