Pregnancy diagnosis via ultrasonography in Cows (Bovis) | Vetlexicon
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Pregnancy diagnosis via ultrasonography

ISSN 2398-2993

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Introduction

  • To allow accurate determination of an animal’s pregnancy status.
  • As a diagnostic aid in the assessment of the reproductive tract.

Uses

Advantages

  • The viability of the embryo or fetus can be visually assessed.
  • Uterine infection may be diagnosed Uterine infection: overview.
  • Fast and accurate means of pregnancy diagnosis when performed by experienced personnel.
  • The use of additional screens allows the client to visualize findings.

Disadvantages

  • Rectal ultrasonography is an invasive technique and as such there should always be justification for its use and consideration given to ensuring optimal animal welfare.
  • Additional equipment is required compared to manual palpation.

Technical problems

  • Inaccurate determination of pregnancy status or stage of pregnancy by inexperienced personnel.

Alternative techniques

  • Manual palpation per rectum Pregnancy diagnosis via manual palpation.
  • Indirect means of pregnancy diagnosis through maternal blood or milk progesterone or pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAG’s). 

Time required

Preparation

  • Minimal.

Procedure

  • Seconds to minutes.

Decision taking

Criteria for choosing test

  • Experienced personnel available to determine the pregnancy status of an animal.

Risk assessment

  • A thorough risk assessment should be undertaken to limit the risk of injury to animal and personnel alike.

Requirements

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Preparation

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Technique

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Aftercare

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Outcomes

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Further Reading

Publications

Refereed Papers

  • Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
  • Crowe M A, Hostens M & Opsomer G (2018) Reproductive management in dairy cows - the future. Ir Vet J 71, 1-13 PubMed.
  • Fricke P M, Ricci A, Giordano J O & Carvalho P D (2016) Methods for and implementation of pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cows. Vet Clin Food Anim 32 (1), 165-180 PubMed.
  • Bollwein H & Heppelmann M (2016) Ultrasonographic doppler use for female reproduction managementVet Clin Food Anim 32 (1), 149-164 PubMed.
  • Buczinski S (2009) Ultrasonographic assessment of late term pregnancy in cattle. Vet Clin Food Anim 25 (3), 753-765 PubMed.
  • DesCoteaux L, Gnemmi G & Colloton J (2009) Ultrasonography of the bovine female genital tract. Vet Clin Food Anim 25 (3), 733-752 PubMed.
  • Sheldon I M & Noakes D (2002) Pregnancy diagnosis in cattle. In Practice 24, 310-317.
  • Sheldon I M (1997) Bovine fertility - practical implications of the maternal recognition of pregnancy. In Practice 19, 546-556.

Other sources of information

  • Pregnancy Diagnosis (Palpation) pdf.