Technical info & details
Answers to the questions I'm most frequently asked.
How safe is ultrasound scanning for mum and babies?
Ultrasound scanning is a painless procedure that uses high frequency sound waves (inaudible to humans) to produce images of structures. I use CE approved equipment (nothing purchased from eBay!!) which means it complies with all relevant EU product safety Directives.
I also provide digital copies of the images captured as a keepsake by email, not all equipment has this capability.
I also provide digital copies of the images captured as a keepsake by email, not all equipment has this capability.
Are there any other ways to confirm my pet is pregnant?
Ultrasound is the safest, most effective and accurate method of confirming pregnancy. No urine test is available to confirm pregnancy in the dog or cat, human kits do not work!
There is a blood test that can be utilised but it's not widely available and will require a blood draw at your vets and will not give an indication of litter size.
Abdominal palpation between 21 to 35 days post breeding is possible but not considered accurate, particularly if not skilled.
Radiography (X-Ray) can be carried out in the latter stages of pregnancy to determine Litter size from 45 days post breeding when the bones start to calcify. This method can be expensive and may cause distress to the mother so is not typically carried out unless complication have been identified.
There is a blood test that can be utilised but it's not widely available and will require a blood draw at your vets and will not give an indication of litter size.
Abdominal palpation between 21 to 35 days post breeding is possible but not considered accurate, particularly if not skilled.
Radiography (X-Ray) can be carried out in the latter stages of pregnancy to determine Litter size from 45 days post breeding when the bones start to calcify. This method can be expensive and may cause distress to the mother so is not typically carried out unless complication have been identified.
What position does my pet need to be in for the scan?
My preference is standing or if she wants to lay then this is fine, but I don’t force them to lay. Cats are typically scanned in their owners laps – belly up.
From what date is it best to scan?
Between 28 - 35 days for canines and 21 - 28 for feline from the last mating. You can scan later into the pregnancy but counting numbers become more difficult due to the foetal size and development.
Is your service any different from using a vet?
Most vets are like GP’s (General Practitioner), they have a broad spectrum of knowledge across many species. I solely focus on domestic animal reproduction and therefore scan hundreds of animals a year to fine tune my skills. Where a vet practice may or may not have the equipment but won’t have the frequency of clients to scan. Many insist on shaving (which isn’t necessary), force the animal to lay, provide no images as evidence or keepsake and often refuse to scan with the owner present, not to mention the cost.
So, yes the service I offer is different and what I believe to be considerately better!
So, yes the service I offer is different and what I believe to be considerately better!
How accurate is scanning and can it identify phantom pregnancies?
The accurancy of the scan will depend on the skill of your sonographer and this ultimately what you are paying for. A skilled sonographer will be in demand! Yes, phantom pregnancies can be detected with scanning and the owners can then take the right precautions with this additional information.
Can you date the pregnancy?
Animal pregnancies are harder to date then humans due to the size variations across the breeds. However it is possible to inform you if the pregnancy is 28-35 days or 45+ days. Occasionally it is possible to measure a gestational sac or foetal parts to make an estimation but it is exactly that, an estimation.
Does my pet need a full bladder like humans for the scan?
No, if possible it’s preferred the animal should have an empty bladder before the scan is conducted.
Can I feed before a scan?
Feeding before will not impact the scanning procedure, but it might be more comfortable for your pet being prodded not to have a belly full of food!
What position does my pet need to be in for the scan?
My preference is standing or if she wants to lay then this is fine, but I don’t force them to lay. Cats are typically scanned in their owners laps – belly up.
Can you provide numbers?
Where possible I will always attempt to provide an estimation of the number of foetuses present, but no guarantee is offered. This information is purely to help with your pregnancy planning.
I’ve heard some animals can reabsorb will this affect my pet?
Foetuses that die before 25 - 30 days post ovulation, are usually reabsorbed back in to body, these may have been originally identified on an early scan.
Approximately 5 - 13% of canines may reabsorb one or more foetuses (some suggest to prevent over population in the uterus or stress). Foetuses which die after 35 days will usually be aborted and discharge observed.
Approximately 5 - 13% of canines may reabsorb one or more foetuses (some suggest to prevent over population in the uterus or stress). Foetuses which die after 35 days will usually be aborted and discharge observed.
Can you scan for pyometra?
Yes, closed pyometra (infection of the uterus) will be seen on ultrasound, but I advise all my clients to seek veterinary advice immediately if you suspect pyometra.
Can you tell me what sex they are?
No, genitalia is too small to be observed and any other methods are not deemed accurate.
Do you need to shave my pet?
No shaving is required just plenty more gel used! Depending on the thickness of the coat at point of scanning the image quality and hence accuracy maybe compromised, but you will be made aware of this at the time.
There are a lot of people offering this service how do I know who’s the best?
In current times there has been a big surge on this service, ensure that they are trained and qualified but experience really is the difference in this field! So check out any online reviews (quantity and quality), any personal recommendations, what equipment they have and any demonstrations of their work (images and videos). Finally seek their knowledge, anyone can attempt to scan but can they explain the anatomy they are scanning and also in the wider spectrum of breeding and rearing puppies.
Do you offer any other services?
Yes, I specialise in Breeder Reproduction services and can assist with knowing accurately when to mate (ovulation detection – progesterone & cytology), mating assistance (artificial insemination), fertility assessments (semen), chilled semen shipping, pregnancy scanning and litter microchipping. Many of these services are mobile with national coverage.
What distance do you cover?
My mobile service covers all of West & East Sussex, Surrey and parts of Hampshire.
The earlier you book the more convenient to you your appointment will be.
The earlier you book the more convenient to you your appointment will be.