Observation of animal pregnancy by a veterinarian-obstetrician: what diagnostics are needed and why?

It is best to visualize pregnancy after 14 days in the case of a cat, and if you have a dog, you should bring it for a pregnancy diagnosis on the 21st day after mating. Pregnancy monitoring allows you to detect dangerous pathologies in a timely manner to preserve the health and life of your pet and future offspring.

The most effective method of examination is ultrasound, during which the veterinarian-obstetrician can detect chorionic cavities where embryos develop. The technique allows not only to confirm the fact of pregnancy, but also to accurately determine the number of fetuses. An important condition for an ultrasound is an approximately 5-hour fasting diet of your pet.

Additionally, a blood test is required to determine the level of progesterone in the blood. Low levels of this hormone can cause fetal death. If there is a suspicion of high blood sugar in the female, the glucose level is measured and appropriate therapy is prescribed.

The next stage of pregnancy monitoring

The obstetrician performs an ultrasound on a pregnant cat or dog on the 40th day to find out information about the condition of the fetuses, namely:

• Viability.
• Normal or abnormal development.
• The presence or absence of congenital deformities.

If during the observation of pregnancy the veterinarian makes an assumption about the death of the fetuses, the level of progesterone is measured and a cytological examination of the vaginal smear is performed. Appropriate therapy is selected.

If necessary, diagnostics should be performed before delivery. Sometimes the fetus is too large, so the animal cannot give birth on its own, in which case it is necessary to surgically remove the fetus.

You should seek the help of a veterinary obstetrician if you have any complaints. A timely visit to a specialist can often help prevent serious problems.