Pregnancy diagnosis via ultrasonography
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 management. Vet 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.