Canine Pregnancy Detector

How does the Pregnancy Detector work?

The Pregnancy Detector for Dogs uses ultrasound waves to detect the presence of amniotic fluid inside the uterus. Amniotic fluid indicates pregnancy.

How early can a pregnancy be confirmed?

Pregnancy can be confirmed as early as the 21st day after mating / insemination. The optimal time for greatest accuracy is 25-28th day. Testing can be performed from 3 weeks after mating. However, the optimal time for accurate diagnosis is between days 25 & 28, due to the enlargement of the uterus at this time and its movement slightly downward, closer to the peritoneum. Testing prior to day 25 is possible, but accuracy decreases due to insufficient amniotic fluid being present to reflect the ultrasonic waves. Testing after the optimal period is also possible

Can the Pregnancy Detector be used with all breeds?

Yes, the device allows you to adjust the ultrasound signal for all breed sizes. Setting this correctly is important. Bitches vary in weight and size for different breeds and thus the gain must be set to the correct position relevant to the size of the bitch that is being tested.

The device is calibrated for the following settings:

S: For small bitches – (Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Pekingese, Toy Poodle, Daschund, etc.)

M: For medium size bitches – (West Highland White Terrier, Border Terrier, Norwich or Norfolk Terrier, Fox Terrier, Whippet, Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Corgi)

L: For large bitches – (German Shepherd, Border Collie, Rottweiler, Labrador/Retriever, Afghan Hound, Standard Poodle, Doberman, Boxer, Dalmatian etc.)

G: For giant bitches – (Bloodhound, Old English Sheepdog, St.Bernard, Newfoundland, Bernese Mountain Dog, Irish Wolfhound, etc.)

With usage, familiarity and experience, the gain control can be adjusted to suit the particular bitch, both in terms of breed type and actual size, so that an optimum setting is achieved to ascertain accurate results.

How long does it take to perform a test?

Normal scanning time is 15 to 20 seconds or a little longer, but with practice, accurate test results can be achieved in a few seconds.

How do you use the Pregnancy Detector?

Place the probe to the right groin, direct it 40-45° pointing towards the head. It is imperative that the probe is placed and directed as shown in the diagram in the user manual and is pointing towards the front of the bitch at an approximate angle of 40 to 45 degrees.

• Before testing, ensure you know the date of mating or insemination.
• Immerse the head of the probe in the gel, oil or other suitable contact medium (excellent results via ease of use have been obtained by using any normal household cooking oil). Use a small glass jar containing the oil with a wide mouth top and dip the end of the ultrasound probe into the oil.
• Remove the probe from the oil and gently shake of the excess, then place the probe in the correct position on the bitch and begin to test.
• Hold the probe against the skin of the bitch at the position shown on the user manual.
• Move the probe in a sliding motion until you achieve a good airless contact, indicated by a steady flashing green pulse of light from the diode and acoustic signal ‘beeping’ at the same frequency. (Approximately once per second).
• As shown on the diagram, when placing the probe against the skin, you must direct the ultrasound waves towards the horns of the uterus.
• Test for pregnancy on both the left and right hand sides and commence scanning by moving the probe head around the general area, keeping the probe pressed against the skin so as not to lose the airless contact.
• When good contact is achieved, proceed with the scanning. As soon as the ultrasonic waves locate the amniotic fluid in the uterus and are reflected back, the green diode and acoustic signal will change to rapid pulsing at 4 to 5 per second to indicate pregnancy.

It is advised to ensure an empty bladder and stomach if possible before testing and to ensure the probe is placed in the correct position to avoid a false positive resulting from a full bladder or stomach. For accuracy, the tests should be conducted on both sides, when the bitch is standing. The best time to test the bitch is when she has an empty stomach and an empty bladder. A full stomach and/or bladder may cause false pregnancy results.

How do you interpret the results?

The light and sound signal pulsating slowly (1/s) indicates proper probe contact with the skin. The light together with sound signal pulsating faster (up to 5/s) indicates pregnancy.

I do not want to shave any hair/fur, is it possible for the device to work without having to shave a small patch?

It is very important to touch the probe to the skin so shaving a small spot is highly recommended. However, to avoid having to shave a small patch, if that is preferred, the second option is wetting/soaking the fur with a solution of water and alcohol (50/50) the main purpose of soaking is to increase the ability to move the wet hair out of the way to get to the best contact between the probe and the skin. If water with alcohol is too weak a mixture to soak long hair properly, then using oil or ultrasound gel could be a better solution.

The device uses ultrasound waves and ultrasound waves will not pass through air. There are air bubbles in fur/hair. Ultrasound requires good contact with the skin and lubrication to work effectively. If you have ever had an ultrasound, you might recall the amount of gel applied to the skin to get a good ultrasound image. There can be lots of air bubbles in the hair/fur which will interfere with the signal. Soaking the fur while gently pressing out the air bubbles working out trapped air will help. Part the hair/fur to get as close to the skin as possible and use a good amount of lubrication from either KY-jelly or mineral oil (any oil is fine) is suggested.