| Ask The Vet -
Q&A |
Question
Is there a way to tell the difference between a false pregnancy
and a real one? I have a 2 year old Rottweiler & we think she
is pregnant.
Robyn - Phoenix
|
Answering questions:
Susie Samuel MA VetMB MRCVS from
Vet
Help Direct |
| Answer |
Hi
Robyn,
A false pregnancy is when a bitch gets some or all of the signs
of pregnancy when not actually pregnant. False pregnancies can vary
a great deal in severity ranging from slight changes in behaviour
to the production of milk and nesting behaviour.
As false pregnancies are quite common this makes it very difficult
to tell by observation whether a bitch is pregnant or not. There
are some changes that you will only see in pregnant bitches such
as signs of the puppies moving. These changes, however, are unreliable
and do not happen until very close to the end of the pregnancy.
You will need to know if your bitch is pregnant well before this
so that you can plan for the puppies properly and care for your
bitch correctly.
There are three main ways of diagnosing pregnancy:
1) Ultrasound Scan: This is probably the most widely used method
of diagnosing pregnancy. Your vet will be able to see the puppies
and, if the set up in the practice permits, you may be invited to
have a look which can be an incredible experience. Ultrasound is
generally a very accurate form of pregnancy diagnosis although it
is often impossible to count the number of puppies.
Pregnancies can sometimes be seen at only 16 days. Each vet practice
will have their own preferred time to do the scan, usually around
30 days.
The disadvantage of ultrasound is that the machines are very expensive
so not all vet practices have an ultrasound machine.
2) Palpation: The veterinary surgeon will feel your bitch's tummy
and may be able tell if she is pregnant. This is usually done about
3-4 weeks.
There are three very valid answers that your vet may give you: pregnant,
not pregnant or not sure. If your vet can not be sure they will
probably get you to come back for a repeat palpation at a later
date.
This is extremely tricky in nervous dogs, as they tend to tense
all their muscles making it hard to feel through the abdomen wall.
It is also very difficult in bitches that are overweight.
3) Radiography: This is x-ray. The advantage of this technique is
that is it is usually possible to tell how many puppies are in the
litter.
The disadvantages include the need to restrain the bitch so that
she lies completely still whilst the x-ray is taken and that it
can not be done until 45 days of pregnancy. Although I can't find
any studies in dogs it is well accepted that in humans there is
a risk of harmful effects to the foetus from x-rays so there may
be some concern with this as well.
Telephone
your vets as soon as possible and get an appointment. Tell the receptionist
that you think your bitch may be pregnant so that they can make
any other arrangements that are necessary. This will give your vet
the opportunity to give your bitch a check over and discuss care
of your bitch during pregnancy or false pregnancy.
Good
luck and I hope you get the result you are hoping for.
Kind regards,
Susie Samuel MA VetMB MRCVS www.vethelpdirect.com
|
Editors
Note:
You might also be interested in our D for Dog article Phantom
Pregnancy. |
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D for Dog www.dfordog.com |
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are Ms Samuel's, they may not necessarily reflect the views of the
veterinary profession in general or any other individual veterinary
surgeon. |
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