Comparison of different non-invasive techniques for early pregnancy diagnosis in bitches

Abstract

Pregnancy diagnosis of seventy bitches of various breeds, age and weight was carried out by non invasive techniques. Bitches in group I (n=70) were examined for pregnancy by abdominal palpation. In group II (n=30) bitches, serum progesterone level was estimated where as trans-abdominal ultrasonography was performed for group III (n=30). The accuracy percentage for abdominal palpation was 60 percent. The mean serum progesterone values were found to be 18.01 ± 0.30 ng/ml for pregnant bitches, where as for non pregnant bitches the mean value was 10.15 ± 0.39 ng/ml. Further, a significantly higher value was recorded for pregnant than non pregnant bitches. Trans-abdominal ultrasonography showed gestational sacs and fetal poles as the features of early pregnancy. Echobiometry was carried out for fetal growth and development. In conclusion among three methods It can be concluded that ultrasonography was the most accurate method for early pregnancy diagnosis and in predicting the date of parturition in bitches.