Ultrasonographic evaluation of fetal echo biometry and serum progesterone changes in normal and aborted pregnancies in bitches

Abstract

Thirty bitches of different breeds, weighing 5 to 40 kg and aged between 2 to 6 years presented to the Small Animal Gynaecology unit of Madras Veterinary College, Chennai for pregnancy diagnosis (after 30-35 days of mating) and were divided into three groups of 10 bitches each as Group I (Abortion), II (Foetal Resorption) and III (Normal pregnancy). Foetal echo biometry and serum progesterone estimation were done. Fetal heart rate from the 5th week of pregnancy was significantly lower in abortion (235.2±9.75) and resorption (203±5.49) groups. As gestation age advances, a significant reduction in the fetal heart rate was observed in group I. Gestational sac diameter during the 7th week of gestation was significantly higher (p