Abstract
The ultrasonic linear electronic scanning technique was applied for the detection of early preg-nancy and for the estimation of litter size in bitches. Pregnancy was detected as early as 17 to 22 days after the last mating in all of five bitches used, and four of these delivered normal puppies on full term, while the remaining one aborted. The percentages of the litter sizes at parturition to those estimated by ultrasonic echography at 19 to 24 days after the last mating were 83-100% (average 92%).
Developmental investigation on the early stage of pregnancy in the dog was also carried out in this experiment. Very clear echographs of the embryo with accessory organs or fetal fluids were obtained. This technique may be applicable as a practical tool for early pregnancy diagnosis and as auseful method of developmental studies in the bitch.
