What is Ultrasound?

 

An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create an image of a body part.

During an ultrasound one uses a computer with a handheld probe. The probe is moved across the surface of the skin over the site of interest.

The sound waves generated by the ultrasound are not harmful or painful to the cat or dog.

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What is the most reliable method of detecting pets pregnancy?

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The most reliable way of detecting and monitoring pregnancy is abdominal ultrasound. Developing embryos can be detected as early as three weeks post-breeding and the viability of the fetuses can be determined throughout the pregnancy. Ultrasound is the ‘gold standard’ for detecting pregnancy and assessing the viability of the fetuses.

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How early can ultrasound detect pregnancy in dogs?

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Ultrasound pregnancy confirmation is possible as early as day 20-22 after breeding, but can be missed this early. Ultrasound at day 30 post breeding is a great diagnositc tool to confirm pregnancy. Ultrasound has the drawback of not being accurate to count puppies, but can determine heartbearts in the puppies.