Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Gestation and Puerperium Periods in Bitches

Abstract

Ultrasonography is a form of non-invasive clinical imaging for evaluating reproductive events in
dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrasonographic features of the trimesters in
gestation and puerperium periods and correlate body condition score and uterine diameter in
bitches during puerperium. The study involved three pregnant bitches(2 Russian shepherds and 1
German shepherds) from different private kennels weighing 21, 16 and 20 kg and aged 4, 3 and 5
years old, respectively. Following pregnancy confirmation, ultrasonography was performed
weekly until parturition and continued for 4 weeks during puerperium. The mean gestation period
from this study was 58.67 ± 2.2 and the 3 bitches whelped a total of 10 puppies (4, 3, and 3
respectively). During the first trimester, ultrasonography revealed thickening of the endometrial
lining and an anechoic gestational sac containing a hyperechoic embryo within amniotic fluid.
During the second trimester, there were divisions of the embryo into cranial and caudal parts. In
the third trimester, there were developments of the skeletal structures commencing with the
vertebral columns. Findings revealed progressive reduction in uterine diameter and fluid levels
during puerperium, indicating effective involution. Additionally, the study observed a strong
negative correlation between the body condition score (BCS) and the puerperium. Conclusively,
the study revealed the ultrasonographic information on the developmental stages of gestation
period in bitches. It also showed a progressive diminishing of the uterine diameter over 3 weeks
during puerperium and suggests an inverse relationship between the body condition score and the
rate of uterine involution in bitches.